There’s nothing quite like the trip to Victoria from Vancouver – the rugged coastline and towering mountains are an attraction themselves.
This charming coastal city is a must-see, but how do you get from Vancouver to Victoria?
I’ve made this journey over 50 times, so let me walk you through every transportation option with real costs, timing, and insider tips.
Vancouver to Victoria: Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Best Way to Get from Vancouver to Victoria
⚠️ Important for Tourists Without a Car:
Tsawwassen ferry terminal is 38 km south of Vancouver and takes 90 minutes to reach via public transit. It’s not easily accessible without a car.
Recommended: Book the bus/ferry package instead – they pick you up in downtown Vancouver, handle everything, and drop you in downtown Victoria.
Take the BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay – it’s the most reliable and scenic option.
I’ve done this route over 50 times, and the ferry wins every time for tourists looking to visit Victoria’s top attractions.
The ferry takes 90 minutes on the water plus travel time to terminals. You’ll see incredible Gulf Islands scenery and possibly whales.
Budget travelers should take the bus package that includes the ferry fare.
Seaplanes are fastest but expensive, while commercial flights involve too many connections.
Vancouver to Victoria Travel Options Compared
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | 3-4 hrs | $18-$75 | Families/Flexibility |
| Bus | 4-5 hrs | $50-$70 | Tourists/No car |
| Seaplane | 35 min | $396 | Fastest/Scenery |
| Flight | 2-3 hrs | $250-$400 | Connecting |
| Drive | 3.5-5 hrs | $75-$200 | Need car |
My recommendation: Take BC Ferries with your car or via their bus/ferry package.
The city is compact and walkable, you don’t need a car unless you really want it.
Vancouver to Victoria by BC Ferry
BC Ferries operates hourly sailings between Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Victoria).
The Vancouver to Victoria ferry is the most popular route for tourists and locals alike.
The sailing takes 90 minutes through the stunning Gulf Islands.
I always book the 9am or 11am departure to arrive in Victoria with most of the day ahead.
BC Ferries Schedule and Frequency
Ferries depart hourly from 7am to 10pm during peak season (May-September). Off-season has slightly reduced schedules.
Check bcferries.com for exact times – they shift seasonally. I learned this the hard way when I showed up for a sailing that didn’t exist in November.
BC Ferries Prices (2026)
Adult walk-on passengers pay $18.50 one-way. Children 5-11 are $9.25, under 5 ride free.
Vehicle fares start at $75 for a standard car up to 20 feet.
Fuel surcharges add $5-10 depending on current diesel prices.
Book online for Saver Fares – discounted rates for off-peak sailings. I’ve saved $15-20 per trip by traveling on Tuesday mornings instead of Friday afternoons.
How to Book BC Ferries Reservations
Book online at bcferries.com at least 2-3 weeks ahead for summer travel.
July and August sailings sell out fast.
Walk-On vs Vehicle Reservations
Walk-on passengers don’t need reservations – you can always get on.
Vehicles absolutely need reservations during peak season or you’ll wait hours for standby.
I made the mistake once of driving without a reservation on a Saturday in June. We waited through three full sailings before getting on.
Vancouver to Victoria by Bus
The Vancouver to Victoria bus, aka the BC Ferries Connector, operates direct bus service from Vancouver to Victoria.
This is the easiest all-in-one option.
The bus picks you up in downtown Vancouver, drives to Tsawwassen, boards the ferry with you, and drops you in downtown Victoria.
With the red button below you can also get the advantage to select pickup at:
- Vancouver Cruise Terminal (Canada Place)
- Vancouver YVR Airport Pickup
- Vancouver Bus Depot (Main St.)
- Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
One ticket covers everything including ferry fare.
Total journey time is 4-5 hours depending on traffic and ferry waits. I recommend this for budget travellers who don’t mind the longer trip.
Vancouver to Victoria Bus Cost
⚠️ Important Booking Info:
Booking your Victoria bus at least 2 weeks in advance is strongly recommended.
Tip: Book the via the button below and you’ll get a best price guarantee, buy now/pay later tickets, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
- Adult (12+) – from $91.09 CAD
- Children (5-11) – from $24.52
- 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.
You can book free cancellation tickets online using the button below:
Vancouver to Victoria by Seaplane
Harbour Air and Helijet operate seaplane flights between Vancouver Harbour and Victoria Inner Harbour. This is the fastest and most scenic option.
The Vancouver to Victoria seaplane flight takes 35 minutes and lands right in downtown Victoria. You’ll see incredible aerial views of the Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands, and mountains.
Flights cost $150-250 CAD one-way depending on time of day. I’ve taken this for special occasions – it’s worth it for the experience.
Luggage is limited to 25 pounds per person. Not practical if you’re checking bags or bringing lots of gear.
Weather can delay or cancel flights. I’ve had two seaplane trips rescheduled due to fog.
Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Cost
- Adults – $396.00 CAD
- Children – $312.11
- Infants – Free
Vancouver to Victoria by Commercial Flight
Air Canada and WestJet fly from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Victoria Airport (YYJ). Flights take 25 minutes but total travel time is 2-3 hours with security and boarding.
This only makes sense if you’re already flying into Vancouver from elsewhere. The airport hassle isn’t worth it for a short hop you could take by ferry.
Flights cost $100-200 CAD one-way. Factor in $60+ for taxi from Victoria airport to downtown.
How to Drive from Vancouver to Victoria
If you’re looking for more flexibility and independence, driving to Victoria, BC, from Vancouver might be the way to go – though this is really just a ferry ride with your car.
That said, with your vehicle, you can visit some of Victoria’s 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 that 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, the Royal BC Museum, and the Parliament Buildings.
Having a car is by no means a necessity.
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.
Vancouver to Victoria Travel FAQs
How long does it take to get from Vancouver to Victoria?
BC Ferries takes 3-4 hours total including travel to terminals. Seaplanes take 35 minutes, buses take 4-5 hours, driving with ferry takes 3.5-5 hours.
What’s the cheapest way from Vancouver to Victoria?
Walk-on BC Ferry passenger for $18.50 is cheapest. You’ll need to get to Tsawwassen terminal separately via public transit ($5.45).
How far is Victoria from Vancouver?
Victoria is situated 107 kilometres away from Vancouver.
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.
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.
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.
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