Whistler is about 135 km (90 miles) north from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and about 370 km (230 miles) from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) . Trip from Vancouver will take about 2.5 hours, from Seattle about 6-7 hours, depending on the traffic, border delays and weather conditions.
Pricing for our private transfer service for individual travelers, families or small groups is based on flat rate per vehicle per trip regardless of number of passengers, or the time spent, which makes our service very competitive comparing to any other standard service providers such as taxi or bus . You do not “share” the vehicle and “the meter is not ticking”.
We have left out intentionally stretch limousine service as in our experience it is not very pleasant to sit sideways to the direction of the travel especially on the mostly curvy highway to Whistler and major attraction of the “limo” – being able to have drink is prohibited by law in British Columbia and now is enforced by the police, which was not the case just few years back. Two hours of higher speed ride on winding highway is quite different from two hours of slow cruising of the Downtown entertainment district.
Private shuttle transfer to Whistler for larger family or small group of four or makes more sense than renting the car, or taking the taxi or bus. Please read on..
There are several aspects of the transportation service to Whistler – safety, comfort, time schedule, reliability and price.
Safety – Vancouver is known to have mild winters – most of the time just rains and temperature hovers in plus territory so most of the local cars including rental cars and taxis get by with just good all season tires. Starting early in December till late March situation changes dramatically just few miles north of Vancouver on Sea to Sky highway, where combination of freezing air from the mountains and moist air from the Howe Sound creates quickly “black ice” on the road pavement, especially in the night and early morning. There are mandatory winter tires on the section highway 99 north of Squamish, with RCMP check point when weather turns really bad.
Comfort – taxis in Vancouver, either little Toyota Priuses or standard minivans can’t match comfort of the Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes Van and ability to take whole group together in private setting with all luggage and winter equipment, and in the summer even with few bicycles for mountain bikers.
Schedule – whether in mid day, late night or early morning our drivers will pick you up when you want it, you don’t have to wait for the bus departure either from the airport or residence in Whistler. You don’t have to worry if the plane is late to miss your connection – we monitor arrivals and vehicle is there for you when you are. All vehicles have Vancouver airport permits so you don’t have to walk too far to board one. Big Bus has no leisure stops on the way, if you stop with taxi – meter keeps running, but with us trip could be sightseeing tour where you can stop if you wish for quick snack or coffee, for first time visitors we always offer short stop at the Shannon Falls or short detour to see bald eagles in Brackendale. We believe that we offer the best price – value for private transfer to Whistler, period.
Reliability – there are rare occasions during winter where road is simply closed by authorities for hours and sometimes for days either for blizzard, serious accident or landslide. This is beyond of our control. However we always try to have “plan B” for very rare breakdown of the equipment or local traffic delays working closely with our partners in the industry.
Price – well this I leave to the client to judge. Comparison is below. Airport Whistler bus prices (from $55 to $95) are per person, and taxi rate is $240.00 are from downtown Vancouver, for airport pick-up you have to add about $30.
Example of prices one way from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler;
price includes tax, and all fees (airport parking ) except gratuity.
Service provider Trip price 4 pers. Trip price 6-14 pers.
Taxi 310.00 620.00
Bus 302.40 500+
Inspired 480.50 541.00
Our vehicles are equipped with full entertainment system so adults/children can watch a movie when there’s bad weather or late evening trip and of course we always have bottled water on hand for passengers and child seats if requested.
Drivers know their way, some doing this trip for over 25 years. Sea to Sky highway, after being rebuilt for the 2010 Olympics, offers spectacular vistas of Howe Sound and coastal mountain ranges making this trip very enjoyable.
Rate from Seattle/Sea-Tac airport to Whistler for both classes of vehicles for up to 11 passengers is $1450/$1650 (CDN) respectively, one way.
Please add mandatory tax GST (5%) and customary gratuity – service chcharge (15%).
Click here to make reservation or ask more questions.
It is very important to let us know if you bringing your equipment (skis, ski-bags, snowboards etc.) and approximate number and size of the luggage so we can suggest appropriate vehicle.
With confirmation of your order we will send you detailed information about airport procedure, we monitor the flights and adjust our schedule accordingly. Please be aware that your booking is 100% refundable if canceled 48 hours or more prior the service. Service canceled within 48 hours prior scheduled arrival or “no show” is non refundable.
We make best effort to supply service if client’s arrival is unduly extremely delayed or postponed by circumstances beyond one’s control (weather etc.), just please keep us fully informed. Our toll free number works from everywhere in US and Canada.
