Whether you're catching a flight home, hopping a BC Ferries sailing to the mainland, or crossing to Port Angeles on the Coho, Victoria is genuinely easy to leave without a car. Here's the honest local breakdown.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
The airport sits in Sidney, about 26 kilometres north of downtown — roughly a 30–40 minute drive depending on traffic.
By BC Transit Bus
This is the budget-friendly option. BC Transit runs routes that connect downtown Victoria northward toward the airport area. The trip involves a transfer and takes longer than driving, so build in extra time. Check current schedules and routes at bctransit.com before you go — routes and connections do change.
Tips for transit riders:
- Pay cash on board with exact change, or look into a day pass if you're making multiple trips.
- Google Maps and Transit App both work well for live Victoria bus times.
- Allow at least 90 minutes door-to-door on transit, especially if it's your first time.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshares are available from downtown — quicker and more predictable, but pricier than transit. Check current app rates before booking.
By Shuttle
A handful of shared shuttle services run between downtown hotels and YYJ. Ask at the Ocean Island front desk — they can point you to reliable options and help you figure out which makes sense for your timing.
BC Ferries at Swartz Bay
Swartz Bay terminal is at the top of the Saanich Peninsula — about 32 kilometres from downtown Victoria. Ferries from here sail to Tsawwassen on the mainland (for Vancouver and beyond) and to the Gulf Islands.
By BC Transit Bus
BC Transit's Route 70 runs express between downtown Victoria (stopping at key points along Douglas Street) and Swartz Bay terminal. It's the go-to option for foot passengers — reliable, straightforward, and genuinely used by locals all the time.
What to know:
- The Route 70 runs regularly throughout the day, with reduced frequency in the evenings.
- Travel time is roughly 50–60 minutes from downtown.
- Always check bctransit.com for the current schedule — and cross-reference your BC Ferries sailing time so you're not cutting it close.
- BC Ferries reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and in summer. As a foot passenger you generally have more flexibility, but it's worth checking.
By Taxi or Rideshare
A faster option if you've got luggage or an early sailing. Worth it for peace of mind on a tight connection.
The Coho Ferry to Port Angeles (Black Ball Ferry Line)
If you're headed to Washington State, the Coho is a classic crossing — foot passengers and vehicles, sailing across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Port Angeles.
Where It Departs
The Coho departs right from the Inner Harbour — about a ten-minute walk from Ocean Island. This is genuinely one of Victoria's most convenient departures: you can stroll down with your luggage and board.
Getting There from Ocean Island
- Walk: It's an easy, flat walk through downtown to the Inner Harbour terminal. Most guests do this.
- Bus: BC Transit routes run along Douglas and Government Streets if you've got heavy bags and want a lift.
Before you go:
- Check current sailing schedules and book ahead at cohoferry.com — the Coho doesn't run year-round on every frequency, and summer sailings fill up.
- If you're crossing by vehicle, reservations are especially important.
- US Customs happens on the Port Angeles side, so have your passport ready.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Destination | Distance from Downtown | Best Public Option | Approx. Transit Time | |---|---|---|---| | YYJ Airport | ~26 km | BC Transit (with transfer) | ~90 min | | Swartz Bay (BC Ferries) | ~32 km | BC Transit Route 70 | ~50–60 min | | Coho Ferry (Inner Harbour) | ~10 min walk | Walk or local bus | ~10–15 min |
A Few General Tips
- Download the Transit App or use Google Maps — both pull live BC Transit data and are genuinely useful for navigating connections.
- Leave a buffer. Missing a ferry sailing or a flight because the bus ran late is a bad day. Add 20–30 minutes to any transit estimate.
- Luggage matters. Buses work fine with a backpack; a giant rolling suitcase during rush hour is a different story. Factor that in.
- Check for seasonal changes. BC Ferries adjusts sailings seasonally, and the Coho has its own schedule. Always verify before travel day.
Not sure which option makes sense for your trip? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk — we're happy to look up current schedules, point you toward the right bus stop, or help you figure out the best way to get where you're going. That's what we're here for.
