Whether you're catching a flight home or hopping a ferry across the water, getting out of downtown Victoria without a car is totally doable. I've done all of these trips on a budget — here's the honest local breakdown.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
YYJ sits about 20 kilometres north of the Inner Harbour, near Sidney. It's not a long trip, but it's not walking distance either.
By Bus (BC Transit)
BC Transit connects downtown Victoria to the airport — check bctransit.com for the current route numbers and schedules, as these can shift seasonally. You'll want exact change if paying cash on board, or grab a day pass if you're doing a few trips. The ride takes longer than driving (expect a transfer or two and some extra time), so build in a buffer.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare apps (Uber and Lyft both operate here) are available from downtown and get you door-to-door without the transfer faff. Useful if you've got heavy bags or an early morning flight.
Tips
- Book early flights? Check what time the first bus runs — it may not align with a 5 a.m. check-in.
- The airport is compact and easy to navigate once you're there.
BC Ferries at Swartz Bay
Swartz Bay is BC Ferries' main terminal for sailings to Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver) and the Gulf Islands. It's about 30 kilometres north of downtown, right past the airport.
By Bus (BC Transit)
BC Transit runs service between downtown Victoria and Swartz Bay — the route connects well with ferry sailings, though you'll want to check bctransit.com for current timetables and confirm your connection lines up with your sailing. Ferries can be busy on long weekends and summer afternoons, so aim for an earlier one if you can.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- Book your sailing in advance at bcferries.com, especially in summer. Walk-on passengers (no vehicle) rarely have trouble getting on, but it's still worth confirming.
- The Swartz Bay terminal has food options and a small seating area — nothing fancy, but enough.
- Crossing time to Tsawwassen is about 95 minutes, with gorgeous Gulf Island scenery along the way.
The Coho / Black Ball Ferry to Port Angeles
This one's a classic if you're heading into Washington State. The Coho ferry runs between the Inner Harbour and Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula — you literally walk on in the heart of downtown Victoria. It's one of the most scenic ways to cross the border.
How It Works
- Departure point: Right on the Inner Harbour, within easy walking distance of Ocean Island. No transit needed to reach the dock.
- Walk-on passengers can usually book close to departure, but check cohoferry.com for current schedules and to reserve your spot.
- Crossing time is about 90 minutes. Bring your passport — you'll clear US customs on arrival in Port Angeles.
- The Coho runs seasonally and adjusts its schedule, so always check the website for up-to-date sailing times before you plan around it.
Tips for the Coho
- Travelling with a vehicle? Advance bookings are strongly recommended in summer.
- Port Angeles is a great base for exploring the Olympic Peninsula — if you're heading that way, it's worth turning this into a day trip or longer adventure.
General Travel Tips
- Give yourself extra time. Transit is reliable but not always fast, and missing a ferry or a flight because of a slow connection is nobody's idea of fun.
- Travel light if you can. Bus travel with oversized luggage is doable but awkward — pack smart.
- Check schedules the day before. BC Transit and BC Ferries both post any service alerts or changes on their websites.
Not sure which option makes the most sense for your trip? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk — we can help you figure out the best route, timing, and whether there are any guest deals or transport tips worth knowing before you head out.
