How to Get to Victoria BC from Seattle from $40 (2025)

Wondering how to get to Victoria BC from Seattle? Whether you’re after the fastest route, the cheapest option, or the one with the best views, this guide breaks it down.

Is the Clipper better than the ferry? And what’s the deal with the seaplane – worth it or just Instagram bait?

I’ve done every route, so I’ll walk you through the fastest ways to get to Victoria from Seattle.

Let’s get into it.

How to Get to Victoria BC from Seattle

Getting to Victoria Canada from Seattle doesn’t have to be difficult.

There are multiple ways to do it depending on budget, time, and whether you’re willing to splash out or just get from A to B as cheap as possible.

That said, look at the map above! There’s some water to cross so it’s not as easy as starting up the car.

Here’s my preview of the best ways to get from Seattle to Victoria BC:

• Clipper Ferry: Direct passenger ferry (from $120 one way)
• Black Ball Ferry (via Port Angeles): Scenic drive and ferry combo (from $40)
• Kenmore Air Seaplane: Fastest and most scenic route (from $250)
• Driving via Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal: Flexible option for drivers (from $70)

Let’s go into them in more detail, so you can find the right Seattle to Victoria transport for you.

Clipper Ferry: Best Way to Get to Victoria

⚠️ TDon’t wanna? Your best bet is getting the clipper ferry that departs right from Pier 69 right in downtown Seattle + brings you straight to Victoria. You won’t need to lift a finger.

Fastest no-car option, downtown to downtown — from $120.00 each way.

This is a passenger-only ferry that runs between downtown Seattle and Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Perfect if you’re not bringing a car.

I’ve done this trip a couple of times. You just walk onto the boat at Pier 69 in Seattle, grab a window seat, and enjoy the views.

It’s chill, and you land just minutes from the top attractions in Victoria.

🕒 Time to destination: About 2 hours 45 minutes
💰 Average cost: Around $120 round-trip, varies by season
👉 Book with Clipper Vacations

Black Ball Ferry (via Port Angeles): Cheapest Way to Get to Victoria

Bring your car and enjoy the drive — from $40.00, but you have to get to Port Angeles first.

This option takes a little longer, but it’s solid if you’ve got a car. Just drive from Seattle to Port Angeles, then take the Black Ball Ferry to Victoria.

The Seattle to Victoria Ferry:

Heading Between Victoria & Seattle? Get from Downtown to Downtown in less than 3 hours.

Click to learn more

I once stopped at Lake Crescent on the way, which made the drive totally worth it. You get forest, mountains, and ocean all in one day.

🕒 Time to destination: About 5–6 hours total
💰 Average cost: About $40–$80 depending on car size and passengers
👉 Book with Black Ball Ferry Line

Kenmore Air Seaplane: Fastest Way to Get to Victoria from Seattle

Quickest trip with a great view — from $250

This is the fastest way, and probably the most fun. Seaplanes leave from Lake Union in Seattle and land right on the water in Victoria.

I did this once when I was in a rush and honestly, it felt like a movie scene. You fly low, so you see the islands and coastline the whole way.

🕒 Time to destination: 45 minutes
💰 Average cost: Around $250 each way.
👉 Book with Kenmore Air

Driving via Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal: Way to See Vancouver

Best for road trippers and flexibility — from $70.

You drive north from Seattle, cross the border, then catch the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. It takes longer, but you’re in full control.

You also can mix in Vancouver’s top attractions, as it’s a much more important city than Victoria.

The last time I did this, I stopped for sushi in Richmond and still made my ferry. It’s a long haul, but you can make a day of it.

🕒 Time to destination: Around 6–7 hours
💰 Average cost: About $70–$100 including gas and ferry fare
👉 Directions with Google Maps

Coming to Victoria from Seattle?

I’ve done this trip every which way, and each one has its charm.

Personally, I like the Clipper for convenience and the seaplane when I’m feeling fancy.

If you’re heading this way, bookmark my site. I’ve got guides on the Butchart Gardens, Inner Harbour, and some lesser-known local spots too. This city rewards slow travel, so plan to stay a bit.

Butchart Gardens from Vancouver

Looking to Visit a Botanical Wonderland? Book Your Victoria & Butchart Gardens Day Trip from $290 Now

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Tips on How to Get from Seattle to Victoria

If you’re going for speed, grab a Kenmore Air ticket. Just keep your bag light—there’s a weight limit.

Want to save money? Go the Port Angeles route. Bring snacks. The border lines can get long, especially in summer.

If you’re taking the Clipper, show up early and try to sit on the right side of the boat (you’ll get better views of the San Juan Islands).

If driving through Canada, fill up your gas in Bellingham—it’s cheaper.

Trust me, the journey’s half the fun.

How to Get to Victoria BC from Seattle FAQ

What is the fastest way to get from Seattle to Victoria?

The fastest way is by seaplane via Kenmore Air. The flight takes only 45 minutes.

Is there a car ferry from Seattle to Victoria?

Not directly. You’ll need to drive to Port Angeles and take the Black Ball Ferry.

Can you take a ferry from Seattle to Victoria without a car?

Yes, the Clipper Ferry is for walk-on passengers and goes from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria.

Do I need a passport to go from Seattle to Victoria?

Yes, you’re crossing the U.S.-Canada border, so a valid passport is required.

Is it worth flying from Seattle to Victoria?

If time is short and budget isn’t tight, flying by seaplane is worth it for the views alone.