Are you wondering how to get to Victoria from Vancouver, British Columbia?
(And you must visit the beautiful city where we live! We know of dozens of awesome things to do in Victoria.)
Many visitors take the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria.
The ferry ride is generally cheaper, easier and quicker than flying to Victoria, especially if you count the time checking in for the plane, extra bag fees, etc.
(The exception is if you’re already on a plane, flying to or within Canada, and are just connecting through Vancouver.)
Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, BC
Below is a complete guide on the ferry to Victoria from Vancouver (and the reverse ferry from Vancouver to Victoria).
Note: Prices shown are in CAD.
How to get to Victoria from Vancouver by ferry
1) BC Ferries from Vancouver to Victoria
4) Making reservations (Do you need a reservation on BC Ferries?)
6) Connector Bus from Vancouver to Victoria (With ferry service)
7) Public transit from Vancouver to Victoria
8) Taxi, public bus and shuttle from Vancouver Airport to ferry terminal
1) BC Ferries from Vancouver to Victoria
Victoria is BC’s capital city.
It’s located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, which is separated from the mainland of BC by the Strait of Georgia.
(It’s a bit confusing because Vancouver isn’t on Vancouver Island. It’s located on the mainland.)
The trip by vehicle and ferry on BC Ferries from downtown Vancouver to Victoria takes from 4 to 5 hours, depending on your departure terminal.
There are 2 Vancouver ferry terminals that you can depart from:
- Tsawwassen
- Horseshoe Bay
BC Ferries from Tsawwassen
The Tsawwassen ferry terminal is the main terminal (south of Vancouver), and the one you want to depart from if you’re leaving from downtown Vancouver (or if you’re driving into Greater Vancouver on the TransCanada #1 Highway).
The scenic sail on BC Ferries is 1 hour and 35 minutes to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal (which is actually located in Sidney, BC).
The Victoria ferry from Vancouver goes at least every 2 hours (more in the peak summer season). The first sailing is typically at 7:00 am.
The total travel time from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria is about 4 hours.
This includes driving to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, waiting for the ferry, the actual ferry trip and driving from the Swartz Bay terminal to downtown Victoria.
BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay
If you’re coming from North or West Vancouver or Whistler, we suggest you take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to the Departure Bay terminal in Nanaimo.
From Nanaimo, you then drive down the TransCanada Highway (#1 Highway) to Victoria.
The ferry crossing time is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The total trip time on this ferry route is about 5 hours.
We used to live in West Vancouver, and whenever we visited Victoria, this is the route we took.
Now, you could alternatively drive through downtown Vancouver and on to Tsawwassen and take the ferry from there. Your total trip time from North or West Vancouver would be about the same (5 hours).
But you’d be fighting traffic congestion in downtown Vancouver – something to avoid, especially at rush hour – and occasionally a clogged tunnel delay (at the George Massey Tunnel).
If you’re coming from Vancouver’s North Shore or Whistler
We think it’s simply more pleasant – and can be quicker – to sail to Nanaimo instead and drive down the scenic highway on Vancouver Island to get to Victoria.
2) BC Ferries schedule
Ferry from Vancouver Island to Vancouver
3) Services: What to do on BC Ferries
On BC Ferries between Vancouver and Victoria, you’ll find many amenities.
It’s really like a mini-cruise.
You’ll find an excellent gift shop (stocked with many books by BC authors), a kids’ playroom and many comfortable seating areas.
Of course, you can walk around on the outside decks.
When the weather is good, we like plopping ourselves down for a while on a bench in the sunshine and soaking in the views, especially when the ferry squeezes through the very scenic Active Pass.
Coastal Café
There’s also a cafeteria (the Coastal Café) with hot and cold food items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features a White Spot menu (e.g., burgers, Caesar salad, cherry pie).
As well, you’ll find a smaller café for coffee, cappuccino, baked goodies and the like.
Pacific Buffet
In addition to the regular cafeteria, there’s a separate dining room – the Pacific Buffet – on select ferries, offering a complete buffet meal.
The following ferries have the Pacific Buffet:
- Coastal Celebration
- Spirit of British Columbia
- Spirit of Vancouver Island
On one ferry crossing for lunch, for example, we helped ourselves to barbecued Korean riblets, Chinese chicken dumplings (Dim Sum style), fish in a cream sauce and other hot items, along with lettuce and spinach salad.
