Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria without a vehicle.
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful destination, you may be discouraged by its distant Brentwood Bay location.
Not to worry! In this article, we’ve got you covered with all the transport options to make your journey from Victoria to Butchart Gardens as stress-free as possible.
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 per year. This plants it right at the top of our list of the best things to do in Victoria.
The downside? To smell the roses amongst Butchart’s lush blooms, you’ll have to travel to the suburb of 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.
#1: How to Get to 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 its 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:
- Find your way to the Legislature Terminal on Belleville Street.
- Take the #75 Saanichton Exchange Bus towards Brentwood Bay.
- Stay aboard until you reach the Benevento and Todd Inlet stop (the 41st stop).
- The main entrance of the Gardens is located a short stroll away.
Pros
- Economical
- Easily accessible
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Inefficient
- Uncomfortable
- Confusing
- Infrequent departures
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
#2: Butchart Gardens from Victoria with 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:
- Arrange for a private car on your favourite ride-share app.
- Pick Butchart Gardens at 800 Benvenuto Avenue as your destination.
- Enjoy the 30-40-minute drive to Brentwood Bay.
Pros
- Speed
- Efficiency
- Flexibility
Cons
- Cost
Taking an Uber from Downtown Victoria to Butchart is the quickest, most efficient way to meet 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
#3: 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!
Why juggle maps and timetables when you can enjoy a direct, comfortable ride with a professional guide straight to the gates of this floral paradise?
Follow the steps below to book your shuttle now:
- Visit the Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle page from our friends at Viator.
- Select your optimal departure time and 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 at the designated meeting point near the entrance to the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
- Benefit from your driver’s in-depth knowledge as they discuss the gardens’ highlights and share historical and botanical anecdotes during the drive.
- Purchase your Butchart Gardens admission 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. Just remember, the shuttle schedule is reduced outside of high season.
Pros
- Convenience
- Speed
- Numerous daily departures
- Professional Guide
- 1/2 the price of a return Uber fare
Cons
- Admission isn’t included
- Must adapt to a shuttle schedule
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
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 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!
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