Written by Ash

How to Get a Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria: Prices + 2025 Schedules

08 April 2024 | 26 comments

The ferry from Vancouver to Victoria is one of the easiest ways to get across to BC’s capital city.

Whether you’re taking your own car or boarding the ferry via a bus from downtown Vancouver it’s also the most common method.

That said, you’ve gotta know how to do the Vancouver to Victoria ferry properly or you could be waiting on the tarmac.

Let’s break down the Vancouver ferry to Victoria.

How to Get the Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria

The Vancouver to Victoria ferry is run by BC Ferries – and it’s the only way to get across to the island without a car.

Don’t have your own car?

I’ll save you the time and tell you to skip ahead to the convenient bus+ferry package from downtown Vancouver.

🔥 We guarantee the lowest Victoria bus/ferry combo prices plus give unlimited changes and buy-now-pay-later options – click the button below for info.

Victoria Bus/Ferry Combo
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Or, you can read my Vancouver to Victoria bus post for more info.

Back to the ferry – the only Victoria ferry route available departs from Tsawwassen Terminal, about an hour south of downtown Vancouver.

Your Vancouver to Victoria ferry arrives at Swartz Bay which is about 40 minutes north of Victoria.

Let’s take a look at the ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria in more depth.

Vancouver Ferry to Victoria Sailing Duration

⚠️ Tourist without a car? Your best bet is getting an all-inclusive Victoria day trip from Vancouver that includes transport + the legendary Butchart Gardens. You won’t need to lift a finger.

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First things first: how long is the ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria?

The ferry trip from Vancouver to Victoria takes one hour and 35 minutes.

Factor in about an hour to get to Tsawwassen Terminal from downtown – and 40 minutes to get to Victoria from Swartz Bay – and the total Vancouver to Victoria ferry time is three and a half hours.

Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Prices

So, how much is a ticket for the Vancouver to Victoria ferry?

It depends on how you’re travelling.

‘Foot passengers’ (no car) and people with vehicles can board the ferries between Vancouver and Victoria.

Vehicle passengers must pay a fare for each individual in addition to the cost of the vehicle.

Vancouver to Victoria ferry price (no car)

Adult (12+): $18.50
Children (5-11): $9.25.
Children (0-5): Free.

Vehicle Add-Ons

Standard (up to 20 feet): $63.85.
Extra length (per foot): $7.25.
Motorcycles: $31.95.

As you can see, Vancouver to Victoria ferry tickets cost $82.35 for a single rider with their vehicle.

A family of four plus a vehicle comes to $119.35 for the Tsawwassen ferry to Victoria.

The Victoria ferry cost changes constantly, and we’re expecting another bump in 2025 – for the latest Vancouver Victoria ferry prices you can download this BC Ferries fare pdf.

⛴️ Ferry delays got you down? Find travel alternatives in our guide to navigating BC Ferry Cancellations.

Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Schedule

During peak season there are basically ferries to Victoria every hour on the hour from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm – with the exception of 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm.

The last Vancouver to Victoria ferry runs at 1:00 am in high season.

That said, if you’re visiting Vancouver in summer or over holidays I strongly suggest booking in advance.

Some of the early and late sailings also offer the chance of snagging a Saver Fare (before 8:00 am and after 4:00 pm for just $49.00), so keep that in mind as well.

banner for vancouver to victoria flights

No matter the time of year, BC Ferries is first-come, first-served so be aware.

For peak times (between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm) reservations are available for an additional $17.00.

How to Book a Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria

Under normal circumstances (off peak hours, weekdays, low season), to get the Vancouver to Victoria island ferry you’ll simply have to:

Drive from Vancouver to Tsawwassen Terminal
Purchase a ferry ticket for Victoria
Board the ferry for the 1 hour 35 min cruise across the Salish Sea
Get off and drive the 40 min journey to Central Victoria

It is naturally recommended to arrive 45-60 minutes prior to your sailing.

On the other hand, if you’re travelling on weekends and holidays it’s recommended to book your Victoria ferry tickets in advance using the button below:

Booking the Vancouver to Victoria ferry in advance counts the following fees: 7 days or more ($15.00), less than 7 days before ($18.50), and same day ($22.00)

BC Ferries Tickets
Book Your Boat Now

Again, during holiday weekends it is not uncommon to encounter 2-3 sailing waits due to the crowds – so plan ahead and book early.

Vancouver to Victoria Ferry Without a Car

There are two different ways to get from Vancouver to Victoria by ferry without a car.

One is a completely independent way using public transport (which I’ll get into later), but let’s focus on the most common way: ferries to Victoria with buses.

The BC Ferries Connector

For speed and convenience I suggest using the BC Ferries Connector.

This all-in-one bus and ferry combo ticket removes the need for anything – except sitting back with your tablet and letting them take you to the Vancouver to Victoria ferry.

In all, the journey takes around 4 hours.

It takes you from Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station to Victoria’s Capital City Station, right next to the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel – home of the famous Afternoon Tea at the Empress.

