BC Ferries Implements 3.2% Fare Increase Starting April 2026

BC Ferries has announced a fare increase of an average of 3.2% for walk-on and vehicle bookings, effective April 8, 2026. This decision aims to address significant cost pressures amid rising demand for ferry services. In addition to the fare hikes, the ferry service will expand its saver fare options and release the summer schedule earlier to accommodate increased passenger traffic, particularly in anticipation of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

The fare adjustments will apply to both drive-up and prepaid bookings. For standard vehicle travel, the fare will rise to $110 for adults, while foot passenger fares will increase by $1 to $21 for adults and by $0.50 to $10.50 for children. Saver fares for foot passengers will remain unchanged at $15 for adults and $7.50 for children. Minor and northern route fares will also see increases ranging from $0.95 to $2.05 for standard vehicles, depending on the route.

Increased Demand and Early Summer Schedule

The fare increase follows a record-setting summer for ferry travel, prompting BC Ferries to adapt to ongoing demand. According to Brian Anderson, Vice President of Strategy and Planning at BC Ferries, “Demand for ferry travel continues to grow, and we have set new records for the last two summers.” The upcoming FIFA World Cup, with Vancouver as one of the host cities, is expected to further heighten travel demand.

In response, BC Ferries plans to release its summer schedule earlier than in previous years, aligning it with the FIFA 2026 World Cup Final Draw on December 5, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This proactive measure aims to help passengers secure their travel plans in advance and enable the ferry service to appropriately staff its vessels.

Cost Management and Future Outlook

The fare increases come as part of BC Ferries’ broader strategy to manage escalating operational and capital costs. In 2023, the operator projected the need for a 30% fare increase by 2028 to sustain financial stability and adequately meet growing demand. The previous fare hike took place on April 1, 2025, highlighting ongoing adjustments in response to economic pressures.

BC Ferries is also expanding saver fare options, which will now make up 30% of all bookable fares, adding over 200,000 additional discounted tickets. These fares are primarily available during off-peak hours, including midweek, early mornings, and late evenings, to promote more cost-effective travel.

As the ferry service navigates these changes, it emphasizes the importance of balancing capacity, optimizing resources, and encouraging off-peak travel to reduce congestion. By implementing these fare adjustments and schedule enhancements, BC Ferries aims to continue providing reliable service to its passengers while managing the challenges of a growing travel demand. For further details, visit the official BC Ferries website.