How To Get To Butchart Gardens From Victoria: No Car, No Problem

Getting to Butchart Gardens from Victoria without a car is entirely possible using public transit, shuttle services, and organized tours.

The gardens are located in Brentwood Bay, approximately 21 kilometers north of downtown Victoria.

Multiple transportation options run year-round, with costs ranging from $5.50 for public transit to $150 for full-day tours.

Travel times vary from 25 minutes by taxi to 75 minutes via public bus.

This guide covers all car-free options with exact routes, schedules, and booking information.

My Experience Getting to Butchart Gardens from Victoria:

I wasn’t expecting the bus ride to take an hour, but honestly? The scenic route along the Saanich Peninsula made it worth it.

The thing about visiting Butchart Gardens without a car though – I thought it’d be complicated. Turns out, Victoria makes it surprisingly easy.

I’ve tried three different ways to get there over the years.

Each has its own vibe and price point…

Planning My Visit: Costs and Timing

As you can see, the cheapest option is public transit at $5.50 CAD.

But, it takes the longest – another downside is peak summer crowds mean crowded, hot buses.

My personal tip? Book the Butchart Gardens shuttle – and do it at least a week ahead during peak season (May-September).

This express shuttle felt like the sweet spot for most travelers.

That said, standing in those sunken gardens for the first time, surrounded by thousands of blooms, tends to make every transportation hassle disappear.

Let’s dig a bit deeper on transport options to Butchart Gardens from Victoria.

How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria

Butchart Gardens is the undisputed jewel in Victoria’s tourist crown. Such are the wonders of this 55-acre botanical wonder that it has been named a National Historic Site and currently attracts over one million visitors annually. This plants it right at the top of our list of the best things to do in Victoria.

The downside? To smell the roses of Butchart’s lush blooms, you’ll have to embark on a day trip to Brentwood Bay, about 25 kilometres north of town.

Luckily, journeying from Victoria to Butchart Gardens has never been easier for those without a vehicle.

Our guide outlines 3 of the transportation flowers in the Butchart bouquet to ensure a seamless journey to this floral wonderland.

⛴️ Heading in from the mainland? Check out our guide on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver before you leave the dock.

Butchart Gardens from Victoria with Public Transportation

Time: 1 hour | Departure Point: Belleville St. | Price: $2.50 (one way) | Best for: Budget travellers

Public transportation is the most economical way to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria. The #75 Saanichton Exchange bus will be your best bet, departing from Legislature Terminal near the Empress Hotel.

It travels up Douglas Street from the Victoria Inner Harbour departure point all the way to Brentwood Bay. It’ll take a while, but you’ll eventually end up outside the Butchart Gardens gates.

Steps:

1. Find your way to the Legislature Terminal on Belleville Street.
2. Take the #75 Saanichton Exchange Bus towards Brentwood Bay.
3. Stay aboard until you reach the Benevento and Todd Inlet stop (the 41st stop).
4. The main entrance of the Gardens is located a short stroll away.

As you can see, public transit is a dirt-cheap option for getting from Downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens.

But unless you’re familiar with the area and the Victoria transit system, it can be downright confusing.

What’s more, once you factor in wait times, traffic, and possible delays, you could be looking at a travel time of up to 3 hours round-trip.

I don’t know about you, but that’s not how I’d like to spend my vacation. So unless finances are a serious consideration, there are better options.

Related: Victoria’s Best Parks & Gardens: a Guide to the City’s Green Spaces

Butchart Gardens from Victoria by Rideshare

Time: 40 min| Departure Point: Custom | Price: $60.00 (one way) | Best for: Premium travellers

In a perfect world, we’d all be guaranteed comfortable, private, air-conditioned door-to-door transport to Butchart Gardens from our Victoria hotels. Unfortunately, for most of us, finances tend to get in the way.

Nevertheless, popular rideshares like Uber and Lyft are now available in Victoria. So, if money isn’t a factor, you’re more than welcome to indulge.

Steps:

1. Arrange for a private car on your favourite ride-share app.
2. Pick Butchart Gardens at 800 Benvenuto Avenue as your destination.
3. Enjoy the 30-to 40-minute drive to Brentwood Bay.

Taking an Uber from Downtown Victoria to Butchart is the quickest, most efficient way to get to your destination. But at well over $100 return, it is clearly cost-prohibitive for most travellers.