That was followed by a selection of desserts ranging from cheese cake to chocolate brownies.
The cost for an adult is:
- $21.50 (about $16 USD) for breakfast
- $22.75 (about $17 USD) for a hot lunch
- $26.95 (about $20 USD) for dinner
Taxes are extra.
You can buy beer and wine in the Pacific Buffet for an additional cost.
Complete Pacific Buffet menus: See here
Coastal naturalist
In the summer months, a coastal naturalist travels onboard and gives a 20-minute talk outside on deck.
What’s the difference between a Stellar sea lion and a California sea lion? That’s one tidbit of information you might learn.
Answer?
The Stellar sea lions you commonly see here in our British Columbia coastal waters are twice as big as Californian sea lions. The males can weigh up to 2,200 lbs (females up to 800 lbs).
Another distinction – California sea lions bark like dogs, while Stellar sea lions make a low throaty sound, like a long deep burp.
4) BC Ferries reservations
We recommend you make ferry reservations in advance (otherwise, it’s first come, first served).
The standard BC Ferries reservation fee is $17 (about $12.75 USD).
And a reservation guarantees you’ll get on the ferry at the reserved time.
If you don’t make a reservation in peak season, you could wait for hours in a ferry line-up. And you don’t want to waste precious vacation time waiting for the ferry to get to Victoria!
We personally always make reservations now, even middle of the day, mid-week, in winter. This gives us certainty – and peace of mind…
What if you can’t make a reservation because all reservations are sold out?
BC Ferries always keeps some space available on each ferry for customers who show up without an advance reservation. Mind you, on average, up to 80% of the space is bookable on the Tsawwassen-to-Swartz Bay ferries.
Your best bet in this situation is to plan to be at the ferry terminal a few hours before the ferry you want to take – and wait it out.
BC Ferries reservation cut-off times
You must be at the ferry booth to redeem your reservation between 1 hour and 30 minutes before the ferry sailing.
If you’re booked on a 5:00 pm ferry, this means you have to be at the ferry booth sometime between 4:00 and 4:30 pm.
If you arrive later, say 4:35 pm, you’ll lose your reservation and go to the end of the line (where you may or may not get on the 5:00 pm sailing, depending on how busy the ferries are).
To reserve with BC Ferries: See here
5) How much is a BC Ferry ticket from Vancouver to Victoria?
Standard ferry cost Vancouver to Victoria
The cost to take the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, BC, ranges as follows:
- Pay at the terminal: $80 (about $60 USD) for a car and driver (no reservation)
- Reservation: $97 (about $72 USD) for a car and driver (where you pay a $17 CAD reservation fee in advance, but pay the rest at the terminal)
- Pre-pay reservation and ferry cost: $87.50 (about $65 USD) for a car and driver (when you book and pay in full in advance)
These ticket costs apply to a standard vehicle, up to 20 feet long.
Change fees – to change the travel date – are $5.
Each additional passenger, aged 12 or older, costs $18 (about $13.50 USD).
Children aged 5 to 11 cost $9 each (about $6.70 USD). Children under 5 are free.
Note: Fuel surcharges are extra. For example, the total “Pay at the terminal” cost is $83.15, and the total cost for an additional adult passenger is $18.70.
BC Ferries Saver fares
As well, there are new “Saver” tickets. These are the cheapest BC Ferries tickets for a one-way ride (car and driver) between Vancouver and Victoria.
You have to pay in full when you book. And the fare includes a free reservation.
The Saver fares vary. They’re less expensive for less busy times, for example, the first early morning sailing or the very latest sailing of the day.
For a car and driver, you could pay as little as $49 (plus fuel surcharge) for a total of $50.90 (about $38 USD).
These Saver fares will pop up on the BC Ferries website when you enter the day you want to travel in the booking screen.
All costs
For full details of the ferry cost to Victoria (including reservation fees and Saver tickets), see BC Ferries’ Fare Information for travel between Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Bottom line? Vancouver to Victoria ferry price
You’re looking at a rough cost of approximately $108 (about $80 USD) for a car and 2 adults to travel one way from Vancouver to Victoria on the ferry (on a prepaid ticket with a reservation).
For 2 people, it’s less expensive to take your car on the ferry than ditching the car and using the BC Ferries Connector bus and ferry (see below in #6).
