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<\/p>\nTravelling on the high-speed, passenger-only ferry service between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo is about to get cheaper on select sailings, under Hullo Ferries completely revamped fare structure starting on June 1, 2026 for all bookings.<\/p>\n
This is the first time the privately-owned and operated ferry company has changed its fares ever since the service launched in August 2023.<\/p>\n
Hullo Ferries announced today they have created the brand new additional economy priced fare category called \u201cComfort-Connect,\u201d which offers a limited number of one-way sailings for just $19.99 on select weekday departures.<\/p>\n
Previously, the only economy fare was \u201cComfort\u201d for $39.99 each way, which means the new \u201cComfort-Connect\u201d fare offering represents a 50 per cent reduction from the existing rate.<\/p>\n
Up to 20 \u201cComfort-Connect\u201d adult fares will be available on non-holiday weekday sailings, specifically for departures at 7:15 a.m. from Nanaimo and 5:30 p.m. from Vancouver. These tickets will be available online only on a first-come, first-serve basis, with these fares made available no more than 60 days and no less than 30 days before the sailing date. \u201cComfort-Connect\u201d passengers will be seated in the same \u201cComfort\u201d seats on the lower deck.<\/p>\n
\u201cComfort-Connect is built for commuters and regular travellers who plan ahead and want the lowest rate. They can simply pick their sailing, book it, and go,\u201d said Ryan Dermody, CEO of Vancouver Island Ferry Company, the operator of Hullo Ferries, in a statement.<\/p>\n
The introduction of a lower-priced economy fare comes as BC Ferries faces significant reliability issues \u2014 including the major routes reaching Nanaimo \u2014 further strengthening Hullo Ferries\u2019 position as a competitive alternative between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.<\/p>\n
Fare increases and the removal of \u201cBusiness\u201d class<\/p>\n
While the company is introducing a new lower-priced economy fare, with limited quantities on select sailings that benefit commuter-type trips, there will be increases to the conventional fares. This also comes after years of market inflation in prices and growing labour costs for the company due to unionization, and comes ahead of the expectation for growing global fuel costs this year due to the U.S. war in Iran.<\/p>\n
There will be price increases to the existing \u201cComfort\u201d fare, rising from $39.99 to $42.99 for adults each way, and $19.99 to $23.99 each way for children between the ages of two and 12 and seniors. For some flexibility, given that this fare category is non-refundable, there is an added $5.00 fee for any modifications made to the booking up to one hour before departure.<\/p>\n
A new \u201cComfort-Flex\u201d fare category will be introduced for $49.99 each way for children (ages two to 12), adults, and seniors, which includes a free seat selection and a 100 per cent refund when cancelled at least 48 hours before departure. This new option is designed for travellers who want flexibility without paying the highest-tier fare category. Roundtrip fares for \u201cComfort-Flex\u201d are slightly discounted at $95.00.<\/p>\n
Additionally, Hullo Ferries will be consolidating its existing \u201cPremium\u201d and \u201cBusiness\u201d fare categories on the upper deck into the new combined top-tier \u201cPremium\u201d category for $59.99, which is currently the fare paid for \u201cBusiness.\u201d However, the repositioned \u201cPremium\u201d fare category will no longer offer the complimentary beverage and snack service currently provided for \u201cBusiness\u201d fare passengers.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, \u201cPremium\u201d fares will carry the same $59.99 price regardless of age \u2014 up from the current rates of $29.99 for children (ages two to 12) and $49.99 for adults and seniors. But \u201cPremium\u201d will now be free for babies two years old and under.<\/p>\n
This will result in a total of four different fare categories starting in early June \u2014 \u201cComfort-Connect,\u201d \u201cComfort,\u201d Comfort-Flex,\u201d and \u201cPremium\u201d \u2014 up from the current structure of three options. \u201cPremium\u201d passengers will continue to enjoy priority boarding.<\/p>\n
As another change to the overarching fare structure, Hullo Ferries will be introducing some demand-based pricing, with slightly higher fares kicking in as sailings begin to reach capacity. This will encourage travellers to book early.<\/p>\n
