Leaving Victoria is bittersweet — trust me, I've had that feeling plenty of times — but at least getting to the airport or the ferry doesn't have to be stressful. Here's the practical breakdown for getting out of downtown without a car.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
YYJ is about 26 kilometres north of downtown, and yes, you can absolutely get there on public transit.
By Bus (BC Transit)
BC Transit runs service toward the airport area, though the routing involves a connection — it's not a single direct express. The most common approach is to catch a bus north toward Sidney and transfer or walk the last stretch depending on the route running at the time. It's doable, just allow plenty of time and check the BC Transit trip planner for the current best route before you travel.
- Pay cash on board (exact change) or look into a day pass
- Check bctransit.com for current fares and schedules
- Budget at least 90 minutes from downtown to be safe, especially with luggage
Practical Tips for YYJ
- Book the first available bus if you have an early flight — don't cut it close
- YYJ is a small, easy airport once you're there; security moves quickly
- Taxis and rideshares are available from the terminal if you need a backup on the return leg
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 roughly 32 kilometres north of downtown — about a 30-minute drive, longer on transit.
By Bus (BC Transit)
This is genuinely one of the better transit connections on the island. Route 70 runs between downtown Victoria (starting near the Bay Centre area) and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal — it's a direct run and a local favourite for foot passengers.
- Buses are timed to connect with ferry departures, which is a nice touch
- The ride takes roughly 50–60 minutes depending on traffic
- Check bctransit.com for the current schedule and allow extra time on busy sailing days (long weekends, summers — Swartz Bay gets *busy*)
- Walk straight off the bus and into the terminal; it's a smooth connection
BC Ferries Tips
- Foot passengers board easily and don't need a reservation — though checking bcferries.com for sailing times is always smart
- If you're travelling on a holiday weekend, earlier sailings fill up fast — build in a buffer
- The ferry itself takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to Tsawwassen and has a cafeteria, outdoor decks, and good views of the Gulf Islands (genuinely one of my favourite ferry routes anywhere)
The Coho Ferry — Port Angeles (USA)
This one's for travellers heading into Washington State via the Coho ferry. It runs between Victoria's Inner Harbour and Port Angeles, Washington — a classic crossing.
Getting to the Coho Terminal
Here's the good news: you probably won't need transit at all for this one. The Coho ferry terminal is right on the Inner Harbour — a flat, easy walk from Ocean Island. We're talking 10–15 minutes on foot through downtown, no bus required.
- Carry your passport — this is an international crossing into the US
- Check the Coho ferry website for current sailing times and reservations (foot passengers can usually walk on, but confirming ahead is wise)
- The crossing takes about 90 minutes and the views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca are pretty spectacular
- From Port Angeles you can connect onward to Seattle or beyond
Coho Tips
- US Customs and Border Protection procedures apply — allow extra time and have your documents ready
- Sailings don't run year-round at full frequency; check the schedule for your travel dates
- The terminal building is easy to find — just head toward the Inner Harbour and follow the signs
Quick Comparison
| Destination | Transit Option | Approx. Travel Time | |---|---|---| | YYJ Airport | BC Transit (with transfer) | ~90 min | | Swartz Bay (BC Ferries) | BC Transit Route 70 (direct) | ~50–60 min | | Coho / Inner Harbour | Walk from Ocean Island | ~10–15 min |
Not sure which option works best for your schedule, or wondering about current fares and any guest discounts on tours before you go? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk — we're happy to help you plan the smoothest exit (and hopefully convince you to come back soon).
