Are you wondering how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria Cruise Terminal? If you’re planning a cruise vacation that stops in Victoria, this lush paradise is a must-visit.
Unfortunately, navigating transportation options from the cruise terminal can be overwhelming. After all, the gardens are located in the distant suburb of Brentwood Bay. But fear not!
This article will guide you and make your journey to the beautiful gardens hassle-free. Let’s get you to Butchart Gardens from the Victoria Cruise Port!
- How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria Cruise Terminal
- Public Transit
- Rideshare/Taxi
- Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle
- FAQs
What Are the Butchart Gardens?
The Butchart Gardens are a renowned collection of floral display gardens located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada. The attraction is located about 25 kilometres, or 45 minutes by car from the Victoria Cruise Port.
This 55-acre botanical garden is unquestionably Victoria’s #1 tourist destination thanks to its breathtaking floral arrangements, themed gardens, and picturesque landscapes. Trust me, the one million people that visit every year can’t be wrong!
Simply put, no Victoria Itinerary is complete without a visit to Butchart Gardens – even if you’re just here on a cruise layover. So let’s get you there as quickly as possible.
⛴️ Prefer to visit from Vancouver? Check out our guide on the top Butchart Gardens tours from Vancouver.
How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria Cruise Terminal
Are you docking at Victoria Cruise Terminal with visions of exploring the enchanting Butchart Gardens? Fear not, for the journey from the cruise port to the gardens is as breezy as the island’s air.
In this section, we’ll walk you through the myriad of transport options at your disposal, ensuring your adventure to Butchart Gardens is nothing short of magical.
Whether you prefer public transportation, rideshare, or a private shuttle, we’ll provide all the information you need to make your journey to the gardens as simple as possible. Let’s embark on this floral journey together.
Related: How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria: No Car, No Problem
#1: How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria Cruise Terminal with Public Transportation
Time: 1.5 hours | Departure Point: Dallas Rd. | Price: $2.50 (one way) | Best for: Budget travellers
I’ll get straight to the point. Public transportation is the slowest, most convoluted method of transport from the cruise port to Butchart Gardens. For this reason, I hesitate to recommend it to first-time visitors to Victoria; particularly cruise passengers.
Nevertheless, it is dirt cheap, and everyone’s situation, time constraints, and budget are different. So, if you’d like to save some coin and have the time to spare, follow the steps below:
- Walk 300 metres from the terminal to the SW side of the intersection of Dallas Rd. & Niagara St.
- Board the #2 South Oak Bay – Oak Bay Village or #5 Willows-Oak Bay Village bus.
- Get off at the intersection of Douglas St. & Humboldt St. (the 16th stop).
- Board the #75 Saanichton Exchange bus at the same stop.
- Stay aboard until you reach Butchart Gardens at the Benevento and Todd Inlet stop.
Remember to check the Victoria bus schedule and have the exact change for the fare.
Pros
- Economical
- Easily accessibility
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Inefficient
- Uncomfortable
- Confusing
- Infrequent departures
Public transit is clearly easy on the wallet. But with multiple transfers, infrequent departures, and traffic, you could very well be looking at a 3-hour round-trip journey.
If you’re a cruise passenger with time constraints, that’s simply not gonna fly. So, let’s check out some other options.
Related: How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver: A Botanical Escape
#2: The Victoria Cruise Port to Butchart Gardens by Rideshare
Time: 45 min| Departure Point: Victoria Cruise Dock | Price: $65.00 (one way) | Best for: Premium travellers
Imagine a world where every journey to Butchart Gardens from the Victoria Cruise Terminal is a seamless blend of comfort, privacy, and the luxury of air conditioning. While this dream may seem out of reach due to budget constraints, the good news is that Victoria now offers popular rideshare options like Uber and Lyft.
For those who prioritize convenience and comfort over cost, these services provide an excellent opportunity to enhance your travel experience. Here’s how to proceed:
- Call a taxi or book a rideshare to the Victoria Cruise Dock.
- Pick Butchart Gardens at 800 Benvenuto Avenue as your destination.
- Enjoy the 30-40-minute drive to Brentwood Bay.
Pros
- Speed
- Efficiency
- Flexibility
Cons
- Price
Opting for an Uber from Downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens offers unparalleled speed and efficiency, ensuring you reach your destination with ease. However, with return fares reaching up to $150, this option might stretch the budget for many Victoria cruise travellers.
If you find the bus too slow and rideshares too pricey, fear not! We’ve discovered the ideal solution for you.