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Fare structure changes to Hullo Ferries, starting on June 1, 2026. (Hullo Ferries)<\/p>\n
Lower additional fares for extra\/large bags and bikes<\/p>\n
Although passenger fares will see an overall increase, the extra fares for pieces of extra\/larger\/oversized bags (such as golf bags, large musical instruments, sports gear, or additional baggage beyond limits) and bikes will come down.<\/p>\n
Changes are coming to the additional fares paid by passengers carrying extra and\/or larger\/oversized bags, with prices reduced to $19.99 each way per piece of applicable luggage \u2014 down from the current rates of $25 one-way or $45 round-trip. The existing policy providing passengers with the ability to bring one carry-on bag (under 22 inches in length on the longest side) and one small personal item (under 19 inches in length on the longest side) for free remains.<\/p>\n
As well, the company is reducing the extra fare for passengers bringing a bike<\/a> onboard \u2014 reduced to $19.99 each way, down from the current rate of $30 each way or $50 round-trip. Moreover, the number of bikes that can be brought onboard each vessel has increased from four to six devices.<\/p>\n According to Hullo Ferries, the recalibration of the fare structure with four fare categories will improve the boarding and deboarding process. Passengers with extra\/large luggage and\/or bikes will also benefit from priority boarding, as part of the overall strategy to improve efficiency.<\/p>\n Hulo Ferries\u2019 Nanaimo terminal. (Hullo Ferries)<\/p>\n New #TransLink<\/a> wayfinding signs installed at the Waterfront Station platforms of #SkyTrain<\/a>‘s Expo Line.<\/p>\n First time I’m ever seeing actual photos accompanying the names of nearby destinations and landmarks, very useful for visitors.<\/p>\n Hullo Ferries also has a directional mention. pic.twitter.com\/vNEo0dwkFm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kenneth Chan (@iamkennethchan) December 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n New standardized schedules<\/p>\n When it comes to sailing schedules, moving forward, Hullo Ferries will be adopting a new standardized sailing schedule to provide passengers with more predictability when planning their trips, with only slight variations on occasion to accommodate operational requirements.<\/p>\n On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the standardized schedule calls for three roundtrip sailings \u2014 leaving Nanaimo at 7:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 3:30 p.m., and leaving downtown Vancouver at 9:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n For Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there will be six roundtrip sailings \u2014 leaving Nanaimo at 7:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m., and leaving downtown Vancouver at 9:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n The company will continue to offer late night\/special event sailings upon \u201csignificant request,\u201d particularly for sailings that coincide with large concerts, sports matches, and other events and festivals in downtown Vancouver. Over the years of providing such special sailings, Hullo Ferries has provided Vancouver Island residents with a more convenient and affordable way to enjoy events in downtown Vancouver, as opposed to booking a hotel for an overnight stay.<\/p>\n New standardized sailing schedule. (Hullo Ferries)<\/p>\n There are plans to rollout an improved food and beverage program onboard the vessels, in partnership with local breweries, cafes, companies, and other suppliers.<\/p>\n Hullo Ferries will mark its third anniversary this summer. It marked the milestone of serving its one millionth passenger in September 2025, and has recorded over 1.3 million cumulative passengers as of early April 2026 on more than 8,000 sailings.<\/p>\n Currently, the company operates two passenger-only catamaran vessels \u2014 each with 350 seats, travelling at speeds of up to 40 knots (74 km\/h) when in open water in the Strait of Georgia. A trip each way takes roughly 75 minutes to complete.<\/p>\n Hullo Ferries also has medium\/longer-term plans to\u00a0acquire more vessels<\/a>\u00a0to not only improve its Nanaimo service, but\u00a0introduce a second route between downtown Vancouver and Victoria<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Nanaimo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/hullo-Lifestyle-Overview-Landscape.jpeg\"\/ "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"hullo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/hullo-ferries-standardized-sailing-schedule.jpg\"\/ "\\"\\"")
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