A cheaper way between Vancouver & Nanaimo

What is the Route 30 Summer Promotion?

This summer, Route 30 (Tsawwassen – Duke Point) is the cheapest way to travel between Vancouver and Nanaimo. From July 5 to September 4, you can enjoy more opportunities to save on vehicle and foot passenger travel when you book in advance:

• Travelling in a vehicle? Book a Saver fare from $39 one-way for a car, driver and free reservation. Plus, when you book a Saver fare, you can add passengers in advance for $14 (regular $18.50)
• Foot passenger Saver fares are now available to book in advance for $14 one-way (regular $18.50)
   

Note: Saver fares are available on select sailings only, and availability is limited.


 

Why should I travel on Route 30?

Route 30 (Tsawwassen – Duke Point) offers greater savings for both vehicle and foot passenger bookings, as well as more sailings, with the addition of two new return trips daily. This makes it easier to secure your travel plans, for less.

If sailings are sold out between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay, travel between Tsawwassen and Duke Point to reduce the likelihood of experiencing sailing waits.


 

Are discounted passenger fares available for all Saver fares, or limited to $39 Saver fares?

Discounted passenger fares are available on all Saver fares on Route 30. Saver fares range from $39 - $79. The discounted passenger rate of $14 will be automatically applied at the time of booking.

Can I change or cancel a foot passenger Saver fare booking?

Yes, you can change your booking online or through the Customer Service Centre at no charge, up to two hours in advance of the scheduled departure. You are unable to change your booking within two hours of the scheduled departure.

If you miss the sailing you booked, you can use the cost of the fare towards another sailing on the same day. There are no refunds for cancellations.

What sailings will Saver fares be offered on?

Saver fare availability will vary. Generally, Saver fares are available on less busy sailings that are not expected to sell out, including early morning and late evening sailings, midday sailings during the week, as well as Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning sailings. However, there will be a limited number of Saver fares available on these sailings.

Will you offer Saver fares on other routes?

Saver fares are available year-round on five routes: 

• Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay)
• Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point) 
• Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
• Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Sunshine Coast (Langdale) 
• Comox (Little River) – Powell River (Westview)
   

The Route 30 summer promotional fares ($39 for car and driver; $14 for vehicle and foot passengers) are available for a limited time only, between July 5 and September 4, 2023.

How do I find these fares online?

Saver fares will be available on select sailings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Nanaimo (Duke Point), and will appear when you are selecting your sailing time. If you do not see any Saver fares, that means there are none available on that sailing or they have already sold out.

To be among the first to know about the latest sailing specials, subscribe to our onBoard eNewsletter.

  

Can I book a Saver fare as a guest user on bcferries.com?

Yes. You can book a Saver fare or any other fare as a guest.

  

Is there a Seniors’ discount for Saver fares?

BC Seniors travel free on select routes Monday to Thursday. Seniors who book Saver fares from Monday to Thursday will only be charged for the cost of the vehicle.

  

Can I book and pay for group/school/senior/persons with disabilities and escort online?

Yes, you can book all these fares online. Large groups (10 or more passengers) need to submit a group booking form.

  
 

What vehicle types qualify for Saver fares?

Saver fares are available to customers travelling with a standard under-height vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, or van. Customers with under-height vehicles over 20 feet (6.10 m) in length can take advantage of the Saver fare discount for the first 20 feet, and pay the extra length rate (per foot) for any additional feet.

Commercial vehicles, buses, tour operators and travel agents cannot book Saver fares.

 

Can I book a Saver fare with my BC Ferries Vacations package?

Saver fares are not available to book with BC Ferries Vacations package bookings. Vacation package prices include accommodation, return ferry travel and ferry reservations on bookable routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Explore deals and offers, or call us to learn more at 1-888-BC FERRY (223-3779) Ext. 3.

  

Can I pay for my fare with cash at the terminal?

Saver fares must be fully prepaid in advance and are not available for purchase at drive-up terminal ticket booths. For the greatest savings, we recommend that you book these fares online.

If you would like to pay in cash, you can still pay for our existing At Terminal fare at the drive-up ticket booth when you arrive at the terminal. Subject to availability, you can pay for Saver fares with cash at the Terminal Administration office at least two hours in advance of departure.

  

Can I pay for a Saver fare with a gift certificate?

Gift certificates cannot be used to pay for these fares online. However, bookings and payment can be made with a gift certificate at the Terminal Administration office in advance of travel.

Note: Bookings cannot be made at the vehicle or foot passenger ticket booths.

  

What happens if I book a Saver fare and arrive early, or miss my sailing? Can I travel on a different sailing?

If you arrive early or miss your sailing, you can use your Saver fare toward the purchase of an At Terminal fare by paying the difference in price, if applicable. Saver fare pricing is only available on select sailings, subject to availability.

Your fare must be put towards a sailing on the same route and same day in the direction that was originally booked. You will board after reserved customers in the order you arrive on the next available sailing, where space is available.

What happens if I have fewer/more passengers in my vehicle than what was booked and paid for online? Can I add passengers at the terminal at the discounted rate?

Passenger Saver fares are non-refundable, so if you check-in at the terminal with fewer passengers than you booked and paid for, and the booking has not been changed prior to check-in, no refunds will be given for any unused amounts. 

If you check-in at the terminal with more passengers than you booked and paid for, the ticket agent will charge you the additional passenger fare(s). Saver fares are not available for purchase at the terminal, so you will be charged the standard adult fare. 

  

Can I purchase a foot passenger Saver fare at the terminal?

Foot passenger Saver fares must be purchased in advance online, and are not available for purchase at the terminal.


 

What happens if my vehicle is different from what was booked online?

To streamline terminal check-in, please update the length or type of your vehicle online in advance of checking in for your sailing. You can also do this by calling the Customer Service Centre up to one hour before your scheduled departure time.

Subject to space availability, if you have booked a Saver Fare you can:

• Change to a different standard or oversize vehicle and either pay or receive a refund for any price difference
• Change the size of your vehicle and either pay or receive a refund for any price difference

View a full list of our booking cancellation and change policies