Related: Fisherman’s Wharf Victoria: An In-depth Guide for Visitors & Cruise Passengers
#3: The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle
Time: 40 min| Departure Point: Empress Hotel | Price: $50.00 roundtrip | Best for: Everyone else
Discover the ultimate travel hack for those pondering how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria Cruise Terminal without breaking the bank: the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle. Not only does it promise cozy round-trip transport, but it also boasts a flexible schedule to suit your needs—all at a cost that’s more economical than a single Uber ride!
Why bother with the hassle of navigating maps and schedules when you can relish in a seamless, guided journey directly to the entrance of this botanical wonderland? Here’s how to make it happen:
- Visit the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle page from our friends at Viator.
- Choose your desired departure time and click on check out. You’ll receive free cancellation and buy now, pay later tickets with Viator’s coveted low-price guarantee.
- Meet your driver/tour group outside the entrance to the Fairmont Empress Hotel as instructed. The hotel can be reached via a scenic seafront stroll around the Inner Harbour. You also grab a quick Uber or taxi if you’re short on time.
- Board your shuttle and absorb your driver’s in-depth knowledge about Butchart Gardens and Victoria during the 40-minute ride.
- Buy admission tickets to Butchart Gardens upon arrival (*tickets are not included). Stay as long as you like and choose from any of the hourly return shuttles back to the Empress.
Pros
- Convenience
- Speed
- Flexible hourly departures
- Professional Guide/driver
- 1/2 the price of a return Uber fare
Cons
- Admission isn’t included
- Dependence on the shuttle schedule
Related: Beacon Hill Park: A Treasure Trove of Natural Wonders
Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle Reviews
Still wondering how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria Cruise Terminal? Well, here are a few reviews to convince you that the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle is the way to go.
The shuttle service to Butchart Gardens is far more than mere transportation; it’s your gateway to an immersive floral experience. Not only can you immerse yourself in the beauty of the blooms upon arrival, but you also gain the invaluable company of a professional guide.
This journey is designed to elevate your visit from the moment you board, combining convenience, comfort, and exclusive perks that only the Express Shuttle offers.
To secure your spot and start your adventure, simply click on the banner below:
Related: How to Spend One Day in Victoria in 2024
How to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria Cruise Terminal FAQs
How far is the Victoria cruise terminal from Butchart Gardens?
The distance between the Victoria cruise terminal and Butchart Gardens is approximately 25 kilometres, or 40-50 minutes by car, rideshare or shuttle bus, depending on traffic.
What is the best way to get to Butchart Gardens from the Victoria cruise terminal?
The most convenient way to get to Butchart Gardens from the Victoria cruise terminal is by taking the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from outside the Fairmont Empress. This option will provide transportation directly to the gardens with a professional guide/driver.
You can also opt to take a taxi or rideshare, but keep in mind you’ll be looking at a return fare of $130-$150, so it’s only worthwhile for larger groups.
Can I take public transportation to Butchart Gardens from the Victoria cruise terminal?
Yes, it is possible to take public transportation to Butchart Gardens from the Victoria cruise terminal. You can take bus #2 South Oak Bay – Oak Bay Village or #5 Willows – Oak Bay Village from the intersection of Dallas Rd. and Niagara St.
You’ll stay aboard until you reach the intersection of Douglas St. and Humboldt St. Get off and transfer to bus #75 Saanichton Exchange, which goes directly to the gardens.
What are the advantages of using the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle?
The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it offers direct transportation from Victoria, eliminating the hassle of navigating public transit routes with transfers.
Secondly, the comfort and convenience of this service are unparalleled, providing a relaxed environment as you head to the gardens. And lastly, it comes in at less than half the price of a return trip via ride-share.
What are the top things to do for cruise passengers in Victoria, BC?
The top things to do in Victoria for cruise passengers include checking out Butchart Gardens, taking a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Inner Harbour, or checking out Chinatown and Oldtown. You can also dive into history at the Royal BC Museum, indulge in local delicacies at the Victoria Public Market, and relax in the serene Beacon Hill Park.
How long should I plan to spend at Butchart Gardens?
It is recommended to plan at least 2-3 hours for your visit to Butchart Gardens. This will give you enough time to explore the various gardens, take a tour, and enjoy a meal or snack at one of the on-site restaurants.
Related: The Best Things to Do in Victoria in Summer
Figured out how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria Cruise Terminal?
There you have it, your effortless guide on how to get from Victoria Cruise Terminal to Butchart Gardens.
With each transport option offering its own unique view of Victoria’s scenic beauty, your trip to the gardens is guaranteed to be as enriching as the destination itself.
So, as you head back to your cruise, carry with you not just memories of stunning flora but of an easy, enjoyable journey. Safe travels, and may your adventures continue to bloom!
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