Whether you're flying out of YYJ, sailing to the mainland on BC Ferries, or crossing to Port Angeles on the Coho, downtown Victoria is well-connected to all three. Here's the practical rundown — local-style.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
YYJ sits about 25 km north of downtown, up in Sidney. Not exactly walking distance, but easy enough to reach without a taxi.
By BC Transit Bus
The BC Transit Route 72 (Patricia Bay Highway) runs between downtown Victoria and the airport. You can pick it up at the downtown transit exchange on Douglas Street. It's a slow-and-steady option — factor in around an hour, sometimes a bit more depending on connections — but it's reliable and genuinely cheap.
- Pay cash on board (exact change) or grab a day pass — check bctransit.com for current fares and schedules.
- The bus drops you right at the terminal. Simple.
BeiBei's tip: Give yourself plenty of buffer time if you're busing it. I've done this run more times than I can count — the bus is fine, but it's not the Skytrain. An early morning flight means an early morning alarm.
BC Ferries — Swartz Bay Terminal
Swartz Bay is the main BC Ferries terminal for sailings to Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver) and the Gulf Islands. It's about 30 km north of downtown, right at the tip of the Saanich Peninsula.
By BC Transit Bus
This is actually a pretty smooth transit combo:
1. Catch Route 70 (Express) from downtown — it runs directly to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. 2. Check bctransit.com for the timetable, and always cross-reference with the BC Ferries schedule so you catch the sailing you want.
- Route 70 is the fastest bus option and is designed with ferry connections in mind.
- Sailings to Tsawwassen run frequently throughout the day — roughly every hour or two, depending on the season.
- Book your BC Ferries crossing in advance, especially in summer and on long weekends. Walk-ons are usually fine, but it's worth confirming at bcferries.com.
BeiBei's tip: The ferry crossing itself is gorgeous — about 95 minutes with views of the Gulf Islands. Pack a snack, grab a coffee on board, and enjoy it. That part never gets old, honestly.
The Coho Ferry — Port Angeles, Washington
If you're heading to the Olympic Peninsula or catching a connection into the US, the Coho ferry (operated by Black Ball Ferry Line) is your boat. It runs between Victoria's Inner Harbour and Port Angeles, Washington.
Getting to the Coho Dock
This one's easy — the Coho terminal is right on the Inner Harbour, a short walk from downtown and about 10–15 minutes on foot from Ocean Island Inn.
- No special transit needed. Walk along the waterfront and you're there.
- Check the Coho ferry schedule — crossings are limited (typically a few per day, seasonally adjusted), so plan around the timetable.
- The crossing takes about 90 minutes and gets you right into Port Angeles.
- You'll need your passport — this is an international crossing.
BeiBei's tip: The Coho is one of my favourite things about living here. Where else do you get an international ferry crossing that's basically a harbour stroll away? It's genuinely the coolest way to arrive on the Olympic Peninsula.
Quick Comparison
| Destination | Best Transit Option | Approx. Journey Time | |---|---|---| | YYJ Airport | BC Transit Route 72 | ~1 hour+ | | Swartz Bay (BC Ferries) | BC Transit Route 70 | ~45–60 min | | Coho Dock (Port Angeles) | Walk from downtown | 10–15 min walk |
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- Exact change is required for cash fares on BC Transit — the driver can't make change.
- Day passes are available and worth it if you're making multiple trips.
- Schedules shift seasonally, so always double-check bctransit.com, bcferries.com, and cohoferry.com before you travel.
- Luggage is totally fine on the buses — just be considerate during busy commute times.
Not sure which option works best for your itinerary? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk — we're happy to talk you through timing, routes, or anything else that'll make your departure day a little less stressful. Safe travels! 🚌⛴️✈️
