The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria
Victoria, Canada
- 3 to 5 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Butchart Gardens is one of Victoria's most popular attractions—but if you don't have your own transit, getting there from the city center can be tricky. Instead, make logistics simple with this round-trip shuttle service. With multiple daily departure times and transit from a central meeting point, you can leave the logistics to someone else—and save more time for a self-led, sweet-smelling stroll through the 55-acre (22.2-hectare) garden (admission own expense).
- Travel in comfort and ease aboard a spacious shuttle bus
- Leave all the logistics and navigation to someone else
- This transit service is a great option for independent-minded travelers
- A number of departure times are available to fit your schedule
What's Included
- Only Transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
Please proceed to the Sightseeing Victoria Kiosk, on the sidewalk in front of the Fairmont Empress hotel. Please check in 15 minutes prior to your tour start time.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
This Butchart Gardens express shuttle offers convenient transport to and from the attraction.
At your chosen time, meet your shuttle bus in the city center, right near the Fairmont Empress hotel. Once you board your vehicle, settle in for the ride, which takes about 35 minutes from downtown Victoria without major traffic delays. You also have the option of pre-booking admission tickets when you board for an even smoother visiting experience.
Alternatively, once at Butchart Gardens, pay for your admission tickets and head inside. You'll have ample time to explore at your own pace, and admire the wide range of plantings and attractions on view, before it’s time for your ride back to downtown Victoria.
Drop-off is at the same spot you were picked up from originally.
At your chosen time, meet your shuttle bus in the city center, right near the Fairmont Empress hotel. Once you board your vehicle, settle in for the ride, which takes about 35 minutes from downtown Victoria without major traffic delays. You also have the option of pre-booking admission tickets when you board for an even smoother visiting experience.
Alternatively, once at Butchart Gardens, pay for your admission tickets and head inside. You'll have ample time to explore at your own pace, and admire the wide range of plantings and attractions on view, before it’s time for your ride back to downtown Victoria.
Drop-off is at the same spot you were picked up from originally.
1
The Butchart Gardens
3 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Butchart Gardens offers wheelchair hire for a fully refundable $10 deposit. If a passenger is in their own collapsible wheelchair, but not completely confined to it and are able to board the bus unassisted, the chair can be stored as luggage. If a passenger is confined to a wheelchair, please advise at time of booking and wheelchair access will be requested.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 677 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Dawn_O, Aug 2026
Very easy to book online and a lot cheaper than booking on the cruise ship. Easy to find the check- in, commentary by the driver in both directions. The return bus leaves Butchart Gardens on the hour so you can spend as long as you like without the time pressure of an organised trip
Nora_H, Aug 2026
The bus driver was one of the bet tour guides I’ve ever had, clear, interesting funny and delightful.
Roy_M, Aug 2026
Very nice shuttle to the gardens! Our tour guide was excellent and of course the gardens were SPECTACULAR!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your Kind review!
Christina_B, Aug 2026
Knowledgeable Driver gave overview of landmarks in Victoria on the way to the Gardens. Nice surprise.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your review! Hope to see you next time!
Jeff_F, Aug 2026
Very easy and delightful! The bus ride was very comfortable too. The gardens were absolutely amazing!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your review! Hope to see you next time!
Steven_D, Aug 2026
Our Bus driver Rob was excellent. He shared his knowledge to and from the garden. The gardens are beautiful, well worth the time and expense.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your review! Hope to see you next time!
Kiersten_S, Aug 2026
We were greeted with friendly faces when we checked in for our ticket. The double decker bus was fun for all, we particularly enjoyed being up top, (arrive early if you want the front seat)
Our driver was friendly and knowledgeable and gave lots of tidbits of info on the drive to the gardens.. We took the 7pm ride on Saturday and enjoyed the gardens at dusk, live music and fireworks -bring a blanket for fireworks (or buy a basic one there for $17) and claim your spot in the lawn as soon as you arrive. Enjoy!!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your review! Hope to see you next time!
