Route details
Distance:
110 km / 69 miles
Driving Time:
1hr 45mins
*Subject to weather and traffic conditions.
Shared Shuttles may take longer
Return Route:
People often ask
No. Nanaimo and Victoria are both on Vancouver Island, so travelling between them is done entirely by road along Highway 1, no ferry required. Ferries only come into play if you're arriving from the BC mainland, Washington State or the Gulf Islands beforehand
The distance is about 110 km (69 miles), and the drive normally takes around 1 hour 45 minutes. Traffic through Victoria and weather on the Malahat can add extra time, especially during peak travel periods or winter storms.
Yes, a scheduled bus service runs this route several times a day. It's a budget friendly option if you don't mind sticking to set departure times, and you can compare current schedules and prices with Ridebooker.
No, Greyhound stopped operating routes in British Columbia in 2018. Ridebooker offers a different bus service, along with private transfer options.
A scheduled bus services is the most affordable choice, while a private transfer offers more flexibility if you have luggage, are travelling as a group, or have a specific pickup or drop-off time to hit. Both options are bookable in advance, so you can lock in your ride.
Getting around Vancouver Island without your own car can be tricky, but Ridebooker brings all your options together in one place so you can compare and book whichever fits your trip best.
About travelling from Nanaimo, BC to Victoria, BC
Nanaimo and Victoria are both on Vancouver Island, so getting between them is a straightforward drive rather than the ferry crossing many travellers expect. The route covers about 110 km (69 miles) along Highway 1, and the trip typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic and conditions.
The most affordable way to travel from Nanaimo to Victoria is by the scheduled bus service. Departures are generally timed around ferry arrivals at Departure Bay, so there's usually a bus ready to go not long after your sailing gets in. This works well if you don't mind sharing the ride and building your day around a set schedule. For a faster and more flexible option, private transportation via taxi, SUV or sedan gets you door to door on your own timeline, which is especially useful if your ferry arrives late or your journey is time sensitive.
One stretch worth knowing about is the Malahat, the winding section of highway between Victoria and the Cowichan Valley. It's a scenic drive, but snow, fog and the occasional accident can slow traffic or close the road entirely, particularly through the winter months. Booking a private transfer in advance takes the guesswork out of the trip and means a driver handles any adverse conditions or delays rather than you.
Groups travelling together, such as sports teams, wedding parties or larger families, are often better served by a van or minibus rather than splitting across multiple cars or shuttle seats. It keeps everyone together and tends to work out cheaper per person than booking several separate rides.
Whether you're coming off a ferry at Departure Bay or just heading south for the day, booking your transportation between Nanaimo and Victoria ahead of time secures your price and your spot, rather than leaving it to chance.