It looks close enough on the map, but knowing how to get to Victoria from Vancouver can get complicated.
There’s four different ways, four different prices, and you could be in there in 30 minutes or take half the day.
Let’s take a deeper look at how to get to Victoria with the least hassle possible.
How to Get to Victoria From Vancouver: Vancouver to Victoria Transport Options
Look up! Victoria is just 107 km southwest of Vancouver, on beautiful Vancouver Island.
That said, you can see that the Salish Sea stands in the way of a smooth trip from Vancouver to Victoria.
That’s a hell of a road block, and especially bad for drivers looking for a quick trip.
In short, you can’t drive directly to Victoria from Vancouver.
Luckily, I’m gonna go through four different transportation options so you can get to Victoria from Vancouver as quickly as possible.
Let’s take a look.
Ferries: The Most Common Way to Get to Victoria
⏱️ Time: 3 hours (from downtown Vancouver) | 🏷️ Price: $18.50 (passenger) $63.85 (car)
BC Ferries operates the only ferry service between Vancouver and Victoria, and if you’ve got a car – you’ll need them.
These ferries depart from Tsawwassen Terminal, which is 38km south of downtown Vancouver.
There are three ways to get from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Terminal:
- Driving: Follow the route on Google Maps and you’ll be there in 35 minutes.
- Public Transit: Canada Line of Skytrain to Brighouse, then bus #620 to Tsawwassen.
- Bus: The BC Ferries Connector offers service from downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport directly to Victoria via Tsawwassen Terminal.
These Vancouver to Victoria ferries allow both ‘foot passengers’ and people with vehicles.
You can book your tickets online using the BC Ferries booking platform.
Don’t wanna worry about getting there? Check out the 5 best Victoria tours from Vancouver.
Bus: Best Way to Get to Victoria Without a Car
🔥 We guarantee the lowest Victoria bus prices if booked using the buttons below. If you find the same product cheaper you’ll be refunded the difference – click the button for info.
⏱️ Time: 3 hours (from downtown Vancouver) | 🏷️ Price: $99.60
For those wondering about getting to Victoria without a car, you’re in luck.
Buses from Vancouver to Victoria run multiple times a day.
These convenient, all-inclusive tickets include coach transport and ferry tickets all in one.
Best of all, the buses depart from downtown Vancouver – a hassle-free option that’s optimal for travellers who just wanna sit back with the tablet and not worry about it.
It leaves from Pacific Central Station at 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.
With limited times and spaces, tickets must be booked well in advance – using the button below you also get free cancellation, unlimited changes, and can book with no money down:
Seaplane: Fastest Way to Get to Victoria
🔥 We guarantee the lowest Victoria seaplane prices if booked using the buttons below. If you find the same product cheaper you’ll be refunded the difference – click the button for info.
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes (from downtown Vancouver) | 🏷️ Price: $375.63
The Vancouver to Victoria seaplane replaces annoying airport check-in procedures with a pre-flight walk along Vancouver’s Seawall.
This quick 30-minute trip departs right downtown at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, and it’s undoubtedly the best way to get to Victoria from Vancouver.
Along the way you get stunning panoramic views of the Vancouver skyline, the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge.
It’s a true ‘door-to-door’ experience and it costs about the same as commercial flights, but are 2 hours quicker.
Each flight includes:
- Free WiFi and charging terminals
- Complimentary hotel shuttle (Monday-Friday)
- Free coffee/tea/baked goods (in the terminal)
- Newspapers/magazines
- 50 lbs baggage allowance
Using Harbour Air to get to Victoria means arriving only 25-30 minutes before your flight for check-in.
With only 12 seats per flight, it is strongly advised to reserve your seats online well in advance:
Public Transit: Slowest Way to Get There
⏱️ Time: 6 hours (from downtown Vancouver) | 🏷️ Price: about $25.00
Let’s break this down step by step, because it’s a bit of a slog, honestly.