Leonard_D, Aug 2026
Package offered an affordable, worry-free and very convenient means of round-trip transport from downtown Victoria to the gardens.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review!
Timothy_B, Jul 2026
I was reluctant to book this since I could take a city bus for a few bucks….but I’m so glad I did! The service was really good — on time, safe, efficient, and informative. It was worth the cost!!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear you had a great experience !
Paul_R, Jul 2026
Nice buses, and the drivers give you a tour to and from the Gardens. Nice easy way to get their and back
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Tour.
Sheilah_L, Jul 2026
Look for the red umbrellas instead of a kiosk when looking for your meeting spot. The ride to and from the gardens is smooth and informative. Both drivers were friendly, polite and informative. Gardens are gorgeous!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for talking the time to leave us such a kind review! we are so glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to the Gardens.
Kristie_B, Jul 2026
It’s a beautiful place! Definitely worth a visit! The staff was friendly and the flowers were gorgeous. Great options for lunch and a nice gift shop.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your Kind review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience exploring Victoria with us!
Deborah_W, Jul 2026
Very informative/educational guide. Learned so much about Victoria! Comfortable motor coach. Worth the $.
MaryBeth_W, Jul 2026
Easy check in at the red umbrella kiosks in front of the Empress Hotel. Do not follow map directions. Follow written directions to meet up location. Enjoyable drives to and from Butchart Gardens.
Blythe_L, Jul 2026
This shuttle to Butchart Gardens was excellent from start to finish. The vehicle was very clean and nicely air conditioned — a welcome comfort on a warm day. The driver and attendants were kind and genuinely informative, sharing great context along the way. And then there’s the destination itself: Butchart Gardens is spectacular. If you can only visit one place, make it this one — it’s an absolute must-see!
Joyce_H, Jul 2026
Convenient transportation to and from the Gardens. Bus was comfortable and ride pleasant. Enjoyed the driver commentaries both ways.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! Were Gald you enjoyed your tour!
dcline33, Jul 2026
My 2 tickets were for the shuttle to the garden at 4:00pm. I checked in as directed at 3:05pm. I was told there would be no shuttle to the garden at 4:00pm because the trip takes 45 minutes and the garden closes at 5:00pm. I was told by Grayline employees that I should contact Viator for a refund. I have the booking and the ticket reference number. But I cannot find an option to request a refund. Viator sold tickets to a nonexistent shuttle. VERY UNHAPPY WITH VIATOR!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We truly value hearing from our guests.
Could you please contact us directly at info@sightseeingvictoria.com? I'd like to look into your reservation and better understand what happened.
For reference, our Butchart Gardens Shuttle operates with hourly departures Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended operating hours Thursday through Sunday. We sell our final downtown departure at 3:00 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday) to ensure guests have plenty of time to enjoy their visit to the beautiful Butchart Gardens before returning to Victoria.
Linda_D, Jul 2026
Come to the Gardens prepared to spend most of the day, and even the evening to see the fireworks! The Gardens are incredibly beautiful! Also consider the boat cruise- it is fun and informative. Wear sturdy shoes. Make certain to visit the gift shop - there are amazing finds!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed the many wonderful experiences available at Butchart Gardens. Glad you had the chance to take the boat tour, it's such a unique way to experience the gardens and see the property from the water. Saturday Night Fireworks are the best show in town!
Pavlina_N, Jul 2026
The ride is very convenient and the starting point in just up front of the famous Emperor hotel. There is also washroom inside you can use. There is a shuttles every hour you can hop on. Coming back from the Butchart Gardens is as easy as going there. They have a stop up front of the entrance.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We're happy to hear you
enjoyed your visit to Victoria. We hope to welcome onboard our tour again in the future.
Nancy_A, Jul 2026
Wear comfortable shoes. Get ready to take a gazillion photos. It IS that beautiful. This was on my bucket list and I feel blessed to have experienced it.
