Yes, Uber is available for pickups and drop offs at Butchart Gardens, and a taxi, BC Transit bus, shuttle tour or rental car also work. The gardens sit about 22 km from downtown Victoria, a drive of roughly 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Ways to get from Victoria to Butchart Gardens
The cheapest public option is BC Transit Route 75, which leaves from Belleville Street at Government Street near the Fairmont Empress. The ride takes about 50 minutes to an hour. As of 2025, a single adult fare in the Victoria system is $3 and a DayPASS is $6, and fares cap automatically at the DayPASS price when you pay by tap. Not every afternoon Route 75 trip goes into the gardens, so check the destination sign or ask the driver.
Taxi and rideshare
Butchart Gardens lists a taxi from downtown Victoria at roughly $55. Meter fares vary with traffic and waiting time, so treat that as a ballpark and ask the driver or dispatcher for an estimate. Uber and Lyft show an upfront price in the app, which makes comparing easy for groups who want a door to door ride. You can compare options with the Lyft and Uber comparison or look up local taxi service on the Victoria taxi page.
Rental car
Driving gives you the most freedom, and the route heads north on Blanshard Street, which becomes Highway 17, then exits at Keating Cross Road toward the gardens. A car also lets you add other stops on the Saanich Peninsula. Rental rates and gas costs change with the season, so check current prices with the rental company.
Shuttle tours
CVS Sightseeing offers daily departures from the Empress Hotel. Shuttles usually need advance booking, so reserve early in peak season and confirm the return time.
Coming from Vancouver
From Vancouver, take a BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay to Swartz Bay. From there a bus or taxi covers the rest of the way to the gardens. Book ferry tickets in advance in busy summer periods, and check sailing times so a day trip works.
Choosing between a shuttle, transit and a taxi
Pick by schedule, comfort and budget. Shuttles run on fixed schedules and suit people who want an organized transfer. Public transit costs the least, but it follows set schedules. A taxi or rideshare gives a direct ride with flexible departure times, and it costs more. Booking ahead helps in busy seasons.