There are several things to consider when choosing between bus and train.
You might think that the train from Vancouver to Seattle would be more expensive than the bus, but in reality, the price is increasing.
When Flixbus launched bus routes Connecting Seattle and Vancouverfares started at an amazing $17.99 one way.
However, prices have increased on popular routes since its launch, bringing costs on par with other modes of transport.
Many people prefer to travel by train as it provides a smoother journey, but depending on your itinerary, transportation costs can still be high. In any case, trains and buses are cheaper than flying between cities.
Flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Seattle International Airport (SEA) are surprisingly expensive considering the distance, with one-way tickets starting at $181.
There are several things to consider when choosing between bus and train.
Train from Vancouver to Seattle
Amtrak Cascade passenger trains provide service from Vancouver across the Canada-U.S. border to many cities in Washington and Oregon.
One of the most popular routes takes passengers from: Vancouver Pacific Central Station to King Street Station Located in Seattle, Washington. Prices for these trips start at $39.99 one-way, but prices may increase during popular travel times such as daytime and holidays (see slide 2).
There are eight trains running between Portland and Seattle, four round trips a day.
Guests who purchase value tickets pay the minimum price and must pay a 25% fee if they cancel. Cheap flight tickets cannot be changed.
Guests who purchase a flex fare for an additional $3 will receive a full refund and no ticket change fee if they cancel.
Business class guests get more legroom with a footrest, but they pay almost twice as much ($68 for a $39.99 value).
Guests can also drop off at other destinations on the 18 Pacific Northwest itineraries, including Bellingham, Washington, and Portland and Eugene, Oregon.
In 2026, guests will be able to enjoy popular routes in Amtrak’s new vehicles.
Bus from Vancouver to Seattle
With Flixbus, one-way tickets from Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station to several locations in Seattle start from just $39.99.
While you may not always get the cheapest fare, there are usually options for just over $40 for many dates outside of peak travel times (see slide 3).
According to Flixbus, the average price for a flight from Vancouver to Seattle is $48.99.
Book tickets at the University of Washington 1100 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle (6th Ave S & S Lane St), SEA Airport, Seattle Bus Station (503 S Royal Brougham Way).
The bus route from Vancouver to Seattle is 228 km long and takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. However, this time may vary depending on current traffic conditions.
The first bus leaves at 7:20 a.m., and the last bus leaves at 6 p.m., with multiple trips in between.
Other popular routes from Vancouver include Bellingham, Portland, Everett, Washington, Medford-Ashland, Phoenix-Tempe, Washington DC, New York, Mount Vernon, and Tacoma.