What is the best highway?

Highway 3 and Highway 1 are the primary roads.

Cawston

Surrey

Driving

Cawston to Surrey

Updated: 28 May 2026

The route from Cawston to Surrey spans roughly 300 km, connecting the rural Similkameen Valley to the sprawling urban landscape of Surrey. You will drive west on Highway 3, transition to Highway 1 at Hope, and continue through the Fraser Valley. This journey typically takes 4.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic congestion near the Port Mann Bridge. It is a common route for commuters and travelers heading into the Greater Vancouver area.

Total Distance: 300 km driving distance; 190 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via Highway 1 is the fastest route, provided you avoid peak hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the most practical and cheapest option.

Compare Cawston to Surrey Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

4 hours 30 mins

Avg Price

$60-$85 in fuel

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

Highway 3 West to Hope, Highway 1 West to Surrey.

Expect heavy traffic near the Port Mann Bridge during rush hour.

Travel Tips

Tolls
There are no tolls on the Port Mann Bridge currently.
Traffic Apps
Use Google Maps or Waze to check for accidents on Highway 1.
Arrival Time
Try to arrive in Surrey before 3 PM to avoid the worst traffic.
Fuel
Gas is generally cheaper in the Lower Mainland than in the interior.
Navigation
Surrey is large; ensure you have a clear destination address.

Safety Tips

Aggressive Driving
Highway 1 can have aggressive drivers; stay in the right lane.
Visibility
Rain is frequent in the Lower Mainland; check your wipers.
Distraction
Avoid using your phone while navigating complex highway interchanges.
Emergency
Keep your vehicle registration and insurance handy.