A vibration wave motor includes: a vibrator including a vibration plate and a piezoelectric element; a friction member frictionally contacting the vibrator; a pressing member generating a pressing force to bring the vibrator in frictional contact with the friction member; and a pressing force transmitting member between the vibrator and the pressing member to transmit the pressing force to the vibrator. The vibrator and the friction member move in a relative movement direction by an elliptical vibration, and the pressing force transmitting member includes: an engagement portion formed near a contact portion with the pressing member and engaged with the pressing member; a first restricting portion restricting movement in the relative movement direction; and a second restricting portion. restricting movement in a direction perpendicular to a pressing direction by the pressing member and the direction. The pressing force transmitting member is rotatably held with respect to the pressing member.