The fare from downtown Victoria to the ferry terminal depends mostly on which terminal you need, because Swartz Bay is a long drive north of the city while the harbour terminals are close. Taxis in Victoria run on a meter, so a longer trip to Swartz Bay costs far more than a short hop across the harbour.
Which terminal changes the fare
Swartz Bay, where BC Ferries sails to Tsawwassen and the Gulf Islands, is roughly 33 kilometres by road from downtown Victoria. The harbour terminals sit within a few minutes of the city centre. Name the terminal when you book and ask what the fare will be.
Taxi rates in BC are approved by the Passenger Transportation Board, and each company has its own approved flag rate and distance rate. Those rates have changed over the years, so the current rate list on the Board’s site or the company itself is the place to confirm them.
Working out the fare before you leave the hotel
- Find the distance from your pickup to the terminal.
- Ask the company for its current flag rate and per kilometre rate.
- Multiply the distance by the per kilometre rate and add the flag rate.
- Ask about night, holiday or luggage charges.
- Add a tip if the service was good.
These steps give a ballpark, not a rate card. The taxi fare estimator can give you a closer figure for your exact pickup, and the Uber estimate calculator shows what a rideshare might cost for the same trip.
When a taxi suits the trip
Shuttles and ride apps may cost less for the long run to Swartz Bay, so compare before you book. A taxi gives door-to-door service, which helps if you have luggage or a tight sailing time, and you do not have to coordinate with a shuttle schedule. If you want a local company that knows the terminal approaches, see the Victoria taxi page.
Check your sailing time with BC Ferries and leave a margin for check-in, since the fare is the smaller worry if you miss the boat. Book early for morning sailings and holiday weekends, and give the dispatcher your flight or sailing time so the driver can plan the route and timing.