There’s nothing quite like getting to Victoria from Vancouver: the rugged coastline and towering mountains along the way are an attraction in itself.
Yes, this charming coastal city is a must-see for anyone visiting the area, but how do you get from Vancouver to Victoria?
Fear not, fellow adventurer! We’ve got the perfect guide on the best way to get to Victoria from Vancouver.
How to Get from Vancouver to Victoria
It’s an undeniable fact that the majority of travellers visiting Vancouver Island use the Vancouver area as a jumping-off point.
Vancouver is only 114 kilometres away from Victoria, though it’s made difficult by the pesky Salish Sea in between.
What would normally be an hour’s drive turns into a longer journey, with most travel options between Vancouver and Victoria taking at least three hours.
So, how do you get to Victoria from Vancouver? Let’s figure out the best way, given your unique needs.
Getting from Vancouver to Victoria by Ferry
If you’re travelling between Vancouver and Victoria by ferry, you’ll be using BC Ferries.
With multiple daily sailings, you can easily catch the Vancouver to Victoria ferry from Tsawwassen Terminal (40 minutes outside downtown Vancouver) to Swartz Bay Terminal – which is about a 30-minute drive to Victoria.
The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and coastline.
If you’re looking for a scenic and relaxing way to travel to Victoria from Vancouver, then taking a ferry is the perfect option.
You also have the option of travelling as a foot passenger after finding your own way to the terminals.
If you don’t have a vehicle, the simplest way to do this is via the convenient BC Ferries Connector bus (if you don’t have a car, click here to go straight to the bus section for more info).
This service seamlessly transports you from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria – but more on that later.
Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Cost (One Way)
Passenger (foot or vehicle)
- Adult (12+) – $18.50
- Children (5-11) – $9.25
- Infants (0-4) – Free
Vehicles (excluding passengers)
- Standard Vehicle (up to 6.1 meters ) – $63.85
- Extra Length (per foot) – $7.25
- Motorcycle – $31.95
?️ Want an all-inclusive ticket? Consider the Best Vancouver to Victoria Tours first, ferries included.
Tips for Taking the Vancouver to Victoria Ferry
- Try to get a ride to the terminal: As you can see, the cheapest way to get to Victoria from Vancouver involves getting dropped off at the ferry. The $18.50 ticket is hard to beat!
- Book in advance: Ferries can fill up quickly, especially during peak season – and recently, with labour shortage-induced delays. Make sure to book your tickets in advance ($17 non-refundable fee) to avoid any disappointment by visiting the BC Ferries reservation page.
- Avoid travelling during peak hours: If at all possible, try and avoid travelling on Friday or Sunday nights – particularly on long weekends. Without a reservation, you can end up facing a 2-3 sailing wait, resulting in hours spent on the tarmac – which is not fun.
- Late morning & evening are slower: Even during weekdays, the sailings before and after typical work hours tend to be busiest. If you have the time, try and avoid the second morning sailing to avoid delays.
- Take the BC Ferries Connector Bus: If you don’t have wheels, the Vancouver to Victoria bus travels straight to downtown Victoria from Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station via the ferry. This is preferable to navigating the public transport system of two new cities to reach your destination.
Looking for a place to stay once you reach the island? Check out our list of the top Victoria hotels and Victoria hostels for a cozy bed that meets your budget.
Getting to Victoria from Vancouver by Bus
If you don’t have a vehicle or plain don’t want to have to deal with traffic, then the Vancouver to Victoria bus is a great choice.
I know I prefer kicking back with my tablet and letting somebody else do the work, and the Vancouver to Victoria bus is how to do it.
The BC Ferries Connector bus picks you up right from Pacific Central Station in downtown Vancouver and takes you straight to the ferry terminal. No need to worry about finding your way or parking – the bus does all the work for you.
The seats are comfy, they’ve got AC, and you can soak up the views.
On the other side, you’ll be dropped within walking distance of most downtown Victoria hotels, where you can explore all the best things to do in Victoria immediately.
Vancouver to Victoria Bus Cost (One Way)
- Adult (19+) – $98.08
- Children (5-18) – $49.04
- Infants (0-4) – Free
The schedules are constantly changing, especially in Victoria in summer, so click the buttons below for the most up-to-date info:
Want an even better service? You can also get hotel pick-up in Vancouver for a true door-to-door experience.
Victoria Bus from Vancouver Tips
- Book your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot on the bus – they sell out quickly, especially in high season.
- Arrive at the bus pick-up location at least 20 minutes before departure time.
- Pack snacks and drinks, or grab a bite to eat on board the ferry.
- Take advantage of the free WiFi on the bus to stay connected.
- Bring a book or download a movie to pass the time on the journey.
- Don’t forget your camera – the views are stunning and perfect for capturing memories.
- Be prepared to show your ID when boarding the ferry, as it is required for security purposes.
✈️ Looking to get to Victoria straight from YVR? Check out our guide on the Victoria to Vancouver Airport Bus.
How to Get to Victoria from Vancouver by Plane
If you’re short on time or just want to avoid the hassle of driving or taking a ferry, then flying to Victoria, BC, from Vancouver is a great option.
But here’s where it gets a little complicated.
Unless you’re looking to connect directly from your home airport via YVR, flying to Victoria simply doesn’t make sense for travellers already in Vancouver.
