YYJUpdated September 24, 2026

Getting to and from Victoria airport

Victoria · Canada

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YYJ · Transportation

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Victoria airport (YYJ), 22 km from Victoria. See also the airport guide for general information.

Victoria International Airport offers several ground transportation options connecting travelers with Sidney, the Saanich Peninsula, and downtown Victoria.

Ride-sharing

Ride-hailing services such as Uber have a designated pick-up area along the curb of the short-term parking lot, located directly across from the arrivals exit. It is recommended to request a ride after collecting all checked bags.

Public Buses (BC Transit)

The public regional network BC Transit runs regular buses from the stop right outside the arrivals area. Reaching downtown Victoria typically requires a transfer at the McTavish Exchange:

  • Route 88: Direct connection between the airport, Sidney, and McTavish Exchange.
  • Routes 70 (Express) and 72: Connect McTavish Exchange and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal directly with Downtown Victoria.
  • Route 87: Connects Sidney with Saanichton.

Fares can be paid with exact cash, via the Umo mobile app/card, or by using contactless credit/debit cards and mobile wallets.

Taxis

Yellow Cab of Victoria holds the exclusive license for the airport taxi stand, with vehicles available round-the-clock outside the arrivals hall. A typical trip to downtown Victoria takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible vans are available upon request. To ensure immediate availability, passengers are encouraged to book at least 1 hour in advance.

More information on YYJ ground transportation

Book ahead

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Tips for getting to and from YYJ

Going to the airport

  1. Leave earlier than you think you need to: Victoria airport is 22 km from Victoria. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
  2. On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
  3. If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
  4. Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at YYJ.

Leaving the airport

  1. After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
  2. Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
  3. With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
  4. Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at YYJ.
  5. Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near YYJ.
German Giudici

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