Public transit is the cheapest way to get to Victoria, sure. In fact, it can be done for under $30.00 using the local bus network and then boarding the ferry as a foot passenger.
This 4-step process requires payment of 3 separate fares.
- Board the Canada Line downtown and purchase a two-zone fare.
- Head South towards Richmond-Brighouse or YVR and get off at Bridgeport Station.
- Walk down the stairs towards bus loop bay 12, which services the #620 Tsawwassen bus. Your fare is still good here.
- Get off at the terminus stop and walk into the ferry building. The bus takes about 40 minutes.
- Purchase your ticket for Victoria from a cashier or machine.
- Board the ferry when called. Sailing takes about an hour and forty minutes.
- You’ll arrive in Swartz Bay: follow the signs outside the terminal to the bus stop, and board the #70 Downtown Express bus. It’ll take about an hour.
Here’s the bus schedules if you need them: #620 Tsawwassen and #70 Downtown.
Related: Find the Best Hotels in Victoria BC, for your holiday.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️ – Don’t have a car? It’s high season, and Victoria bus-ferry combo tickets are in low supply. Lock in your spot with no money down/a free cancellation option by booking your tickets in advance.
Best Way to Get to Victoria from Vancouver
It’s no question for me: the best way to get to Victoria from Vancouver is the seaplane.
You’re up in the air in minutes, flying over the Gulf Islands like you’re in some kind of National Geographic special.
One second, you’re gliding over the water, the next, you’re stepping off right in the middle of Victoria’s harbour.
No traffic. No waiting. Just straight-up scenic bliss.
But yeah, it’s pricey.
If I’m feeling flush or short on time, I’ll splurge.
Otherwise, I do what most locals do: take the ferry. There’s nothing wrong with it. In fact, it’s a bit of an experience in itself.
The ride is gorgeous, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot orcas – I haven’t yet but I have friends who have.
Plus, it’s a fraction of the cost. Bring a coffee, grab a seat by the window, and enjoy the ride.
Related: Plan the Perfect Vancouver to Victoria Day Trip
How to Get from Vancouver to Victoria Without a Car
​I said it before, and I’ll say it again: the Seaplane is hands down the fastest and most scenic option.
If budget isn’t an issue, this is the best way to travel between Vancouver and Victoria without a car.
That said, the ferry + bus combo is the most affordable and widely used option.
It’s a longer journey, but it’s reliable, scenic, as easy as it gets.
The BC Ferries Connector handles everything: bus, ferry, and transfer – so there’s no need to figure out connections.
Either way, Victoria is well worth the trip, and getting there without a car is easier than it seems.
How to Get from Vancouver Airport to Victoria
Direct Coach (Easiest)
BC Ferries Connector, the one I mentioned before departing from downtown, strike again.
They run a seamless Vancouver Airport to Victoria bus service, handling both bus and ferry in a single ticket.
No transfers, no stress: just sit back and enjoy.
Tickets can be booked with the button below:
Public Transit (Cheapest)
- Canada Line SkyTrain to Bridgeport
- 620 Bus to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
- BC Ferries to Swartz Bay
- Bus #70 or #72 into Victoria
It takes longer (around 4-5 hours), but it’s the most budget-friendly option.
Regular Flight (Alternative)
Quick 40-minute flights from YVR to Victoria International (YYJ) are available, followed by a taxi or bus into town.
Efficient, but adds airport hassle.
Air Canada is the leading flight provider from Vancouver to Victoria.
How to Get to Victoria BC from Vancouver: Arrivals
Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
Whether you’re coming via bus or car, passengers will arrive at Swartz Bar Ferry Terminal, about 40 minutes’ drive from downtown Victoria.
If you’re taking the bus, just get back on and they’ll take you directly to Capital City Station downtown.
Foot passenger? As I said before, you can reach downtown Victoria via the #70 Downtown Express bus.