When you factor in the time spent getting to and from both airports and waiting to board and collect your baggage, a Vancouver to Victoria flight really isn’t much quicker than the ferry.
Toss in a return cost that often reaches as high as $500, and you have a mode of travel that makes little sense for a 2-day Victoria itinerary.
Luckily, we’ve got another option:
Going to Victoria from Vancouver by Seaplane
If you’re planning a trip to the island, then there’s no doubt that the Vancouver to Victoria seaplane is the most exciting way to go!
Not only is it the fastest way to travel between Vancouver and Victoria, but it also offers you breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
You’ll depart from the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, a short walk from many Vancouver hotels. You can skip the airport hassle (no long security checks) and fly right to the Victoria Seaplane Terminal in the city’s famed Inner Harbour.
Plus, the seaplane takes you on a stunning ride over the Strait of Georgia, the Gulf Islands, and the coastlines of both Vancouver and Victoria. It’s like taking a scenic tour and a flight all in one.
The price is almost justified for the breathtaking views alone – provided you’re looking for a memorable experience rather than simply a way to get from A to B.
Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Cost
- Adults – $267.70
- Children – $146.92
- Infants – Free
Victoria Seaplane Tips
- Bring a camera – the views from the seaplane are absolutely breathtaking.
- Arrive early to check in and get a window seat for optimal views.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife like whales, dolphins, and seals during the flight.
- Soak up the unique experience of flying on a seaplane – it’s not every day you get to do it!
- Be prepared for a speedy journey – the seaplane is the fastest way to travel between Vancouver and Victoria.
- Enjoy the convenience of taking off and landing from downtown Vancouver and Victoria.
How to Drive from Vancouver to Victoria
If you’re looking for more flexibility and independence, then driving to Victoria, BC, from Vancouver might be the way to go – though this is really just a ferry ride with your own car.
That said, with your own vehicle, you can visit some of Victoria’s more far-flung attractions, such as Butchart Gardens (want an all-inclusive tour to Butchart? Check out the best Vancouver to Butchart Gardens tours)
Nonetheless, keep in mind most Victoria hotels are located in and around the city’s Inner Harbour.
This will put you within walking distance of most of Victoria’s most popular attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf. Having a car is by no means a necessity.
Here’s what you need to know about getting to Victoria from Vancouver by car:
What is the driving route from Vancouver to Victoria?
- Take the BC HWY 99 south through Richmond towards the US Border and Victoria.
- After about 15-20 minutes, take the exit onto BC-17 S towards Tsawwassen.
- Follow BC-17 SW until you reach the ferry terminal. Signs will be clearly marked.
- Once you arrive on Vancouver Island, simply follow the signs to Victoria.
? Related: Best Victoria Sightseeing Tours
Tips for driving from Vancouver to Victoria, BC
- Check for construction and delays: Construction and traffic can be a headache, so make sure to check for any delays before hitting the road.
- Avoid rush hour: This is self-explanatory. The Massey Tunnel out of Vancouver can be a nightmare, so try to avoid sailings around 4 or 5 pm.
- Bring snacks and drinks: The drive can take a few hours, so make sure to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up.
- Watch out for wildlife: This region is home to a lot of wildlife, so keep an eye out for animals crossing the road.
How to Travel from Vancouver to Victoria FAQ
How far is Victoria from Vancouver?
Victoria is situated 107 kilometres away from Vancouver.
How long does it take from Vancouver to Victoria?
Taking the ferry, whether it’s using your own car or the all-inclusive bus service from downtown Vancouver, takes about 3 to 3.5 hours from city to city. This is due to both ferry terminals being outside the respective city centres. The actual ferry crossing time is 90 minutes.
What is the fastest way to travel between Vancouver and Victoria?
The fastest way to get to Victoria from Vancouver is by seaplane: the trip takes just 50 minutes in total (35-minute flight, 15-minute check-in) and connects downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria – all other options go through ferry terminals some distance away.
How do you get to Victoria from Vancouver?
Various transportation options are available to travel from Vancouver to Victoria, including ferry, coach, float plane, or flight. Most locals simply drive to the ferry, though all-inclusive bus/ferry packages departing from downtown Vancouver are also available.
Where does the Vancouver to Victoria ferry leave from?
The main ferry service from Vancouver to Victoria runs out of the Tsawassen Ferry Terminal, situated in the suburb of Tsawassen, 37 kilometres south of downtown.
Where does the Vancouver to Victoria ferry arrive?
The ferry arrives at Schwartz Bay, which is 32 kilometres (20 miles) north of Victoria. Expect about a 30-minute drive or 50-minute public bus ride to get to downtown Victoria.
Can you drive from Vancouver to Victoria?
Driving from Vancouver to Victoria is possible, but you will require a ferry to cross over to Vancouver Island. To access the ferry service, you must first drive to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which is approximately 35 minutes away from downtown Vancouver.
? Related: Best Victoria Whale Watching Tours
Still Wondering How to Go to Victoria from Vancouver?
We’ve discussed a handful of options on how to get from Vancouver to Victoria – hopefully, you’ve managed to find an option that happens to meet both your needs and your budget.
That said, if you’ve got any more questions, don’t be afraid to write to me in the comments below.
Enjoy your trip from Vancouver to Victoria ⛴️
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