What is the best way to get around Seattle/Vancouver area.?

Question

I will be spending 5 days in Washington/BC flying into Bellingham, and wanting to spend a couple days in both Vancouver and Seattle.

Should I rent a car in Vancouver or can I see most of the city by public transportation? Same with Seattle?

What about getting across the border with a US rental car? Would I be better off parking in the US and going across the border using public transportation? If I do take a rental car over the border what liscencing and permits do I need?

Answer 1

I did Vancouver/Seattle/Victoria without a car with no problem... but if you want to get out into the mountains or the San Juan Islands for a day or so, it may help there.

I've taken rental cars across the border many times in the east with no problem. as long as you're not carrying fruit, drugs, weapons, fireworks, etc., you should be okay (but the lines on I-5 could be long).

My favorite way to get around was boat. From Victoria, one can get ot Seattle, Vancouver and the San Juan Islands.

there are buses and at least one train between Vancouver and Seattle. Both cities are well-served by public transit (and downtown Victoria's small enough you don't need it).

Answer 2

Really, it's your choice.

You can get from Bellingham to either Seattle or Vancouver BC by bus or train, and both Seattle and Vancouver have fairly decent public transit.

Besides Amtrak, there are private busses that go between Seattle and Vancouver, with stops in Bellingham at the Airport, and possible in Fairhaven (not sure on that).

To see the Cities, you might want to book a tour, or take one of the tour busses that let you get on and off at various attractions (Vancouver). Bellingham has some cool sights and places, too ... most are available by public transit bus.

If you want to do it on your own, with a rental car, you could, but when in unfamiliar cities, I have discovered tours seem to offer the best value for seeing as much as possible. Should not be a problem with taking a rental car across the border, just make sure the rental agency allows it and you have the paperwork stating such.

Answer 3

In Vancouver - the placement is Granville Island - China city is previous hat. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is interesting. In Seattle, the super charm is the Pike place industry and consume at Maggy Bluffs on the Elliott Bay Marina.

Answer 4

In vancouver you can buy a day pass for transit Good on bus seabus sky train $8.00 per day. Your valid licence is good here.. The greyhound stops across from main street sky train stn.Its not a nice part of Vancouver... Go to hellowbc tourismvancouver