Again, I should note that seaplane passengers skip this step all together: the planes land directly in Victoria harbour, saving another 40 minutes at least.
Main Victoria Transport Hubs
Victoria is also connected to Vancouver via the following hubs:
- Capital City Station – Victoria’s main bus station, which serves Vancouver and other destinations throughout the island.
- Victoria International Airport (YYJ) – Located 30 minutes North of the City Centre, YYJ offers service to Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco and more.
- The Inner Harbour – Houses terminals for Seaplane service to Vancouver and the Washington State Ferries.
You will find taxis outside these stations, should you need a quick way to get to your final destination.
Otherwise, you can use the Victoria public bus system to carry on your trip.
Vancouver to Victoria FAQs
How far is Victoria from Vancouver?
Victoria is 107 kilometres southwest of Vancouver, and the trip takes about 90 minutes by ferry.
How long to get from Vancouver to Victoria​?
The trip from Vancouver to Victoria takes 35 minutes (seaplane), 1 hour 45 minutes (ferry), 3 hours (bus), and 6 hours (public transport) factoring in all transfer times.
How do you get from Vancouver to Victoria?
You can travel to Vancouver Island from Vancouver via ferry, coach, float plane or flight.
How to get from Vancouver to Victoria without a car?
To get to Victoria from Vancouver without a car, you will need to take the bus service from Pacific Central Station or take a seaplane from downtown.
What’s the best way to get from Vancouver to Victoria?
The best way to get to Victoria from Vancouver is by taking a seaplane. This way, you get downtown-to-downtown service in less than one hour.
All Sorted on How to Get to Victoria from Vancouver?
Aside from swimming and the world-famous bathtub race, I’ve covered all the transportation options to Vancouver Island.
If you still have questions, ask them in the comments below, and I’ll answer them directly.
But otherwise, you can now consider yourself an expert on how to get from Vancouver to Victoria.
Safe travels ⛴️
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February 26, 2022 at 11:27 amHi ,can the major tourist attractions of Victoria be covered in 1 day?
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March 8, 2022 at 12:23 am
Team MemberAshHi Nikhil, Provided you've rented a car and can easily move from one place to another without having to rely on a less than efficient public transport system, I would say you can definitely visit the most important things in one day :) Please let me know if you have any more questions, Ash
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March 21, 2022 at 11:20 pmHi Ash, we will be renting a car for self drive to Whistler-Jasper-Banff. Do you have any car rental company recommendation for car rental at downtown Vancouver?
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March 23, 2022 at 10:12 pm Team MemberAshHi Mei, If you're doing long distance rentals then I always recommend Enterprise as it's got the best prices/customer service. Their downtown office is closed but they've got one in Olympic Village, which is just minutes away from downtown. Cheers, Ash
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September 15, 2022 at 9:23 pmWould it be crazy to bicycle from Vancouver (after flying in to the airport the day before & finding overnight lodging) to the ferry terminal? And then from Victoria Island's terminal into Victoria?
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September 20, 2022 at 12:37 pm Team MemberAshHi Jo, Honestly, there won't be any bike specific lanes for most of these trips. If you're used to road biking it shouldn't be that bad as there are not any massive hills between Vancouver and the ferry terminal, nor on the other side. I wouldn't want to do it but I am sure hardcore bikers wouldn't have a problem! Cheers,
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July 18, 2023 at 4:57 pmLos horarios de Vancuver a victoria y de regreso por favor y que es más conveniente tomar el autobús en el centro o irme por mi mismo en el servicio público al muelle tsawassen
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July 24, 2023 at 9:01 am Team MemberAshHola Juan, Los horarios puede incontrar en los links puestos arriba. Irse por si mismo es posible - es lo mas economico pero al final es un rollo de 3 metodos de trasporte diferentes y puede tardar una horita mas en llegar. Si tuviera el dinero me compraria el billete que incluye el bus! Al final lo que decide usted depende de su presupuesto. Mi opinion :)
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