For current BC Ferries prices for all routes: See here
6) Vancouver to Victoria bus and ferry (Connector bus)
Is there a bus from Vancouver to Victoria?
Yes.
The BC Ferries Connector bus operates year-round and takes you from the downtown Vancouver bus terminal (Pacific Central Station) to the downtown Victoria terminal (Capital City Station).
Hotel pick-up and drop-off is available.
It also offers bus/ferry connections from the Vancouver cruise ship terminal and Vancouver’s international airport to and from Victoria.
BC Ferries Connector Schedule: See here
Cost of the bus from Vancouver to Victoria
The cost of the BC Ferries Connector for an adult from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria is $52.53 (about $39 USD) for the bus.
Then you have to add on the ferry passenger fare, which is $18.72 for an adult (about $14.00 USD).
The total is thus just over $71 CAD (about $53 USD) for a one-way fare between Vancouver and Victoria, for one person, on the Connector bus.
Rates are less for children aged 5 to 11 and for British Columbia seniors (65+) and students.
See complete pricing here.
BC Ferries Connector bus and ferry tickets: You can book your all-inclusive tickets (bus + ferry ) on Viator here
7) Public transit from Vancouver to Victoria
To save money, you can use public transit to and from the ferry terminals in Vancouver and Victoria.
From Vancouver, start by catching the Sky Train’s Canada Line to the Bridgeport Station. Then take TransLink Bus 620 from the Bridgeport Station to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.
At the ferry terminal, buy your passenger ticket to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal.
Once at Swartz Bay, take the BC Transit Bus 70 (express bus) or BC Transit Bus 72 (not express) to downtown Victoria.
For more details on taking the public bus between Vancouver and Victoria, see this TransLink blog post.
8) Travel from Vancouver airport to Tsawwassen ferry terminal
Vancouver Airport to Victoria bus (BC Ferries Connector)
The same BC Ferries Connector bus that operates between the Vancouver and Victoria ferry terminals (see #6 above) also runs from the Vancouver Airport to the Vancouver ferry terminal in Tsawwassen.
From there, the bus continues on the ferry and to Victoria.
It also does the reverse route from Victoria to the Vancouver International Airport.
Vancouver Airport (YVR) schedule on the BC Ferries Connector bus (to March 31, 2024): See here
Leave YVR Airport (to Victoria)
The Connector bus leaves twice a day year-round from the Vancouver International Airport at:
- 9:40 am – Arrive in Victoria at 12:35 pm (Swartz Bay ferry terminal) and 1:20 pm (Victoria bus terminal)
- 3:40 pm – Arrive in Victoria at 6:35 pm (Swartz Bay ferry terminal) and 7:20 pm (Victoria bus terminal)
Come spring, there’s a third bus from the Vancouver airport to Victoria, leaving at 1:40 pm.
And in the summer, there are four buses operating, with departures at 9:40 am, 11:40 am, 1:40 pm and 3:40 pm.
Vancouver International Airport to Victoria: You can book your all-inclusive tickets (ferry + bus) on Viator here
Leave Victoria (for YVR Airport)
The Connector bus for the Victoria to Vancouver ferry leaves twice a day year-round from the Victoria bus terminal at:
- 9:45 am – Arrive at the Vancouver Airport at 1:25 pm
- 3:45 pm – Arrive at the Vancouver Airport at 7:25 pm
In the spring, there’s a third departure from Victoria at 7:45 am.
And in the summer, there are four bus departures for the Vancouver airport at 7:45 am, 9:45 am, 3:45 pm and 5:45 pm.
Victoria to Vancouver International Airport: You can book your all-inclusive tickets (ferry + bus) on Viator here
Cost of BC Ferries Connector bus from YVR
The cost to or from the Vancouver Airport varies depending on the time of year, the departure time and whether you’re traveling on a weekend or holiday.
You’ll find adult bus prices ranging from $52.53 (about $39 USD) to $95.94 (a little over $70 USD).
As well, you have to add on the BC Ferries passenger fare of $18.72 per adult for the Connector routes. So your total cost to travel between Victoria and the Vancouver airport will range from a low of some $71 (about $53 USD) to around $114 ($85 USD) per adult.
See complete pricing for seniors, children, etc. here.