Here’s all you have to do to book the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria:

Purchase your Vancouver to Victoria package online in advance
Head to bay 8 at Pacific Central Station and scan your smartphone ticket
Board your bus bound for the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (you can get off the bus and enjoy the ferry ride!)
Re-board the bus on the other side as they take you from Victoria ferry terminal to Capital City Station

Each passenger on the Vancouver ferry to Victoria can take up to 3 pieces of baggage (2 checked bags, 1 carry-on).

Victoria Bus/Ferry Combo
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Can’t be bothered getting to Pacific Central? They’ve got a hotel pickup bus-ferry combo ticket as well:

Vancouver to Victoria Bus
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What to Expect of Ferries to Victoria: My Experience

Getting to Tsawassen

First things first, you’ll need to get to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.

Once you’ve parked and checked in, you’ll either drive your car onto the ferry or, if you’re a foot passenger, simply walk on board.

The boarding process is pretty straightforward and well-organized. Just follow the signs and the staff’s instructions.

Now, let’s talk about the ferry ride itself.

Getting a Seat for the Ride: My Suggestions

The ferries are big and spacious, with plenty of seating options.

Once you’ve settled in, especially in summer, I recommend heading straight to the outer decks. The views are absolutely stunning.

You’ll pass by picturesque islands, see lush forests, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some marine wildlife like seals, dolphins, or even whales.

Vancouver Victoria Ferry Amenities

I usually hit the Seawest Lounge, which serves Starbucks coffee and offers everything from light snacks to full meals.

If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, there’s the Coastal Cafe where you can grab a coffee and a pastry.

The seating areas are comfortable, and there are even some lounges where you can relax and maybe read a book or catch up on some work.

For those traveling with kids, there are play areas that can keep the little ones entertained. And if you need to stay connected, there’s Wi-Fi available.

Don’t forget to step outside regularly; the fresh sea breeze and the panoramic views are part of what makes this journey so special.

Victoria Ferry Arrival

As you approach Vancouver Island, you’ll notice the ferry slowing down and preparing to dock at the Swartz Bay Terminal.

If you have a car, you’ll be directed off the ferry by the staff, and if you’re on foot, just follow the signs to exit.

Once you’re off the ferry, you’ll find yourself about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria. There are buses, taxis, and ride-shares available if you need transportation from the terminal.

Overall, taking the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria is more than just a mode of transportation – it’s an experience in itself.

Safe travels and enjoy your trip to Victoria!

Ferry to Victoria from Vancouver Tips

Get to the terminals at least 60 minutes in advance to avoid any snags
Dress in layers (even in summer) as it gets windy on the deck
WiFi can be spotty so download some movies/TV in advance if that’s your thing
Make sure to set the parking brake and lock your vehicle
Grab a Vancouver to Victoria ferry Saver Fare (sailings before 8:00 am/after 4:00 pm)
For ferries to Victoria BC never show up on a weekend or holiday without pre-booking
On holiday and looking for a thrill? Book a seaplane and ferry combo package to up the ante
Always check the current BC Ferries conditions the day of (and day before) your trip
Plan your Vancouver to Victoria day trip properly

Vancouver to Victoria Ferry FAQ

What’s the fastest ferry route from Vancouver to Victoria?

The fastest ferry from Vancouver to Victoria is in fact the only route: Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Swartz Bay. It takes one hour and 35 minutes.

How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria?

The ride between Tsawwassen Terminal (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Victoria) is one hour and 35 minutes.

How much is the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?

The ferry from Vancouver to Victoria costs $18.00 per adult and a standard sized vehicle costs $62.00, for a total of $80.00 per trip.

A family of four can take the ferry from Vancouver BC to Victoria BC for $135.85, though there are many factors at play including potential reservation fees, off-peak Saver Fare offers, and more.

Where do you catch ferries to Victoria from Vancouver?

Ferries from Vancouver to Victoria BC depart from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which is located about 45 minutes south of Vancouver in the suburb of Tsawwassen.

How to take the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?

To take the Vancouver to Victoria ferry you will need to get to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, board the BC Ferries boat there, and sail across the Salish Sea to Swartz Bay.

Which ferry to take from Vancouver to Victoria?

There is only one ferry you can take from Vancouver to Victoria and that is the Swartz Bay sailing from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which is located 45 minutes south west of Vancouver.

Is there a direct ferry from downtown Vancouver to Victoria?

No, there is no direct Victoria ferry from downtown Vancouver. Instead, you’ll need to get to Tsawassen terminal. It is 45 minutes south of Vancouver and reachable by car or by taking a bus package from downtown.

When is the last ferry to Victoria from Vancouver?

The last ferry from Vancouver to Victoria departs at 1:00 am during high season (summer) but generally much earlier in low seasons (around 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm depending on season)

How often does the ferry run to Vancouver Island?

The ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island runs almost hourly during peak season, and about every 90 minutes during off-season (between 6:00 am and 12:00 am).

What is the best time to travel on the Vancouver to Victoria ferry to avoid crowds?

The best time to travel on the Vancouver to Victoria ferry to avoid crowds is typically during weekdays, especially outside of peak hours (early mornings and late afternoons) and outside of tourist seasons, such as late fall or early spring.

Are pets allowed on the Victoria ferry from Vancouver?

Yes, pets are allowed on the Vancouver to Victoria ferry, but they must be kept in designated pet areas or in vehicles, and they should be on a leash or in a pet carrier.