by James W. Coates

Created on: July 24, 2008   Last Updated: July 31, 2008

Most travelers to Whistler, BC arrive by car from Vancouver via Highway 99. However, you can fly, take the bus or for a comfortable and scenic tour, ride the rails into one of the world's prettiest alpine villages.

Getting to Whistler by Car

Personal Cars - From Vancouver, the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway journey takes about two hours to drive the 115 km (70 miles), depending on weather and road conditions. From Seattle the drive to Vancouver covers 340 kilometers or 215 miles and takes approximately 3 hours.

Taxis and Limousines Taxis charge a flat rate of $205 between Whistler and the airport, and $190 between Whistler and downtown Vancouver. Renting a limousine costs a flat rate of $300 one way between Whistler and the airport or downtown Vancouver.

Car Rental In Whistler, Avis (1-800-879-2847) and Budget (1-800-268-8900) operate car rental agencies. Thrifty (1-800-367-2277), Hertz (1-800-263-0600) and Tilden (1-800-387-4747) have agencies in Vancouver. Most companies accommodate car pick ups in Vancouver and drop offs in Whistler. Prices vary among companies.
Getting to Whistler by Air

The Vancouver International Airport (3211, Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, B.C. / General Inquiries 604-207-7077) serves Whistler with connecting flights to Vancouver from across Canada and the world. Prices vary depending on the departure city.

Located south of Whistler, rent a car and drive 135km / 83 miles to Whistler from the airport. Busses also go directly to the mountain resort from the airport. See Getting to Whistler, BC by Bus for details.

During summer months take a floatplane to Whistler. In just under 30 minutes, Whistler Air (www.whistlerair.ca) floatplanes fly into Green Lake from Vancouver twice daily from May to end of September. Costs $160.00 per person one way.
Getting to Whistler by Bus

Greyhound Buses (www.greyhound.ca) travel to Whistler, BC from Vancouver, with connections across North America. Daily departures begin at 5 a.m.. Last bus leaves Vancouver at 7 p.m.. The journey takes two and a half hours for under $45.

Perimeter Tours (www.perimeterbus.com), serves Whistler via the Whistler Express from downtown Vancouver or the Vancouver Airport (3hr). Perimeter tours can be booked in advance. Greeters meet guests at the airport or arrange a pick up from various hotels both in Vancouver and in Whistler. For information call 1-877-317-7788. Tickets cost $55 one way.

During ski season, Snowbus (www.snowbus.ca) shuttles between Whistler and Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby,

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