Air Travel: The Pacific Northwest

Major Airports & Airlines

Gateways

Several major airports serve the Pacific Northwest region.

Main Airports

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Main international gateway to Washington State, 14 miles (23 km) south of downtown Seattle.
Portland International Airport (PDX): Main international gateway to Oregon, 12 miles (19 km) northeast of downtown Portland. Often receives high ratings.
Spokane International Airport (GEG): Serves Eastern Washington with regional and domestic connections.
Boise Airport (BOI): Serves Idaho, offering domestic connections and a gateway to outdoor attractions.

Airlines & Routes

A range of carriers connect the Pacific Northwest to global destinations.

Connections

All major U.S. Carriers (Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska Airlines) operate extensively here.
Alaska Airlines, headquartered in Seattle, is a significant presence at SEA and PDX.
International carriers (British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Korean Air, ANA, Emirates, Qatar Airways) offer direct flights from major global hubs.

Seasonal Availability

Flight prices fluctuate seasonally. High season (summer) sees highest prices, while low season (winter) offers lowest fares. Book in advance for best rates.

Airport Facilities

SEA and PDX offer extensive shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and car rental services. PDX frequently receives accolades for traveler experience.

Airport Transfers

Light rail (Link in Seattle, MAX in Portland) offers cost-effective connections. Shuttles, taxis, and rideshares are also readily available. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or use Skyscanner for comparisons.

Direct Flight Options

International Connections

Direct flights are available from many major cities in Europe (e.g., London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam).
Direct connections also exist from Asia (e.g., Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai).
These flights connect Seattle and Portland to cities across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Travelers often find convenient non-stop connections to Seattle or Portland from these hubs.

North American & Broader PNW Access

Extensive direct flights exist throughout North America.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada functions as a major international hub for the broader Pacific Northwest region, especially for Asian and European travel.
Flying into YVR calls for crossing the U.S.-Canada border, which involves separate immigration procedures.
This airport access makes the entire region widely accessible.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing U.S.-Canada

Main crossings: Blaine, Sumas, Oroville in WA. Need passport for U.S. Entry; some nationalities require ESTA/visa. Check wait times online.

Train Services

Amtrak's Coast Starlight (Seattle/Portland to LA) and Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver BC to Eugene) offer scenic and comfortable travel.

Long-Distance Buses

Greyhound and FlixBus connect major cities, offering economical travel between destinations.

Self-driving in the Pacific Northwest

Driving Requirements

Driving presents an excellent way to explore the region's natural attractions.

Considerations

Driver's License: A valid domestic driver's license suffices if in English. If not, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary alongside your domestic license.
Age: Minimum age for rental cars is typically 21. Renters under 25 usually incur a daily surcharge.
Insurance: Car rental companies offer various options. Verify if your personal car insurance, credit card benefits, or travel insurance extends coverage to rental cars. Compare rental deals on sites like DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Safety

Awareness of driving conditions ensures a smooth journey.

Navigating the Roads

Rural Roads: Winding, narrow, and unlit in natural areas. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn/dusk.
Winter Driving: Appropriate tires (all-season/winter) are good in winter. Carrying chains may be necessary for mountain passes. Check WSDOT/ODOT websites for real-time conditions.
Congestion: Traffic can be significant during peak hours in Seattle and Portland. Plan extra time and use navigation apps.

Sea/River Arrivals

The Pacific Northwest's extensive coastline and river systems present unique ways to arrive, especially via ferries or cruises.

Waterborne Access

Washington State Ferries: Extensive network on Puget Sound, connecting Seattle to islands (Bainbridge, Whidbey, San Juan) and Olympic Peninsula. Reservations recommended for vehicles.
BC Ferries: Primarily connects Vancouver Island to mainland British Columbia. Can be used for cross-border travel in conjunction with land crossings.
Cruise Ports: Seattle and Vancouver (BC) serve as major departure/arrival ports for Alaska cruises. Portland hosts river cruises on the Columbia River.

River Transportation & Immigration

Explore scenic waterways and understand arrival procedures.

Waterways & Border Formalities

Columbia River: Scenic river cruises explore the Columbia River Gorge, showcasing waterfalls and basalt cliffs.
Puget Sound: Private boat tours, water taxis (Seattle), and regional ferries offer scenic routes and city views from the water.
Immigration at Seaports: Arrival by sea calls for similar immigration procedures as air travel. CBP officers inspect documents. Follow cruise line staff/CBP instructions.

Departure Information

Exit Fees/Taxes: The U.S. does not levy specific exit fees beyond what is included in your airline ticket price.
Departure Timing: Arrive at airport 3 hours prior for international flights, 2 hours for domestic.
Check-in: Online check-in is recommended 24 hours before flight.

Security (TSA): Be prepared for standard security screening. Have boarding pass and ID ready.
Airport Facilities: Major airports offer shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
Other Terminals: Train stations and bus terminals present basic amenities like waiting areas and restrooms.

Transit Tips

Air Travel Efficiency

Optimize your airport experience.

Smooth Departures

Utilize mobile boarding passes to save time at check-in.
Check baggage allowances and restrictions to avoid surprises at the airport.
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi for last-minute communications or entertainment.

Land Travel Strategies

Navigate regional roads and rail effectively.

Road and Rail Smart Choices

For self-driving, download offline maps for areas with limited cell service.
Book Amtrak tickets in advance, especially for popular scenic routes like the Cascades.
Always check road conditions, specifically for mountain passes during winter.

Save on Flights

Utilize flight deal services like Dollar Flight Club to find affordable fares. Compare options on Skyscanner for the best deals.

Car Rental Tips

Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season, to secure availability and better rates. Compare options on DiscoverCars.com.

Ferry Travel

For Washington State Ferries, make vehicle reservations well in advance for popular routes, especially during peak season, to guarantee a spot.

General Transit Guidelines

Travel Apps for Navigation

Download essential travel apps to assist with navigation and planning.

Recommended Apps

Google Maps / Apple Maps: For driving directions, public transit, and walking routes.
Transit / Moovit: For real-time public transport schedules and route planning in cities.
AllTrails: For detailed hiking routes and trail information, including offline maps.

Staying Connected

Ensure your communication needs are met throughout your trip.

Connectivity Options

Local SIM Cards: Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better coverage and data plans. Services like Airalo offer e-SIM options.
Public Wi-Fi: Widely available in airports, cafes, and hotels. Use with caution or a VPN.
Portable Power Banks: Crucial for keeping your devices charged during long days of exploration.

Essential Documents for Travel

Passport & Visa/ESTA

Keep your valid passport and U.S. visa or ESTA approval accessible. Digital copies for backup are good. Utilize IVisa or VisaHQ for assistance.

Travel Insurance

Carry policy details and emergency contacts. Websites like World Nomads or SafetyWing are good options.

Driver's License & IDP

If driving, ensure you have your valid domestic license and, if needed, an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Final Transit Tip

Planning your transportation options in advance saves time and minimizes stress during your journey through the Pacific Northwest.

Air Travel