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Travelling from Vancouver to Seattle is a quick and convenient add-on for anyone visiting the city. In a few hours, driving along a picturesque route, you can make it from downtown Vancouver to the heart of Seattle. Although there are bus options, renting a car in Vancouver is the best way to truly enjoy the trip. Having your own car provides you with the convenience of taking the journey at your own pace, offering comfort and convenience throughout the entire journey.
Let us walk you through everything you should know about renting a car for cross-border travel from Seattle to Vancouver.
The distance between Seattle and Vancouver is approximately 200 kilometres, making it an easy journey that typically takes two and a half to three hours to drive. By renting a car in Vancouver, you eliminate the long wait times for buses or trains and get to create your own schedule. Plus, by driving, you can make stops along the way. From the quaint border town of Abbotsford to scenic overlooks and outlet shopping malls, there’s plenty to discover that you’d never see on public transportation.
When preparing to drive a rental vehicle from Seattle to Vancouver, it’s very important to ensure all your travel documents are in order. You’ll need a valid passport for all visitors, and based on nationality, you might also require a U.S. visa or ESTA. You’ll also require a valid driver’s license, and in certain cases, an international driver’s permit may be necessary.
No less critical is ensuring that your car rental agency confirms that cross-border driving is permitted within your rental contract. When you rent a vehicle in Vancouver, make sure you discuss in advance any plans to travel with the vehicle across the border into the United States.
Before your trip, it would also be wise to verify that the insurance provided with your rental covers you in the U.S. Since typical coverage may not be valid across borders, consider requesting additional protection. Knowing that you are covered when driving in a foreign country assures that you’re protected in the event of an accident, damage or theft.
Although buses run between Seattle and Vancouver, they tend to lock you into fixed schedules and impede your freedom. You have to stick to scheduled departures, multiple stops, and slow downs at the border. Renting a car in Vancouver gives you control over your journey. You can depart early to have more time in Seattle, come back late after a night out, and travel as you please without having to worry about the space in your luggage. A car also provides you with comfort and privacy that public transport cannot offer.
One of the pleasures of driving from Vancouver to Seattle is the ability to stop and take in the sights along the way. The Peace Arch Park on the border is a lovely spot to get out, stretch, and take pictures. A little further south, the town of Bellingham offers charming coffee shops and local boutiques. Many travellers also enjoy stopping at Seattle Premium Outlets to shop for their favourite brands at discounted prices. If you’re interested in entertainment and dining, the Tulalip Casino Resort is a popular stop before reaching Seattle. Having your own car makes it easy to include these enjoyable stops in your journey.
Seattle is a city best visited with the freedom of a car. Public transportation does exist, but most of the city’s best sights are more accessible when you have a car. With your rental vehicle, you can drive to well-known destinations such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture without having to stress about timetables. If you enjoy the outdoors, a car also provides you with the ability to take daily excursions to spots like Mount Rainier National Park or Snoqualmie Falls, both of which are just short drives from the city.
Choosing to rent a car in Vancouver for cross-border travel to Seattle is a smart and convenient option. You’ll enjoy the freedom to plan your own journey, the comfort of a private vehicle, and the chance to explore more than just the two cities. With a little preparation, your trip will be both easy and memorable. For efficient service and hassle-free travel, reserve your car with West Coast Car Rental and begin your journey confidently.
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