Is there a bus from Vancouver to Victoria? Yes, though there are technically two options, which I’ll get into shortly.
The important thing to know is that other than the costly seaplane, the bus is the most stress-free way to get to BC’s Capital city without a vehicle.
No Google Maps, no gas prices, no extra insurance on the rental car – just you, your tablet, and a bus!
Let’s look at how to get a Vancouver to Victoria bus.
Vancouver to Victoria Bus
Firstly, as I said above, there are two ways to get to Victoria from Vancouver by bus.
The first? I outlined it in my Vancouver to Victoria article, and it involves four separate tickets and the use of the Vancouver public transit system.
- A Skytrain ride to the suburb of Richmond
- The #620 bus to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
- A Victoria ferry ticket
- Use Victoria Transit and take the #70 bus to downtown Victoria
Expect this to take around six hours, depending on connections, and maybe longer if you’re lugging around suitcases.
This is why most travellers go for the much shorter BC Ferries Connector.
The Fastest Bus Service from Vancouver to Victoria
The BC Ferries Connector is an all-in-one coach and ferry combo ticket that will deliver you from downtown Vancouver to Victoria in four hours or less.
It’s the quickest and cheapest way to get there without a car unless you’re willing to shell out $255.00 on the Vancouver to Victoria seaplane.
All you have to do is buy your smartphone tickets online, show up at Pacific Central Station, and they’ll take you right to Capital City Station in Victoria.
Indeed, the bus to Victoria leaves you right behind the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, within walking distance of most Victoria hotels and Victoria’s top attractions.
| Curious yet? Check out the BC Ferries Connector reviews from recent ticket buyers (expect more shortly, as this is a relatively new product).
Vancouver to Victoria Bus Fares
- Adults (12 and up) – $98.08 CAD
- Children (5-11) – $49.04 CAD
- Infants (0-4) – Free
You can check all of the fare options by clicking the button below:
Can’t be bothered getting to Pacific Central? They’ve got a hotel pickup bus-ferry combo ticket as well:
Booking return tickets? You can save 10% by booking both trips at the same time:
Related: Butchart Gardens: Victoria’s Floral Paradise
Where to Buy Vancouver to Victoria Bus Tickets
Tickets can be purchased via our partners at Viator.
The advantage of this Tripadvisor affiliate is that they’ll instantly deliver downloadable tickets. And they also offer a low price guarantee and free cancellation until 24 hours before your departure.
Pre
Here’s a quick walkthrough of how to get to secure tickets using this simple system:
- Purchase your Vancouver to Victoria bus ticket online in advance
- Head to Pacific Central Station 15 minutes before your bus
- Go to Bay 8 and get the bus driver to scan your smartphone ticket
- Board the bus and enjoy your trip to Victoria!
These buses run three times a day – you can check out the scheduling and get more info using the orange button below:
Related: The 27 Best Things to Do in Victoria
How to Go to Victoria from Vancouver by Bus: Schedules
During the peak tourist season, the Vancouver to Victoria shuttle offers four daily departures:
- 9:30 am
- 11:30 am
- 1:30 pm
- 3:30 pm
Off-season, you’ll see a reduction in service to just one morning and one afternoon departure.
Three departures per day are also offered during a brief shoulder season – but only for three weeks in May.
The trip duration is typically between 3 hours and 35 minutes and 4 hours. This depends on whether or not a stop at Vancouver International Airport is included – a possibility in some cases.
Don’t forget you’ll have to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
For an up-to-date schedule, use the availability checker here:
And for the Victoria to Vancouver trip:
Looking to book a trip from the airport? Check out our article on the YVR to Victoria bus.
Where Does the Trip Leave From?
Pacific Central Station is a railway and intercity bus station located on the fringes of Downtown Vancouver. So if you’re staying somewhere central, you’re looking at a 10-15 minute Uber ride, depending on traffic.
Alternatively, it’s a short walk from the Main Street-Science World Skytrain station. This places it about two stops from Burrard and Granville Stations – the stops closest to most Downtown hotels.
Check out our Vancouver Transport Mega Guide to make sure you master the Vancouver transit system – and make your bus on time.
✈️ Looking to get to YVR from Victoria? Check out the Victoria to YVR bus.
Where Will You Arrive At?
You’ll be happy to find out that Capital City Station is even more central than its Vancouver counterpart.
In fact, many of our favourite Victoria hotels are located meters away from this Vancouver Island transit hub.
Even if you’re staying in a Victoria budget hotel that’s a little further afield, not to worry. The city’s relatively small size ensures you’re likely only a 5-7 minute cab ride from your accommodation.
The station’s fantastic location even makes a day trip a possibility (if you grab the first ferry) – though stays of at least one night are recommended. Great activities such as Victoria whale watching tours, the Victoria hop on hop off bus, the Royal BC Museum and high tea at the Empress are all literally across the street.
? Don’t wanna worry about the bus? Check out the 5 best Victoria tours from Vancouver.
Vancouver to Victoria Bus FAQ
Is there a bus from Vancouver to Victoria?
Yes, the bus from Vancouver to Victoria is called the BC Ferries Connector. The journey takes approximately four hours, with tickets costing $98.08 via the ticket seller Viator.
How long is the bus to Victoria from Vancouver?
The bus from Victoria to Vancouver takes between three and a half and four hours, depending on whether your departure stops at YVR. This includes the 1-hour and 35-minute ferry crossing.
What is the Vancouver to Victoria bus fare?
The Vancouver to Victoria bus fare is $98.08 via the ticket seller Viator.
Is the Vancouver to Victoria ferry included in my fare?
Yes, the cost of the ferry is built into your Vancouver to Victoria bus fare.
Is the return journey included in my ticket?
No, your ticket only includes a one-way journey to Victoria. However, Viator does offer the return journey on its website as well. So be sure to book your return fare in advance.
Is there Capital City Station luggage storage available?
Yes, if you’re on a Victoria day trip or a short-term visitor Capital City Station does offer luggage storage. The rates are as follows:
- Short-term (up to 2 hours) – $5 per bag
- Medium-term (up to 4 hours) – $8 per bag
- Full Day (until close) – $12 per bag
- Overnight (until closure the following day) -$20
Check out our Victoria day trip guide for more information on short-term visits to the Garden City.
Ready to Book a Bus from Vancouver to Victoria?
I hope I’ve made you an expert on the bus trip between BC’s two most important cities. Whether you’re just heading back from holiday or looking to explore Victoria, you should be good to go.
That said, if I missed something about the Vancouver to Victoria bus, let me know in the comments below 🙂
Enjoy the island?
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