Considering traveling to Victoria from Vancouver? There are a number of easy and gorgeous ways to travel, whether you’re a local seeking a short vacation or a tourist keen to see British Columbia’s capital. Every mode of transportation, from buses and ferries to seaplanes and helicopters, provides a different kind of travel experience. Make the most of your journey by learning the best routes and advice for traveling from Vancouver to Victoria.
Ferry and Bus
The ferry and bus combination is a popular and convenient way to travel from Vancouver to Victoria. This option involves taking a BC Ferries Connector bus from downtown Vancouver to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, boarding a BC Ferry to Swartz Bay, and then continuing by bus to downtown Victoria. The total travel time is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, including the bus ride, ferry crossing, and transfer times.
Costs
- Adult Fare: Approximately $55 CAD one-way.
- Child Fare (5-11 years): Approximately $27.50 CAD one-way.
- Infants (0-4 years): Free.
Time Schedule
| Departure Location | Departure Time | Arrival Location | Arrival Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver (Pacific Central Station) | 7:30 AM | Victoria (Capital City Station) | 11:20 AM | Daily |
| Vancouver (Pacific Central Station) | 9:30 AM | Victoria (Capital City Station) | 1:20 PM | Daily |
| Vancouver (Pacific Central Station) | 11:30 AM | Victoria (Capital City Station) | 3:20 PM | Daily |
| Vancouver (Pacific Central Station) | 1:30 PM | Victoria (Capital City Station) | 5:20 PM | Daily |
| Vancouver (Pacific Central Station) | 3:30 PM | Victoria (Capital City Station) | 7:20 PM | Daily |
| Vancouver (Pacific Central Station) | 5:30 PM | Victoria (Capital City Station) | 9:20 PM | Daily |
Booking and Travel Tips
It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times. You can book online through the BC Ferries Connector website. The BC Ferries Connector buses are equipped with comfortable seating and onboard amenities, while the ferry offers various facilities, including dining options, shops, and scenic decks.
Additional Information
The BC Ferries Connector allows for luggage storage onboard the buses. Make sure your luggage is tagged with your contact information. The buses are equipped to accommodate passengers with mobility needs, so it’s advisable to inform the service provider in advance if you require special assistance.
Car and Ferry
You also have the alternative to get to Victoria from Vancouver by car and ferry, which is a popular and scenic option that allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of British Columbia. Not to mention pit stops and small get aways that you choose by yourself. The total travel time from Vancouver to Victoria, including driving and ferry time, is approximately 4 hours. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this journey.
Costs
- Infants (0-4 years): Free.
- Vehicle and Driver: Approximately $87.50 CAD one-way.
- Additional Adult Passenger: Approximately $18.50 CAD one-way.
- Child Passenger (5-11 years): Approximately $9.25 CAD one-way.
Route
Start by driving from downtown Vancouver to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which is about 37 km south of the city. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. At the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, board a BC Ferry to Swartz Bay. The ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Once you arrive at Swartz Bay, it’s a 30-40 minute drive to downtown Victoria.
Time Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 8:35 AM | 1h 35m |
| 9:00 AM | 10:35 AM | 1h 35m |
| 11:00 AM | 12:35 PM | 1h 35m |
| 1:00 PM | 2:35 PM | 1h 35m |
| 3:00 PM | 4:35 PM | 1h 35m |
| 5:00 PM | 6:35 PM | 1h 35m |
| 7:00 PM | 8:35 PM | 1h 35m |
| 9:00 PM | 10:35 PM | 1h 35m |
Booking and Travel Tips
Arrive at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding. Make sure to also book tickets in advance to be guaranteed a spot on your selected departure time.
Seaplane
Traveling from Vancouver to Victoria by seaplane is not only the fastest but also the most scenic option available. This mode of transportation offers a unique and breathtaking experience, allowing you to enjoy stunning aerial views of the coastline, islands, and the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean. As you soar above the landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to see the natural beauty of British Columbia from a perspective that few get to experience. The journey is both quick and convenient, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their time in Victoria.
Costs
- Adult Fare (12+ years): Approximately $296.04 CAD one-way.
- Child Fare (3-11 years): Approximately $158.51 CAD one-way.
- Infants (0-2 years): Free.
Seaplane Route
The seaplane departs from the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, located near Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, and lands at the Victoria Inner Harbour, right in the heart of downtown Victoria. The flight takes approximately 35 minutes, providing a quick and convenient way to travel between the two cities.
