St. John's
St. John's
Flight Ship

Bedford to St. John's

Updated: 28 May 2026

Reaching St. John's from Bedford is a multi-day journey. You can drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, take the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques, and then drive across Newfoundland. Alternatively, fly from Montreal to St. John's. The driving portion is over 2,000 kilometers. This is one of the most scenic and adventurous routes in Canada.

Total Distance: 2,200 km driving + ferry; 1,800 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Flying takes 5 hours compared to 30+ hours for driving and ferry.
Cheapest Way
Flying is often cheaper than the total cost of driving and ferry fees.
Compare Bedford to St. John's Routes
Flight
Connecting
Ship
Direct
Duration 5 hours 24 hours (ferry only)
Avg Price $500-$900 $400-$700 (car + passengers)
Operator Air Canada Marine Atlantic
Route YUL to YYT. North Sydney to Port aux Basques or Argentia.
Tip Book flights well in advance for better pricing. Reservations are mandatory for the ferry.
Travel Tips
  • Ferry Booking
    Book your Marine Atlantic ferry months in advance.
  • Time Zone
    Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
  • Weather
    Expect fog and wind; pack accordingly.
  • Driving
    The Trans-Canada Highway in NL is long; plan your fuel stops.
  • Culture
    Enjoy the local music and hospitality.
Safety Tips
  • Wildlife
    Moose are very common on NL highways; drive carefully at night.
  • Emergency
    Carry a satellite phone or emergency beacon if traveling remotely.
  • Road Conditions
    Check NL 511 for highway updates.
  • Ferry
    Check ferry status before heading to North Sydney.
People Also Ask
  • Is there a bridge to NL?
    No, you must take a ferry or fly.
  • How long is the ferry?
    The ferry takes 6 to 16 hours depending on the route.
  • Is it safe to drive?
    Yes, but watch for moose.
  • What is the best way?
    Flying is the most practical for most travelers.
  • Do I need a passport?
    No, it is a domestic route.
Quick Info
  • From Bedford, Quebec, Canada
  • To St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

July to September for the best weather and iceberg viewing.

Things to Do in St. John's
1
Signal Hill
Visit the historic site for panoramic views of the city and ocean. It is a must-see.
2
Quidi Vidi Village
Explore the charming fishing village within the city. It is very picturesque.
3
The Rooms
Learn about Newfoundland's history and culture at this museum. It is architecturally impressive.
4
Cape Spear
Visit the easternmost point in North America. It is a great spot for whale watching.
Tags
Bedford to St. John's Quebec to Newfoundland travel Marine Atlantic ferry flying to St. John's traveling to Newfoundland best way to St. John's road trip to Newfoundland Bedford to NL