Taxi from Vancouver Airport to ferry terminal
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from YVR to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
Time-wise, allow at least 30 minutes (45 minutes at peak times). The taxi cost will run about $60 to $75 ($45 to $56 USD), depending on traffic.
For two people, you might find it more convenient (and just a little more expensive) to take a taxi from YVR to the ferry terminal, travel as a foot passenger on BC Ferries, then take a taxi from the Victoria ferry terminal to downtown Victoria.
The taxi cost from the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria is about $70 to $80 ($52 to $60 USD), depending on traffic.
Getting from Vancouver airport to ferry terminal by public transit
You can also take public transit and the ferry to get to and from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Victoria.
We did this recently when we were flying out of Vancouver (to Istanbul). We took a taxi from our home in Victoria to the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay, then sailed on the ferry to Tsawwassen.
After getting off in Tsawwassen, we boarded a public bus (TransLink 620) to the Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station. The bus was waiting right outside the passenger ferry terminal in Tsawwassen, presumably timed for the arrival of the ferry.
It was easy to roll our carry-on luggage onto the bus too.
Once we got off at the Bridgeport Station, we took the fast Canada Line train direct to the Vancouver airport.
It was all easy-peasy (a seamless transfer) and cost us barely a few dollars each.
Time-wise, the bus and Canada Line together took about 45 minutes.
To go from the Vancouver Airport, you’d do the above in reverse – Canada Line to Bridgeport Station, then TransLink 620 Bus to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
9) Ferry tours and day trips from Vancouver to Victoria
If you’re short on time, it’s possible to visit Victoria on a day trip from Vancouver.
Perhaps you’ve got your heart set on visiting the Butchart Gardens? There are many beautiful gardens in Victoria, but the Butchart Gardens are world-famous.
You could rent a car for a DIY day trip.
Or you could make your life easy with this Victoria and Buchart Gardens day tour (about 13 hours).
You’ll be picked up from your Vancouver hotel in a spacious mini-coach for your ride on the ferry.
Once in Victoria, you can walk the oh-so-picturesque Inner Harbour, see the major Victoria attractions (like the Royal BC Museum and Parliament Buildings) and have lunch.
The Butchart Gardens are saved for last. Then at the end of the day, you’ll return to Vancouver on the ferry and be dropped off at your hotel.
Another excellent day tour is this Vancouver to Victoria seaplane and ferry trip (about 12 hours)
You’ll fly from downtown Vancouver with Harbour Air Seaplanes over the Gulf Islands to Victoria (35-minute scenic flight).
After splashing down, you’ll have lots of free time to explore Victoria on your own before taking a coach ride to the ferry for the return trip to Vancouver.
10) Last words on BC Ferries: Vancouver to Victoria
The ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria by car is the best way for two or more people to get to the capital of British Columbia (apart from taking the seaplane).
It’s also a delightfully scenic trip!
The cheapest way for one person is to go as a foot passenger – and to take public transit at both ends.
But the more convenient way for one person is to take the ferry from Victoria to Vancouver (or vice-versa) via the Connector bus. The ferry/bus combination makes the land and sea travel seamless.
Have you taken the ferry to Victoria? Let us know in the Comments below!
Experience more of Vancouver Island and BC’s Gulf Islands!
Parksville area: From swimming at warm shallow beaches to caving to spying the goats on the roof, you’ll love these crazy fun things to do in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
Victoria: Wondering where to stay? We love these delightful luxury B&Bs and hotels in Victoria. Be sure to lace up your sneakers and check out these easy scenic walks in Victoria too!
Salt Spring Island: Discover all the magical things to do on Salt Spring Island (only a 35-minute ferry ride from Victoria or 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver).
Tofino: When the weather is wild and bad, head to Tofino for storm watching!
Our top travel tips and resources
Here are our favorite travel resources:
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out GetYourGuide and Viator.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 3 to 5, 11, 15 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 1, 6 to 10, BC Ferries | 12, 13 BC Ferries Connector
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!
Mimi
Saturday 22nd of July 2023
I read the advice on your website for BC Ferries going to/from Vancouver to Victoria.
I just started booking to travel with a car next week. Unfortunately, the ferry website says everything is sold out for this route.
What are the chances of getting on the ferries, both ways, without a reservation?