So, if the bus is too time-consuming and rideshare is too expensive, what is one to do? Luckily, we’ve got the perfect compromise.

Related: The Top Things to Do in Victoria in Summer

The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle

Time: 40 min| Departure Point: Empress Hotel | Price: $50.00 roundtrip | Best for: Everyone else

The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle is the best option for travellers wondering how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria without a car.

The shuttle offers comfortable round-trip transportation and a flexible departure schedule. All for less than a one-way Uber trip!

Follow the steps below to book your shuttle now:

1. Visit the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle page.
2. Select your departure time
3. Check out, like any other online purchase. You’ll receive free cancellation and buy now, pay later tickets, and a low-price guarantee.
4. Meet your driver/tour group at the designated meeting point near the entrance to the Fairmont Empress Hotel and show them your online ticket.

Looking for a quick tour directly from Vancouver? Check out our guide on Butchart Gardens Tours from Vancouver.

Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle Reviews

Still wondering how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria? Before you continue your search, keep in mind that the Express Shuttle has managed to maintain a stunning 4.5-star rating with over 500 reviews.

Here’s a quick sample:

Remember, the shuttle isn’t just a ride; it’s a gateway to a botanical wonderland. Plus, with a professional guide as your driver, you’ll be treated to insider insights and stories that enrich your visit.

It’s not just about getting there; it’s about enhancing your entire experience with the ease, comfort, and added value that only the Express Shuttle can provide.

To purchase your tickets, click on the banner below:

Related: How to get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver: A Botanical Escape

Best Tours to Butchart Gardens from Victoria

Let me be honest:

Organized tours solve every transportation headache when figuring out how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria without a car. You get round-trip transport, admission, and often a guide.

I took a half-day tour my first visit. We stopped at three viewpoints I would’ve completely missed on the public bus.

Here’s what most tours include:

• Round-trip transportation – Hotel pickup or central meeting point
• Butchart Gardens admission – Around $40 value included
• 2-3 hours at the gardens – Enough time to explore thoroughly
• Optional add-ons – Some include Butterfly Gardens or Victoria highlights

The best part?

Tours cost $90-$120 per person total. That’s only $20-$40 more than doing it yourself with bus fare and separate admission.

When I calculated my DIY costs, the convenience was worth the extra money. No schedule stress, no missed buses.

My travel tip? Book morning tours during summer. You’ll beat the afternoon crowds and get better photos.

One caveat though.

Tours give you fixed time limits at the gardens. I felt slightly rushed during peak tulip season when I wanted extra photography time.

If you’re a casual visitor, tours are perfect. Serious garden enthusiasts might prefer the public shuttle for unlimited exploration time.

How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria FAQs

How far is Butchart Gardens from Victoria?

Butchart Gardens is located about 21 kilometres (13 miles) north of Downtown Victoria, in the suburb of Brentwood Bay. The journey takes anywhere from 35-50 minutes by car or Uber, depending on traffic, with public transportation typically taking well over an hour.

How to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria without a car?

There are several options for visiting Butchart Gardens without a car. The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle is highly recommended for its convenience and affordability. You can also use the #75 Saanichton Exchange bus, operated by BC Transit, or opt for rideshare, though you’ll be looking at a $50+ trip each way.

What’s the best way to get from Victoria to Butchart Gardens?

The best way to get from Downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens combines convenience with comfort, and that’s the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle. The shuttle departs from the Fairmont Empress Hotel and offers flexible round-trip transit to Butchart Gardens, with numerous daily departures.

Can I get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria by public transportation?

Yes, you can reach Butchart Gardens from Victoria by public transportation. The #75 Saanichton Exchange bus can take you to Butchart Gardens from the Legislature Terminal or along Douglas Street. At $2.50, the bus offers a budget-friendly option for visitors, though it will take as much as 90 minutes each way.

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 around half the price of a return trip via ride-share.

Figured out how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria?

As our guide comes to a close, you’re now equipped with all the knowledge to navigate from Victoria to Butchart Gardens with ease.

Whether you’re after efficiency, speed, affordability, or the entire package, your journey to this iconic destination is sure to be as enriching as the gardens themselves.

Hopefully, we’ve helped you figure out how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria in one piece. Now, all you have to do is enjoy the blooms.

Bon voyage!