M
API Matrix

BC Ferries API

⭐ Beginner's Pick Transportation / No Auth Required Beginner HTTPS CORS
Free to Use Varies (check documentation)
92 Score
Grade A+
Visit Official Site Compare Alternatives

Overview

The BC Ferries API is a free, open API providing real-time sailing schedules, capacity, and current conditions for BC Ferries routes in British Columbia, Canada. No authentication is required, making it one of the easiest transportation APIs to start using immediately. It is ideal for building travel planners or commute tools for the BC coastal region.

💡

Beginner Tip

Routes are identified by a departure terminal code and a destination terminal code such as TSA for Tsawwassen and SWB for Swartz Bay. Check the API documentation for the full list of terminal codes before making your first request.

Available Data

BC Ferries data via REST API
JSON-formatted response data
Freely accessible without authentication

Example Response

JSON Response 
{
  "route": "Line 1",
  "origin": "Station A",
  "destination": "Station B",
  "departure": "08:30",
  "arrival": "09:15",
  "status": "On Time",
  "delays_min": 0
}

Field Reference

route The departure and destination terminal codes separated by a slash.
sailings List of scheduled sailings for the requested route.
sailings[].time Scheduled departure time in HH:MM format.
sailings[].fill Percentage of vessel capacity currently filled with vehicles.
sailings[].carFill Car deck fill percentage specifically.
sailings[].status Current status of the sailing such as On Time, Delayed, or Cancelled.

Implementation Example 

const url = "https://www.bcferriesapi.ca/";
const response = await fetch(url);
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${response.status}`);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);

What Can You Build?

Note: These code examples are AI-generated and unverified. Always refer to the official API documentation for accurate usage.

Common Errors & Troubleshooting

404 Not Found The terminal code combination does not exist or is in the wrong order.
✓ Verify terminal codes in the documentation; the first code is always the departure terminal and the second is the destination.
Empty sailings array No sailings are scheduled for that route on the current day.
✓ Some routes operate seasonally; check the BC Ferries schedule for operating periods.
CORS error in browser Making the request from a browser frontend may be blocked by CORS policy.
✓ Route the request through your own backend server or verify in the docs whether CORS is enabled for the endpoint you are using.

Matrix Score Breakdown

🌐 Reachability 30/30
⚡ Speed 20/20
🔒 Security 15/15
🛠 Developer XP 20/20
✓ Reliability 7/15
Response Time 146ms

Fully tested on Apr 5, 2026

Technical Specifications

Auth No Auth
HTTPS REQUIRED
CORS YES
Category Transportation
Difficulty Beginner
Verified: 2026-04-04

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