Author: Will Tygart

Two World Cup host cities. One international border. 230 kilometres of Pacific Northwest between them. For fans attending matches in both Seattle and Vancouver — particularly the Group G fans whose teams play across both cities — the Seattle-Vancouver corridor is the defining travel challenge and the defining travel opportunity of the entire tournament. This guide tells you exactly how to do it.

Documents You Need for the Border

This is an international border crossing between the USA and Canada. Full documents required:

Entering Canada from the USA

• Valid passport — required for all nationalities
• Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — required for citizens of most countries that don’t need a Canadian visa. Cost: CA$7. Apply at canada.ca. Note: US citizens do NOT need an eTA — passport only.
• Canadian visitor visa — required for nationalities not eligible for eTA. Check your requirements at canada.ca

Re-entering the USA from Canada

• Valid passport
• Valid US visa or ESTA — the same document you used to enter the USA originally. Make sure your ESTA or visa is still valid for re-entry.

NEXUS card holders get expedited processing at designated land border crossings — worth having if you plan multiple crossings.

How to Get from Seattle to Vancouver

🚆 Amtrak Cascades (Most Recommended)

The Amtrak Cascades train is the best option for fans without cars — comfortable, scenic, and it drops you at Vancouver Pacific Central Station in the city centre.

• Route: Seattle King Street Station → Vancouver Pacific Central Station
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours including the border stop
• Frequency: 2–3 trains per day
• Booking: amtrak.com — book early, trains fill up
• Border process: US Customs and Border Protection board the train at the border. Have your passport and documents ready. The train stops for approximately 30–60 minutes at the border.

🚌 Greyhound / FlixBus

• Duration: approximately 4–5 hours including border
• Cheaper than the train, less comfortable
• Booking: greyhound.com or flixbus.com

🚗 Drive on I-5 / Highway 99

• Distance: 230 km
• Normal travel time: 2.5–3 hours
• Match day warning: Border wait times on I-5 at Peace Arch (Blaine/Surrey) can reach 1–3 hours on busy days. Add significant buffer time.
• NEXUS lanes move significantly faster
• Real-time border wait times: cbp.gov/travel/border-wait-times

✈️ Fly

• Air time: 45 minutes
• Total door-to-door: 3+ hours (airport transfers, security, customs)
• Generally not worth it unless you have flight credits or timing issues
• Alaska Airlines and Air Canada operate the route frequently

🛥️ Harbour Air Seaplane

A spectacular option: seaplane from Lake Union in Seattle directly to Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver. About 35 minutes flight time. Pricy but unforgettable. Book at harbourair.com.

Group G — The Western Cluster Fan Itinerary

Group G (Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand) plays almost exclusively in the Western cluster — Seattle and Vancouver primarily, with some matches in Los Angeles. If your team is in Group G, you will likely cross this border at least once. Suggested itinerary:

• Base in Everett (40km north of Seattle, cheaper hotels, Sounder train to Seattle)
• Seattle matches: Sounder train from Everett to King Street Station (50 min)
• Vancouver matches: Amtrak Cascades from Seattle King Street Station (4 hours)
• Between matches: Olympic Peninsula day trip from Everett — the best use of a free day in the corridor

Vancouver Essentials

Once you’re there — BC Place is Vancouver’s covered stadium, located downtown near the SkyTrain. Canada Line from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown is about 25 minutes. The stadium is a 10-minute walk from Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station.

Vancouver is one of the world’s most visited cities — it sells itself. Stanley Park, Granville Island, the seawall, North Shore mountains, and world-class Asian food are the highlights most relevant to international fans on a short visit.

Currency Note

Canada uses Canadian dollars (CAD), not US dollars. At the time of writing, approximately 1 USD = 1.38 CAD. Both countries widely accept international credit cards. Don’t assume US dollars are accepted in Canadian shops or restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate visa for Canada if I already have a US visa?

Yes. A US visa does not cover Canada entry. Citizens of most countries need either a Canadian eTA (CA$7) or a Canadian visitor visa. Check your specific requirements at canada.ca.

How long does the border take on match days?

Land border crossings can be 1–3 hours on busy days. The train border stop is typically more predictable at 30–60 minutes. Check real-time wait times at cbp.gov before driving.

What’s the best way to go for someone without a car?

Amtrak Cascades. Book early. Sit on the right side for the best views going north.

Can I base in Everett for both Seattle and Vancouver matches?

Yes — and this is arguably the best strategy for Group G fans. Everett puts you 50 minutes by train from Seattle and 30 minutes by car from the Amtrak Cascades departure point at King Street Station.

Also in: En Español  |  En Français

Related guides:

• Everett — Western Base Camp
• Olympic Peninsula Day Trips