Autobus it to seattle.

In the last couple months, I think I have learned a lot about doing the whole border-crossing bus trips. For the unknowing/virgin Vancouver to Seattle bus rider:

- go amtrak...it will shave at least half an hour off of your travel time...this is
desirable when it comes to bus rides

- it's good to have a pen with you

- make sure the bus driver gives you a customs declaration form when you get on the bus

- in my opinion you should try to avoid sitting at the rear of the bus...yes, I
know...normally all the cool kids sit at the back, but trust me, you don't want to do
that in this case - 2 reasons - back is where the washroom is (unless you have some
kind of problem, I don't think that's where you want to sit) - there is only one exit
& it's at the very front of the bus...it's nice to be middle or close to the
front...you can get customs out of the way & you can get off without having to wait
for the whole bus to unload

- between 1.25 & 1.5 hours to the border (on amtrak)

- if the bus is fairly full, US customs will probably take an hour

- standard US customs questions: where are you going? what is the purpose of your trip?
how long are you staying? / when are you returning? what is your job up in Canada?

- You can bypass the "how long are you staying" questions by having your return bus
ticket out for the officer to look at. If you don't have a return ticket, I suspect
you may get hassled.

- they scan your bags at US customs.

- once getting back on the bus, do not randomnly switch seats...there are no assigned
seats, but people do not take kindly to this.

- call xian when getting into the 180's (exits)...don't know if this applies to everyone...he may or may not pick you up...but it seems to work for me...so far.

- arrive in seattle approx. 2 hours after clearing customs.

Canada customs:

- no sweat.