inthechips

Posted on Canada forum as well.

Will leave home north of Seattle on a Thursday a.m. for mid day flight from Vancouver-Newark via Detroit. Two questions:
1. Best crossing? Peace Arch (or Lynden?)?
2. Was told US citizens clear US Customs before even leaving Vancouver for flight into US (I am asking because our connection in Detroit is SHOOORRRRRTTT.)

Louise

Hello "inthechips". I live in Bellingham and cross the border frequently. By far the best crossing, although a longer drive for you, is the Lynden crossing especially coming home if you are doing a round trip. The waits at the Peace Arch have been horrendous (I have heard at times 5 hours) but this depends on the time of day and also the time of year (summer is the worst and holidays). I have purchased a "Nexus" pass to allow me to quickly cross in a special lane but that is not feasible unless you frequent the border. I do not know the answer for your other question as I have only flown out of Vancouver to other than U.S. locations.

inthechips

Thanks Louise. One more question - which road from Lynden crossing over to the airport? Thanks again.

Louise

Not too much past the border crossing (maybe 1 mile)is where 16th Ave. intersects. Take a left and follow that road and it will run right back into 99. It will take about one half hour but you shouldn't hit any traffic at all and the country scenery is beautiful.

Patty

2. Yes you will clear U.S. immigration and customs prior to boarding your flight in Vancouver. Once you check in, you will need to proceed immediately to immigration/customs. So if you want to shop/eat, do it before you check in. There are a few shops/fast food places at the gates but your options are more limited.

inthechips

Louise, another question - how long should I allot from Bellingham area to YVR on a Thursday a.m., via Lynden? Thanks.

Louise

It will probably take you maybe 15-20 minutes from Bellingham to the border. As I said before, the drive across 16th will take about one half hour. Figure at least another half hour or 45 minutes to the airport.

nellie

What you didnt mention is what time is your flight to Detroit. Taking hwy 99 after you have crossed the Canadian border could be very fast or very slow depending the time of the day. Its the tunnel traffic that you will encounter. As long as its not rush hour you have no problem and you can get to the airport from the border in 45 mins to an hour.

Going thru US customs & immigration at Vancouver airport. If its in the morning you are competing with the cruise passengers. Always give your self an hour and a half before departure to go thru US customs. Their line up is so bad most of the time. But surprisingly when I went to San Francisco last week althrough the line up was long we got thru very fast. The next hurdle is security. Which now takes so long after 9/11.

Airport tax of C$10 per person. The fastest way is to pre-purchase it thru the machines near the airline checkin counter you can use credit card or debit card. Otherwise if you want to pay cash you have to line up inside to pay for it.

In case you arrive very early at Vancouver airport then enjoy the shops and services (spa) before entering US customs bec. once you have entered you cannot come out anymore.

Louise

Hello, Nellie - I didn't mention the tunnel because they said they had a mid-day flight out of Vancouver. I know it can be a problem after 3pm going north and try to avoid the route I suggested at that time. I think they should be fine with their schedule though.