Tsawwassen to Victoria & Swartz Bay Ferry Time Broken Down

If you’re heading from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, it’s normal to ask: How long is the ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria? Then maybe you see the words Swartz Bay and wonder: Is that the same thing? And how long is that trip?

These are common questions. You’re not alone in being confused, especially if it’s your first time visiting the area.

I’ve done this route dozens of times. In this post, I’ll break down both questions clearly—and share a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way.

How Long Is the Ferry From Tsawwassen to Victoria?

This question makes sense if you’re trying to plan your day or figure out how long you’ll be on the water. The good news is that the Vancouver to Victoria ferry is quite convenient.

But there is a catch. The ferry doesn’t actually go straight to downtown Victoria. Nor does it leave from the heart of Vancouver.

Instead, it goes from Tsawwassen Terminal , south of Vancouver, to Swartz Bay Terminal, which is about 30–40 minutes north of Victoria by car or bus. That surprises a lot of people—but that’s the facts.

So while people often say “the ferry to Victoria,” what they’re really referring to is the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route. Still, it’s your best option if you’re trying to get to Victoria. Unless you’re willing to spend a few bucks and grab the Victoria seaplane.

📋 Looking for an island itinerary? Check out our Vancouver Island road trip guide.

How Long Is the Ferry From Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay?

The ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay takes 1 hour and 35 minutes. That’s the official travel time from dock to dock on the water.

I’ve done this crossing in rain, sun, wind—you name it. The ferries are large and stable, and if you’re lucky, you’ll pass through the Gulf Islands in perfect light.

Most people sit indoors, but I always like to head up to the top deck with a coffee if the weather isn’t terrible.

Just remember: once you land in Swartz Bay, you’ll still need to travel into Victoria itself.

🗺️ Need more info? Find out how far Tsawwassen is from DT Vancouver.

Victoria Whale Watching

Heading to Victoria? You’ve got a 95% chance of seeing whales

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How Long Does the Full Trip Take Door to Door?

You know both the sailing time and the landing spot, so here’s what the total trip between Vancouver and Victoria usually looks like:

• 🛳 Ferry ride (Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay): 1 hour 35 minutes
• ⏱ Boarding time at terminal: ~30–60 minutes
• 🚗 Travel from Vancouver to Tsawwassen terminal: ~40 minutes by car, ~90 minutes by transit
• 🚌 Travel from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria: 30–40 minutes by car or transit

👉 Total travel time: around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on how you’re getting around.

I always suggest people build in a little buffer—traffic, ferry delays, and loading times can sneak up on you.

🚌 Looking for an all-inclusive ticket? Pick up a Vancouver-to-Victoria bus-and-ferry combo pass.

Tips to Make the Trip Smoother

Much like I mentioned in my post on how to get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver, here’s a few lessons from my own trial and error over the years:

• Reserve if you’re bringing a car. BC Ferries gets busy, especially in summer. I’ve waited hours just because I didn’t book ahead.
• Going as a foot passenger? It’s usually faster and easier. You can use public transit all the way and skip the vehicle lineups.
• The best time to travel? Morning sailings tend to be more reliable and less crowded.
• Bring snacks or eat on board. The cafeteria isn’t fancy, but it’s better than you’d expect. Their fries and gravy are a guilty favourite of mine.
• Use the sailing time. Read, nap, or go outside. The ride’s long enough that it’s worth settling in.

🚊 Wondering if you can take the train? Let’s answer the question: Does the Skytrain go to Tsawwassen?

Final Thoughts

To sum it up:

• How long is the ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria? The ferry itself is 1 hour and 35 minutes, but getting into Victoria takes longer. Budget 4-5 hours in total.
• How long is the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay? Exactly 1 hour and 35 minutes, every time.

There are two ways of asking the same thing—just with a different focus. Hopefully, that clears it up.

Still got questions? Drop a comment or message me!

At Vancouver Planner, I’m always around to help make your trip a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.