Driving Time between Bothell, Washington and Coquitlam, British Columbia

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Hitting the Road: Driving from Bothell, WA to Coquitlam, BC

Looking to cross the border for a weekend getaway or take a business trip from Washington to British Columbia? Driving from Bothell, WA to Coquitlam, BC is a popular option for locals looking for a change of scenery. While the route isn’t difficult, the traffic can be tricky to navigate. We’ve broken down the fastest and slowest routes and approximations on travel times, so you can plan your trip ahead.

The Fastest Route

If you’re looking for the quickest way to get to Coquitlam from Bothell, take the I-5 N and then the BC-1 E. This route is around 3.5 hours without heavy traffic. Do note that the border crossing might add an hour or two to your journey depending on traffic. If you know you’ll be crossing at peak traffic times, it may be useful to opt for a longer route that avoids the border.

The Slowest Route

Sometimes, taking the scenic route is worth the extra half an hour. You can stretch out your Bothell to Coquitlam journey to around five hours with the slower backroads route. Go through the Sumas border crossing and then take Hwy 1 W until Pitt Meadows. From there, take the Mary Hill Bypass and Lougheed Highway. While longer, this route allows for beautiful views of the Fraser Valley and even stops at some local attractions if you have the time.

Measuring the Distance and Time

The journey from Bothell, WA to Coquitlam, BC is around 110km, depending on which route you take. The distance changes slightly based on which border crossing you choose — Sumas or Peace Arch.

We recommend leaving Bothell early in the morning to avoid rush hour traffic. Weekdays from 7 to 9am can be particularly busy, including on the I-5N, which is notorious for traffic delays. Crossing the border is also trickier during weekday commuting times. If you must leave during that time, you can expect an extra 30 to 90 minutes of waiting depending on what time you arrive at the border.

Traffic Patterns and Driving Times

When driving to Coquitlam from Bothell, it’s important to consider rush hour traffic and border wait times. During weekday rush hour times or busy holiday seasons, it might take an additional one to two hours longer than usual. Your best bet is to plan around these busy periods rather than hoping they don’t occur.

Here are some rough estimates on how long you can expect your trip to take. For a weekend trip, we recommend leaving early Saturday morning and returning Sunday. Please note that these are approximate times and given for guidance only:

  • Weekday Morning Peak Traffic Time: 4 hours
  • Weekday Afternoon Peak Traffic Time: 4.5 hours
  • Weekend/Holiday Peak Traffic Time: 3.5 hours
  • Low Traffic Time: 3 hours

Driving from Bothell to Coquitlam can be a pleasant journey as long as you plan ahead. It’s always good to check border wait times, traffic patterns, and plan your route accordingly. With a little bit of research, you’ll be sure to enjoy your trip to gorgeous British Columbia.