How long is the ferry ride?

The crossing between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay takes 95 minutes.

Do I need a passport?

No, this is a domestic route within British Columbia.

Is there food on the ferry?

Yes, the Coastal Cafe offers hot meals and snacks.

Can I walk onto the ferry?

Yes, foot passenger boarding is available for all sailings.

How do I get to the terminal from Burnaby?

Take the SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and transfer to the 620 bus.

Burnaby

Victoria

Flight Ship

Burnaby to Victoria

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Burnaby to Victoria covers approximately 115 km, requiring a combination of road and marine travel. You must drive or take transit to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. From there, BC Ferries operates a 95-minute crossing to Swartz Bay. Upon arrival at Swartz Bay, you can take the BC Transit bus directly into downtown Victoria. This route offers scenic views of the Gulf Islands.

Total Distance: 115 km driving distance; 95 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Seaplane flight from Vancouver Harbour takes 35 minutes, though travel to the airport adds time.

Cheapest Way

BC Ferries as a foot passenger costs approximately $20, making it the most economical choice.

Compare Burnaby to Victoria Routes

	Flight Direct	Ship Connecting
Duration	35 mins	4 hours
Avg Price	$150 - $300	$20 - $80
Operator	Harbour Air	BC Ferries
Route	Vancouver Harbour to Victoria Inner Harbour.	Highway 17 to Tsawwassen Terminal, ferry to Swartz Bay, Highway 17 to Victoria.
Tip	Seaplanes land directly in the heart of downtown Victoria, saving you transit time.	Book your vehicle reservation online in advance to avoid long wait times at the terminal.

Travel Tips

Reservations
Always reserve your ferry spot online during summer weekends.
Transit
Use the BC Transit bus #70 or #72 from Swartz Bay to reach downtown.
Packing
Bring a light jacket as the ferry deck can be windy even in summer.
Timing
Avoid traveling on Friday afternoons to skip heavy ferry terminal traffic.
Payment
Keep a credit card or BC Ferries Experience Card ready for faster boarding.

Safety Tips

Weather
Check ferry status alerts during winter storms.
Driving
Watch for deer on Highway 17 near Swartz Bay at night.
Emergency
Familiarize yourself with life jacket locations on the ferry.
Navigation
Download offline maps as cell service can drop near the Gulf Islands.