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Pacific Border Crossing | Tagged Posts

2018
6
March
When is the best time to drive from Vancouver to Seattle on a Friday to avoid traffic?

Question:

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Mieke

Hello travel peeps.
Anyone know the best time to drive from Vancouver to Seattle not to get stuck in Seattle traffic?
On a Friday
Thanks!

Humans say...

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Vinkie

From experience early morning!

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Linda

7 is good ... we drove on a Tuesday leaving at 8 (an hour south of you) and those express lanes are awesome, and what we need

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Vinkie

Mieke I left around 8am (got to the border around 8:45am) on a Saturday! Your best bet is to leave around 7am-8am to avoid traffic.

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Vineet

Last long weekend we left Surrey at 7 am and still got stuck at the border for over an hour and then again in Seattle rush hour. I would say 5 or 5 30 best option

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Jason

12am lol

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Sharon

2 hrs prior to either before or after Seattle rush hour.

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David

after 8 pm

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Rumin

We usually cross the border at or just before 5am so by the time we hit Seattle, traffic isn't too bad

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Mieke

Hmmm getting lots of different answers here

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Christin

Because no time is good.
Last year it took us 10 hours to get to Cannon Beach even using the Express and HOV lanes.

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Jeannett

Do you want to get there mid day and check in to your hotel early? Are you just passing through? Weekday ? Weekend. The advise depends on that.

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Mieke

Jeannette P Gallant We are spending the night on a Friday to fly to Europe Saturday.
Would prefer not to get there too late on the Friday so we can do a little looking around.

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Jeannett

Mieke then go super early in the morning. If you hit N seattle early enough you’ll miss the worst traffic. If not plan to hit N Seattle around 11 am. Always traffic but not rush hour.

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Ishbel

Stay in the HOV lane if there’s more than 1 in car.

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Michael

If and when we drive further south than Seattle, we generally leave Surrey at 4:30am at the latest. It is a breeze through Seattle. It also means we hit Portland after their rush hour is over.

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Mieke

Thanks y’all.
Looks like 5am it is!

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David

5 am may be too late. That will hit Seattle around 7, and it may be starting to get heavy around that time

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Michael

Especially if you are driving from Vancouver proper. It will take 30-45 minutes to the border (then border line up - if any at that time of day). Then it's around 85 miles (1 1/2 hours) to Everett where the traffic really starts to pick up.

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David

If you're setting off early morning, I'd aim to be AT THE BORDER by 4.30 am

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Linda

hopefully you have nexus? listentraffic on news 1130. Check border waits online. Anyway, let us know what time you left and how bad the traffic was ... because with all the different answers, we all wanna know

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Mieke

Linda we do have Nexus.
Never used it though

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Linda

Worth its weight in gold even if used only once a year

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Michael

Nexus lanes do not open up until 6:00am

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Mieke

Michael good to know!

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Linda

Then, if I was OP, I would be at the border at 6
would be nice for summer for better hours, eh?

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David

I'd still go with the earlier start and not worry about Nexus at that time of morning -- little line up at 0430h even in the regular lanes

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Elise

We went last Friday, after work...as we got to Seattle it took almost an hour to drive 4 miles...

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Vivien

U could even get leave at 8 or 9am. By the time u drive there u'll get around 11 to noon (depending where u live of course) and noonish traffic in seattle is fine.

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Mieke

This sounds good!!!

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Sara

Earlier is better.. 430-5 am

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Michelle

Don’t leave that early you will be too tired to do anything and won’t be able to check into hotel that early.

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Michelle

Go through pacific boarder crossing way better and faster

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Ishbel

Especially if you’ve Nexus


A.I. says...

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Best Time to Drive from Vancouver to Seattle on a Friday

If you're planning to drive from Vancouver to Seattle on a Friday, be prepared for some traffic. Seattle is a major city, and traffic can be heavy during rush hour. However, there are a few tips you can follow to avoid the worst of the traffic.

First, try to avoid driving during rush hour, which is typically between 7am and 9am and between 4pm and 6pm. If you can, leave Vancouver early in the morning or late at night. This will help you avoid the worst of the traffic.

Second, consider taking a ferry from Vancouver to Seattle. This is a more expensive option, but it can be a lot faster than driving, especially if you hit traffic. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and it's a beautiful way to see the scenery.

Finally, be sure to check the traffic report before you leave. This will give you an idea of what the traffic conditions are like and help you plan your route accordingly.

Here are some additional tips for avoiding traffic in Seattle:

  • Use public transportation. Seattle has a great public transportation system, so you can easily get around the city without a car.
  • Take a taxi or ride-share. This can be a more expensive option than public transportation, but it's still cheaper than driving and parking in Seattle.
  • Park your car and walk or bike. If you're staying in downtown Seattle, you can easily get around on foot or by bike. This is a great way to save money and avoid traffic.

By following these tips, you can avoid the worst of the traffic and have a great time in Seattle.



   










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