How to Get to Victoria from Vancouver (5 Ways Compared)

It looks close enough on the map, but knowing how to get to Victoria from Vancouver can get complicated.

There’s five different ways, five 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

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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. You have the following options:

Luckily, I’m gonna go through five 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)

It’s the classic for a reason.

BC Ferries runs multiple sailings a day from Tsawwassen Terminal, about 38km south of downtown Vancouver.

The sailing itself takes around 1 hour 40 minutes, and on a clear day the views across the Gulf Islands are genuinely stunning.

Bring a coffee, grab a window seat, and enjoy the ride.

→ Full ferry guide: schedules, prices & booking tips

Bus: The All-Inclusive Coach Option

The BC Ferries Connector is the easiest car-free option, period.

One ticket covers both trips – the coach from Pacific Central Station and the ferry – so there’s no juggling separate fares or figuring out connections.

It departs downtown at set times each day, so you just show up and sit back.

Spaces are limited and sell out fast, especially in summer.

🔥 You’re guaranteed the lowest Victoria bus prices booking using the buttons below. If you find the same product cheaper you’ll be refunded the difference – click the button for info.

→ Full bus guide: schedules, departure times & booking tips

Seaplane: Fastest Way to Get to Victoria

⏱️ Time: 30 minutes (from downtown Vancouver) | 🏷️ Price: $375.63

If you’ve got the budget, nothing else comes close.

You walk along the Seawall, board at 1055 Canada Place (right in the harbour downtown), and 35 minutes later you’re stepping off inside Victoria’s inner harbour.

No terminal shuffles, no ferry queues, just sky, Gulf Islands, and one of the best views in BC.

Only 12 seats per flight. Book well ahead or you won’t get on.

🔥 You’re guaranteed 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.

→ Full seaplane guide: airlines, tips & what to expect

Helijet: Downtown to Downtown in 35 Minutes

⏱️ 35 minutes from downtown | 💰 from $333

If the seaplane isn’t running or you just want to arrive in style, Helijet is the other premium option.

It departs from Vancouver Harbour (455 West Waterfront Road) and lands directly at Victoria Harbour, no airport transfers, no ferry terminals, just a 35-minute hop over the Gulf Islands from one downtown to the other.

Flights run roughly every hour from around 8am to 6pm

The early morning and late afternoon flights sell out regularly. Full fare runs $519 if you need to book last minute.

→ Visit Helijet for full schedule, prices

Public Transit: Cheapest Way to Victoria

⏱️ Time: 6 hours (from downtown Vancouver) | 🏷️ Price: about $25.00

Public transit is the cheapest way to travel to Victoria, sure – but it’s a slog

You’re looking at four separate legs:

1. Board the Canada Line downtown and purchase a two-zone fare.
2. Get off at Bridgeport Station.
3. Grab the #620 Tsawwassen bus. Your fare is still good here.
4. Get off at the terminus stop and walk into the ferry building.
5. Purchase your ticket for Victoria from a cashier or machine.
6. Board the ferry when called. Sailing takes about an hour and forty minutes.
7. 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.

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.

Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane

Seaplane over the Gulf Islands – 35 minutes to downtown Victoria.

Check Out Flights

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)

1. Canada Line SkyTrain to Bridgeport
2. 620 Bus to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
3. BC Ferries to Swartz Bay
4. 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.

✨ Looking for a thrifty Victoria trip? Uncover our list of leading Victoria hostels

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.

Victoria Whale Watching

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

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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 Travel from Vancouver to Victoria FAQ

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 ⛴️