Ellen_Q, Jul 2026
It isn’t just a ride to the Gardens. They have great personalities and provide information about the points of interest and history on the way there and back. Rob and Emily were personable and interesting. The bus also stops at the Butterfly Garden first and you can see it for about 40-45 minutes before you catch the next bus headed for Buschart Gardens. A hus comes back about every hour so you can walk around as long as you want and catch the bus back.
The Gardens themselves are absolutely gorgeous and worth an hour or two of strolling. We took an hour but could have stayed longer for lunch or gelato.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the ride we appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back again soon!
Laura_J, Jul 2026
Beautiful gardens, very colorful and best ice cream ever! They also had clear umbrellas for everyone to use as it was a rainy day.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We couldn't agree more - the gardens are absolutely beautiful rain or shine. We love the Gelateria so many delicious flavors!!
Julie_L, Jun 2026
This is only the shuttle ride-does not include tickets! Shuttle tide was fine-the driver’s stories made it enjoyable. Drop off and pick up was on time.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Were glad you enjoyed the driver's commentary!
Graeme_J, Jun 2026
Excellent and well infomred drivers, specifically the 8pm driver on our tour, wonderful Gentleman! Thank you
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the lovely review. Were glad you enjoyed the tour!
Lori_C, Jun 2026
The commentary by our driver and guide made the experience of the gardens much more enjoyable. As a result of the guidance received, we felt we understood the best way to approach touring the gardens, which otherwise would have been overwhelming, and we had a better understanding of the history of how the gardens came to be.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that your driver's commentary enhanced your visit!
Gillian_A, Jun 2026
Lots of information given by driver en route and clear instructions about return times and locations. Lots of tips provided to get the best out of the vidit
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind words! Hope to see you again soon.
Donna_M, Jun 2026
Our driver, Rob, was both fun and informative. He was truly a wealth of knowledge. We met outside the Empress and had the opportunity to pre-purchase our tickets to the garden, which was a nice feature. The double decker bus was clean and comfortable. The gardens are beautiful!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We’re big fans of Rob as well! We're pleased to hear you enjoyed his engaging commentary and the comfort of the bus. Most of all, we're glad you had a wonderful time at the gardens.!
Martha_V, Jun 2026
The staff were friendly and helpful. The bus was clean and the bus driver was very knowledgeable about the Victoria, BC and she added humor to her story telling. Really enjoyed learning from her.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! and thank you for riding with us!
Suzanne_S, Jun 2026
The bus and garden schedule should have been clearly posted when booking our ride to the Butchart Gardens. Because we did not arrive in Victoria in time for an earlier bus ride, by the time we got to Butchart we literally had to run through the gardens to cover as much ground as we could in only an hour. That was very disappointing. The kiosk was difficult to find on the street and the pin dropped in the app took us to a different location. Any day of the week (other than Monday or Tuesday) the gardens are open longer and we would not have had a problem. Because the bus schedule isn't clearly communicated, check the schedule before booking!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear that your visit to Butchart Gardens felt rushed and did not meet your expectations.
We understand how disappointing it can be to have less time than anticipated to explore the gardens, particularly when visiting on a day with shorter operating hours. We appreciate your comments regarding the bus schedule and will continue looking for ways to make transportation and timing information as clear as possible during the booking process.
We'd also like to address your comments about finding the departure location. Our bright red kiosks are located directly in front of the iconic Empress Hotel in Victoria's Inner Harbour, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. While many guests find the location easy to identify, we're sorry that the map pin and directions did not lead you there smoothly. We will review this information to ensure it is as accurate and helpful as possible.
Laurie_K, Jun 2026
I chose this because I didn't want to go on a tour that they limit you to two hours at the gardens. we could travel at our own pace and there were return buses every hour until 5:00 pm when we were ready to leave. This worked out great, as my mom who is 85 years old didn't feel rushed. The buses are beautiful and comfortable, and we had narration the whole way there and back. They even offered to sell you the entrance tickets, which would save time in line.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
From $45.47
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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The Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle from Downtown Victoria
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