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
If you’re crossing over to Vancouver Island with a car, you’ll have to take BC Ferries – there is no way around it.
Don’t have your own car?
You’ll need to book the Vancouver to Victoria bus (aka the BC Ferries Connector) which takes you all the way there from downtown Vancouver (skip ahead to this section).
The only 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 Ferries to Victoria Sailing Duration
The ferry trip from Vancouver to Victoria takes one hour and 35 minutes.
Factor in about an hour to get to Tsawwassen Terminal – and 40 minutes to get to Victoria from Swartz Bay – and the total Vancouver to Victoria ferry time is three and a half hours.
Looking for something a bit quicker? Consider the Vancouver to Victoria seaplane which is an attraction in itself.
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.
Individual Fares (aka ‘foot passengers’)
- Adult (12+): $18.50
- Children (5-11): $9.25.
- Children (0-5): Free.
Vehicle Fares
- 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.
Prices change constantly, and we’re expecting another bump in 2024 – for the latest Vancouver Victoria ferry prices you can download this BC Ferries fare pdf.
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.
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.
Related: The Best Things to Do in Victoria
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:
Again, during holiday weekends it is not uncommon to encounter 2-3 sailing waits due to the crowds – so plan ahead and book early.
Related: Best Cheap Hotels in Victoria
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 do the rest.
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.
Here’s all you have to do to book the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria by bus:
- Purchase your Vancouver to Victoria bus tickets 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).
Book My Bus-Ferry Combo Ticket Now
Can’t be bothered getting to Pacific Central? They’ve got a hotel pickup bus-ferry combo ticket as well:
Book My Hotel Pickup Bus-Ferry Combo
Getting to the Victoria Ferry Using Public Transit
Finally, the cheapest way to get to Victoria from Vancouver by ferry involves using Vancouver public transit:
- Skytrain from downtown Vancouver to Richmond-Bridgeport Station
- #620 bus to Tsawwassen Terminal
- Enter Tsawwassen Terminal and purchase a ferry ticket for Victoria
- #70 bus to Downtown Victoria
This journey takes about five to six hours in total and involves buying four separate tickets.
Taking the Victoria ferry from Vancouver this way is around $30.00 to $35.00.
Related: Best Hotels in Victoria
Vancouver Victoria Ferry Tips
- Get to the terminals at least 60 minutes in advance to avoid any snags
- Try to grab a Saver Fare booking at least a week in advance (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 Canada 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?
Fares for one adult ($18.00) and a standard sized vehicle ($62.00) add up to $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.
? Don’t wanna worry about the ferry? Check out the 5 best Victoria tours from Vancouver.
Ready to Board Your Vancouver to Victoria Ferry?
I’ve broken down how to get to Victoria from Vancouver by ferry – but damnit, I always miss something!
If there’s something else you need a hand on regarding Tsawwassen to Victoria, just let me know below.
Enjoy the Vancouver Victoria ferry 🙂
Do I need a Passport to visit or Will a “real I.D.” ?~
Hello! From Vancouver to Victoria you won’t need any ID 🙂 That said, I’d keep a basic ID handy just in case.
If we are arriving into YVR at 11AM on 8/16 what would be the ferry time we should choose that will allow us to clear customs, pick up our car and drive from the airport to the ferry station? I would love for it to be the 2:00 ferry but to be safe I think I should reserve the 3:00 ferry in case we have any delays
Hi John,
Summer customs lines can take a bit – not to mention picking up the car. You may get lucky to make it for the 2:00 pm ferry (the drive isn’t that far from the airport) but everything would have to go perfectly.
In order to allow for a hiccup or two (or a stop for coffee if you’ve got time) I’d book the 3 pm one.
Cheers,
What are the price to take ferry
To buschart gardens and can ferry take vehicles
Hello! All the information is listed above 🙂 You can take vehicles, yes… prices are above and links to book as well.
I have a travel trailer. 25’ long not incl pickup truck, 2 adults one small dog… what would that cost, considering no reservation?
Hi Norm,
It depends on the day and time, but entering two adults plus the 30+ foot vehicle it’s coming out between $217 and $232 on my end.
Please put in your exact dates here for a more accurate picture.
Thanks,
Hello, I can see in a map the Ferry pass through US waters, of course in this case I don’t need US visa?
And may I go with a rent car? Justo need to pay the Ferry rate? Thanks.
Hello,
From Vancouver to Victoria you won’t need a US visa or anything else. The ferry doesn’t pass through US waters… this is a Canada to Canada ferry 🙂
You can also go with a rental car but please double check the terms and conditions of the rental 🙂
Cheers,
How much for seniors on foot
You can get the most up to date prices here for your dates.
How do you get to Vancouver from the airport flying in from Australia?
Hello! The international arrivals and domestic are right next to each other… it depends which method you’re taking.
Take a look at my post on how to get to Vancouver from Vancouver airport to choose.