How long is the ferry?

The crossing from North Sydney to Port aux Basques is 7 hours; to Argentia is 16 hours.

No, the Newfoundland Railway was closed in the late 1980s.

Do I need a passport?

No, this is a domestic flight or drive.

Direct flights are rare from Montreal; most connect in Halifax.

What is the best way to see the island?

Driving your own car via the ferry is the best way to explore.

Ayer's Cliff

St. John's

Flight Ship

Ayer's Cliff to St. John's

Updated: 28 May 2026

Reaching St. John's from Ayer's Cliff is a major expedition. You must drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to catch the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques. The total journey takes over 24 hours of travel time. Flying from Montreal to St. John's is the most practical alternative, taking roughly 6 hours.

Total Distance: 2,200 km driving distance; 1,700 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Montreal to St. John's takes 6 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving is cheaper for large groups, but flying saves significant time.

Compare Ayer's Cliff to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	6 hours	7-16 hours (ferry only)
Avg Price	$600-$1,100	$500-$800 (car + passengers)
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	Montreal (YUL) to St. John's (YYT).	North Sydney, NS to Argentia or Port aux Basques, NL.
Tip	Flights often connect through Halifax or Toronto.	Reservations are mandatory for the ferry, especially in summer.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Book your Marine Atlantic ferry spot months in advance for summer travel.
Time Zone
Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
Weather
St. John's weather is unpredictable; always carry a waterproof jacket.
Driving
The Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland is long; keep your gas tank full.
Currency
Standard Canadian currency is used throughout the province.

Safety Tips

Moose
Moose are extremely common on Newfoundland roads; avoid driving at night.
Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during the ferry crossing, especially in rough seas.
Emergency
Cell service is limited in rural Newfoundland; carry a satellite communicator if traveling off-road.
Road Conditions
Check NL 511 for highway conditions before departing on long drives.