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Getting to Victoria

How to get to Victoria, BC: every route compared

Most visitors reach Victoria by ferry or floatplane. From Vancouver, BC Ferries takes 1 h 35 min (Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, cars welcome) and Harbour Air flies downtown to downtown in about 35 minutes. From the US, the MV Coho crosses from Port Angeles in about 90 minutes with cars, and the Victoria Clipper carries passengers from Seattle in about 3 hours. The Anacortes ferry is suspended. Use the planner for your party and starting point.

Last updated October 18, 2026 · Prices and schedules checked October 18, 2026

Where are you starting from?

Every route compared. Click a heading to sort.
CarsStatus
BC Ferries Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay
Tsawwassen (Vancouver), BC to Swartz Bay (north of Victoria), BC		about 1 h 35 min$21
one way · checked October 18, 2026		YesRunning
Harbour Air floatplane
Vancouver Harbour (Coal Harbour), BC to Victoria Inner Harbour, BC		about 35 min$99
one way · checked October 18, 2026		No, passengers onlyRunning
MV Coho
Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, BC		about 1 h 30 minUS$25 (about $35.39)
one way · checked October 18, 2026		YesRunning
Victoria Clipper
Seattle, WA to Victoria, BC		about 3 hUS$179 (about $253.36)
lowest listed fare · checked October 18, 2026		No, passengers onlyRunning
Anacortes–Sidney ferry (Washington State Ferries)
Anacortes, WA to Sidney, BC		Not operating——Suspended

Pick your starting point

From Best-known route Page
Vancouver BC Ferries (cars, 1 h 35 min) or Harbour Air floatplane (about 35 min) Vancouver to Victoria ferry · floatplane
Seattle Victoria Clipper (passengers, about 3 h) Seattle to Victoria ferry
Port Angeles MV Coho (cars, about 90 min) Port Angeles to Victoria ferry
Anacortes Suspended until at least spring 2030 Anacortes to Victoria ferry

Only have a day? See the day trip from Vancouver and day trip from Seattle time checks.

Where each route lands

The MV Coho and the Victoria Clipper both dock on Belleville Street in the Inner Harbour (430 and 470 Belleville Street), and Harbour Air lands at 950 Wharf Street, also in the Inner Harbour. BC Ferries lands at Swartz Bay, north of Victoria, so you continue by car, by BC Transit (a single ride is $3, a DayPASS is $6) or by the BC Ferries Connector bus.

Documents for crossing from the United States

The Coho and Clipper both cross the Canada–US border. Both operators list an accepted document for citizens of the United States and Canada: a valid passport, a US passport card, a NEXUS card, or an enhanced driver’s licence from certain states and provinces. A standard REAL ID licence is not valid for the border crossing. Children’s rules differ. Rules change, so read the operator’s ID page and the Canada Border Services Agency page before you travel.

Flights

Victoria has a scheduled-service airport (YYJ). Airline fares are not shown here because they change daily; the Vancouver comparison lets you enter a fare and compare it with the ferry and floatplane.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to get to Victoria from Vancouver?

The floatplane: Harbour Air says about 35 minutes dock to dock, downtown to downtown. BC Ferries takes 1 hour 35 minutes on the water, plus travel to and from the terminals. The Vancouver comparison on the ferry page estimates door-to-door times and lets you edit the assumptions.

How do I get to Victoria from Seattle?

By Victoria Clipper, a passenger-only fast ferry listed at about 3 hours, or by driving to Port Angeles and taking the MV Coho (about 90 minutes), which also carries cars. The direct Anacortes ferry is suspended.

Can I get to Victoria without a car?

Yes. The Victoria Clipper, the Harbour Air floatplane and the BC Ferries Connector bus are all car-free options, and walk-on passengers can use BC Ferries and then BC Transit from Swartz Bay.

Do I need a passport to travel to Victoria?

If you cross from the United States, yes: you need an accepted document such as a passport, US passport card, NEXUS card or an enhanced licence, and a standard REAL ID alone is not valid for the crossing. Citizens of other countries may also need a visa or eTA. See the official sources below.

Are there flights to Victoria?

Yes, Victoria has a scheduled-service airport (YYJ). This site does not list airline fares because they change daily and are not published on a stable page; enter a quote from the airline in the Vancouver comparison to include it.

More ways to reach Victoria

Sources

This is an independent planning site, not the operator or a government body. Prices checked on October 18, 2026; confirm with the operator before you book.