Janice and George
Saturday 22nd of July 2023
BC Ferries always leaves spaces open on each sailing for no-reservation cars. So you can certainly just show up.
But you should be prepared for a ferry wait (or even two waits) - meaning, be at the ferry 4 hours or so before your planned ferry departure time.
It's a drag, we know. We once waited 6 hours at the terminal in summer, until we could get on. Take books, snacks and wait it out - you should get on at some point during the day.
Alternatively, leave the car behind and go as a foot passenger (though you should still reserve). Rent a car once you get to Victoria, or use taxis and do tours if you're staying just in Victoria.
Good luck! Victoria is worth visiting :-).
(And we'll edit our article to add something on this.)
Jane M.
Wednesday 28th of June 2023
Hello,
This is probably a silly question… We will be in Vancouver for a few days for the Laver Cup in September.
If we get the BC Connector to and from Victoria, do we sit on the same bus the whole time? I’m assuming we get off to roam around on the ferry and then reboard the same bus when we land in Swartz Bay.
We are 2 old farts and will not have a rental car. On the return, we will head to the airport for our flight back to Chicago.
Thank you for such a great resource.
Jane M.
Saturday 1st of July 2023
@Janice and George, Thank you!!
Janice and George
Wednesday 28th of June 2023
Not a silly question!
Yes, you get off the bus on the ferry and can go up on deck outside or to the cafeteria, etc. When the ferry approaches Swartz Bay, there'll be an announcement for passengers to return to their cars (or to the BC Connector Bus).
Enjoy the tennis match in Vancouver and your Victoria visit :-)
Erica W.
Friday 19th of May 2023
Hello -- we are coming to Victoria in July, 2023. I am wondering how much time to allow to arrive at the airport, collect luggage, get a rental car and then head to the ferry. If we got in at 12:30pm, could we can make the ferry by the 4pm sailing? It is on a Wednesday, so not as bad as a weekend. If we miss the 4pm sailing reservation, will they just roll us to the next available sailing? There are 5 of us, so we surely need a car... And we have exploring to do once in Victoria.
Janice and George
Saturday 20th of May 2023
Hi Erica,
If the travel gods are with you, this planning should work: Plane arrives 12:30 pm, wait for and collect luggage by 1:30 pm, rent car by 2:00 pm, drive to ferry terminal and arrive at 3:00 pm in time for reservation, board ferry at 4:00 pm. You've also got a few minutes in there for contingencies. Now, if the plane is late, you could be cutting it close.
As for the 4:00 pm ferry, if you miss it, you'll be treated like everyone else for the next ferry (i.e., first-come, first-served). You won't get priority for the next sailing.
You're right, Wednesday should be a less busy day. But July is still busy :-).
We haven't tried this, but could you reserve for both the 4:00 pm and the 6:00 pm sailing? (Don't know if the online system will allow back-to-back reservation fees? The reservation fees are nominal.) If the system won't take that, it should allow you to simply pay in full for both sailings. This is obviously more money, but that way you've totally hedged your bets with reservations on both ferry sailings, and you won't have to worry that if you miss the 4:00 pm sailing, you might also not get on the 6:00 pm sailing (because it's already full when you get to the terminal).
Tennille
Thursday 16th of February 2023
Hello, I have just found your post on the ferry etc. Do you know if you can get a rental car at the Victoria ferry terminal? Or do we need to still take the bus to Victoria to rent a car?
Janice and George
Friday 17th of February 2023
We don't believe there are any car rental agencies at the Swartz Bay ferry terminal (Victoria).
There are at least five car rental places at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ), which is about a 10-minute drive away. You could take a taxi from the ferry terminal to the airport to pick up a rental car there, if you wish.
We also understand that both Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental will pick you up at the Swartz Bay terminal (so long as it's during business hours). They have offices in Sidney (about a 10-minute drive away).
Jenni Antulov
Saturday 21st of January 2023
Hello! I am trying to find out how long in advance before our planned trip between Vancouver and Vancouver Island I am able to make a reservation. We are 4 adults and 1 car. Thank you for your assistance. Jenni
Janice and George
Wednesday 25th of January 2023
We don't usually book too far in advance. We just tested BC Ferries' website to see what it would allow. It seems you can book up to at least 4 months in advance. (It wouldn't allow us to make a booking 5 months in advance.) Hope this information helps :-).