Easy connections by air, ferry, & road
Sidney is well connected despite its small size. Located just north of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula, it sits at a key transportation point for southern Vancouver Island. With the Victoria International Airport just minutes away and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal nearby, Sidney serves as both a gateway and a destination.
Direct links by air, ferry, and highway make it easy to reach from across British Columbia, the rest of Canada, and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re arriving from a nearby city or travelling from further afield, the journey to Sidney is straightforward, with minimal transfers and short travel times once you’re on the Peninsula.
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is just a few minutes from Sidney, making it the most convenient arrival point. The airport offers regular flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Seattle, and other major hubs. From the terminal, it’s about a 10-minute drive to downtown Sidney. Taxis, rideshare services, and public transit are all available at the airport, and many visitors choose to head straight into town without needing a rental car.
BC Ferries provides direct access to Sidney via the Swartz Bay terminal, located about 10 minutes north of town.
From Swartz Bay, you can reach Sidney by taxi, bus, or a short drive. For those traveling without a vehicle, transit connections are straightforward and timed with major sailings.
Driving to Sidney is simple and direct. Highway 17 runs the length of the Saanich Peninsula, linking Sidney with Victoria and the ferry terminal. Traffic is typically light to moderate, and signage is clear throughout the route. For visitors arriving by ferry or plane, a car is optional rather than essential, but it can be useful if you plan to explore beyond the immediate area. Public transit is also a reliable option. Routes 70 and 70X run regularly between Victoria and Swartz Bay, stopping in Sidney along the way, making it easy to travel between the two without a car.
Public transit is a simple and cost-effective way to reach Sidney, particularly from Victoria and nearby communities. BC Transit operates regular service along Highway 17, connecting downtown Victoria, the airport, and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, with stops in Sidney. Routes 70 and 70X are the main lines used by visitors, offering a direct and reliable connection between Victoria and the Peninsula. Travel time from downtown Victoria is typically around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. Buses are equipped for accessibility, with low-floor entry and space for mobility devices. For many visitors, the bus is an easy alternative to driving, especially when paired with ferry or flight arrivals. Schedules are consistent, and stops are conveniently located within walking distance of Sidney’s main areas.
