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Olympic Airports - 5 Airport Options for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver /

From Arlene Fleming, former About.com Guide

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Thinking of flying in for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver / Whistler, Canada? If you are looking for the different airport options to get you to the Games, and compare airlines and airfares, then look at the following 5 airport possibilities for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver / Whistler, BC.

1. Vancouver International Airport

Handout / Getty Images

I know I am stating the obvious here. Vancouver is the closest airport option for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Thankfully too for winter sports lovers, it is one of Canada's busiest airports so there are dozens of airlines that fly there. Unlike some previous Winter Olympics, the Vancouver / Whistler games is well served air-wise.

Easiest of the options in terms of convenience, the airport offers direct ground transportation links both to Vancouver and Whistler.

2. Abbotsford International Airport

This city is close to Vancouver, some even commute to Vancouver from here, and a few airlines serve the airport with similar airfares that you would normally get for Vancouver. So if you are finding airfares are sky high, this nearby airport may be worth a look. Canada's second largest airline, Westjet, is the major tenant at this airport.

A few of the large car rental agencies have outlets at this small airport, and several other transportation links for both Vancouver and Whistler

3. Victoria International Airport

The last of the Canadian airports I'd suggest is quite a distance from the Games, but still do-able. Victoria is on Vancouver Island - note that this doesn't mean it is actually near Vancouver - but a few hours on the ferry will bring you back to the mainland and close to the Olympics. I suggest it again as a possible airport for securing airfares you'd normally secure for Vancouver. It is a small airport though, so flight options may not be as open. Air Canada, Westjet, United Airlines and Horizon Air all serve the airport.

The ferry to the Vancouver area is around 10 kilometers, or 6 miles from the airport.

4. Bellingham International Airport, Washington

The first of two non-Canadian airport options, this is the closest one United States-side. A few airlines serve the airport to boot, but if you are renting a car from here, you'll need to make sure you can cross the border in it. Allegiant Air and Alaska/Horizon Airlines are the two main airlines that serve the airport.

If you don't want to rent a car, Quick Shuttle provides service to downtown Vancouver.

You could definitely save on the airfare if you are beginning your travels to the Olympics from the United States.

5. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Sea-Tac is a good option because of the sheer number of flight options at this airport. Like Victoria, it's a good few hours from Vancouver, however as flight options dwindle closer to the start of the Winter Games, this may be a viable option price wise.

The same car rental issue of crossing the US - Canadian border exists so if you do rent, make sure it is permitted. And as with Bellingham, Quick Shuttle provides bus service to downtown Vancouver from the airport.