Seaplane Time Schedule
| Departure Time (Vancouver) | Arrival Time (Victoria) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 7:35 AM | 35m |
| 8:00 AM | 8:35 AM | 35m |
| 9:00 AM | 9:35 AM | 35m |
| 10:00 AM | 10:35 AM | 35m |
| 11:00 AM | 11:35 AM | 35m |
| 12:00 PM | 12:35 PM | 35m |
| 1:00 PM | 1:35 PM | 35m |
| 2:00 PM | 2:35 PM | 35m |
| 3:00 PM | 3:35 PM | 35m |
| 4:00 PM | 4:35 PM | 35m |
| 5:00 PM | 5:35 PM | 35m |
| 6:00 PM | 6:35 PM | 35m |
Booking and Travel Tips
You can book online through the Harbour Air website. Arrive at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in. The seaplane offers a unique travel experience with stunning aerial views, so have your camera ready for some amazing photos.
Additional Information
Harbour Air provides a comfortable and efficient service with a maximum of 14 passengers per flight, ensuring a personalized experience. The seaplanes are equipped with large windows for optimal viewing, and the flight itself is smooth and has great views. Free cancellation and changes are available up to 24 hours before the flight, offering flexibility for your travel plans.
Helicopter
Traveling from Vancouver to Victoria by helicopter is a fast and luxurious option, offering stunning aerial views and a quick journey between the two cities while bypassing the usual traffic and ferry lines. The flight itself is quick, typically taking around 35 minutes, which means you can spend more time enjoying your destination and less time traveling.
Costs
- Adult Fare: Approximately $395 CAD one-way.
- Child Fare: Prices may vary; check with Helijet for specific rates.
- Infants: Typically free, but confirm with Helijet for details.
Helicopter Route
The helicopter departs from the Vancouver Harbour Heliport, located near Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, and lands at the Victoria Harbour Heliport, conveniently situated in downtown Victoria.
Helijet Helicopter Time Schedule
| Departure Time (Vancouver) | Arrival Time (Victoria) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 7:35 AM | 35m |
| 8:00 AM | 8:35 AM | 35m |
| 9:00 AM | 9:35 AM | 35m |
| 10:00 AM | 10:35 AM | 35m |
| 11:00 AM | 11:35 AM | 35m |
| 12:00 PM | 12:35 PM | 35m |
| 1:00 PM | 1:35 PM | 35m |
| 2:00 PM | 2:35 PM | 35m |
| 3:00 PM | 3:35 PM | 35m |
| 4:00 PM | 4:35 PM | 35m |
| 5:00 PM | 5:35 PM | 35m |
| 6:00 PM | 6:35 PM | 35m |
Booking and Travel Tips
You can book a helicopter online through the Helijet website or via their partner, BLADE. Arrive at the Vancouver Harbour Heliport at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in.
Additional Information
Helijet provides a comfortable and efficient service with a maximum of 12 passengers per flight, ensuring a personalized experience. Complimentary amenities such as Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee, teas, light snacks, and business workstations are available at the Helijet Passenger Lounges.
Public Transit
If you want to know how to get to Victoria from Vancouver on the most budget friendly option then it is most definitely by public transit as there are no present strikes. It offers a combination of SkyTrain and bus services that connect seamlessly with the BC Ferries. The total travel time is approximately 4 to 5 hours, including transfer times. This can be combined with a somewhat more expensive but convinient alternative by taking the taxi to the Ferry terminal.
Public Transit Route
Start by taking the Canada Line SkyTrain from downtown Vancouver to Bridgeport Station in Richmond. The SkyTrain ride takes approximately 20 minutes. From Bridgeport Station, transfer to bus #620, which will take you directly to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes. At the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, board a BC Ferry to Swartz Bay. The ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Once you arrive at Swartz Bay, take bus #70 or #72 to downtown Victoria, which takes about 40 minutes.
Costs
- SkyTrain Fare: Approximately $4.45 CAD (one-way, adult fare).
- Bus Fare (Bridgeport to Tsawwassen): Included in the SkyTrain fare if completed within 90 minutes.
- BC Ferry Fare: Approximately $18.50 CAD (one-way, adult fare).
- Bus Fare (Swartz Bay to Downtown Victoria): Approximately $2.50 CAD (one-way, adult fare).
Public Transit Schedule
| Departure Location | Departure Time | Arrival Location | Arrival Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver (Waterfront Station) | 7:00 AM | Victoria (Downtown) | 11:00 AM | 4h |
| Vancouver (Waterfront Station) | 9:00 AM | Victoria (Downtown) | 1:00 PM | 4h |
| Vancouver (Waterfront Station) | 11:00 AM | Victoria (Downtown) | 3:00 PM | 4h |
| Vancouver (Waterfront Station) | 1:00 PM | Victoria (Downtown) | 5:00 PM | 4h |
| Vancouver (Waterfront Station) | 3:00 PM | Victoria (Downtown) | 7:00 PM | 4h |
| Vancouver (Waterfront Station) | 5:00 PM | Victoria (Downtown) | 9:00 PM | 4h |
Booking and Travel Tips
No advance booking is required for the SkyTrain or bus services. However, it’s advisable to check the BC Ferries schedule and book your ferry ticket in advance, especially during peak travel times and on holidays. Make sure to have a Compass Card or exact change for the bus fares.
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