How long is the ferry?

The crossing takes between 7 and 16 hours depending on the route and weather.

There are no direct flights from Annapolis Royal; you must fly from Halifax.

Is the ferry expensive?

Prices vary based on vehicle size and cabin selection.

Do I need a passport?

No, this is a domestic trip within Canada.

Driving is scenic but very time-consuming; flying is recommended for short trips.

Annapolis Royal

St. John's

Flight Ship

Annapolis Royal to St. John's

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Annapolis Royal to St. John's is a significant trek. You must first drive 300 km to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to catch the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques. The ferry crossing takes 7 to 16 hours depending on the route. From Port aux Basques, it is an additional 900 km drive to St. John's. Alternatively, you can drive to Halifax (200 km) and fly to St. John's (2 hours).

Total Distance: Driving distance is 1,500 km including ferry; air distance is 1,100 km.

Fastest Way

Flying from Halifax (YHZ) is the fastest way to reach St. John's.

Cheapest Way

Driving and taking the ferry is cheaper for groups with a vehicle.

Compare Annapolis Royal to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	5 hours (including drive to YHZ)	24 hours+
Avg Price	$400 - $700 CAD	$300 - $500 CAD
Operator	Air Canada / WestJet	Marine Atlantic
Route	Drive to Halifax (YHZ), fly to St. John's (YYT).	Drive to North Sydney, ferry to Port aux Basques, drive to St. John's.
Tip	Flying is significantly faster than the ferry/drive combination.	Book your ferry cabin months in advance for summer travel.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Marine Atlantic reservations are essential for vehicle transport.
Time Zone
Remember that Newfoundland is on its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
Weather
Newfoundland weather is unpredictable; pack layers regardless of the season.
Driving
The Trans-Canada Highway across Newfoundland is long; plan for multiple stops.
Flights
Book flights from Halifax (YHZ) to get the best connections.

Safety Tips

Moose
Moose are a major hazard on Newfoundland highways; avoid driving at night.
Ferry Safety
Follow all maritime safety protocols during the crossing.
Road Conditions
Check the NL 511 website for highway updates before driving.
Emergency
Cell service is limited in remote areas of the island; carry a satellite communicator if traveling off-road.