St. John's
St. John's
Ship

Bell Island to St. John's

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Bell Island to St. John's involves a 20-minute ferry ride to Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, followed by a 20-minute drive into the city of St. John's. This is a standard commute for many residents. The total travel time is approximately 1 hour, including boarding and driving. St. John's offers a vibrant urban experience with historic streets and a bustling harbour.

Total Distance: 25 km total distance.
Fastest Way
Ferry plus driving, taking 1 hour.
Cheapest Way
Ferry plus personal vehicle, costing about $15-$20.
Compare Bell Island to St. John's Routes
Ship
Connecting
Duration
1 hour
Avg Price
$5.50 (ferry) + fuel
Operator
Government of NL (Ferry)
Route
Ferry to Portugal Cove, then drive to St. John's

Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours.

Travel Tips
  • Rush Hour
    Avoid driving into St. John's between 8-9 AM and 4-5 PM.
  • Parking
    Use downtown parking garages for easier access to shops.
  • Weather
    St. John's is known for its windy and foggy weather; dress accordingly.
  • Dining
    Try local delicacies like cod tongues and toutons.
  • Walking
    Downtown St. John's is very walkable; wear comfortable shoes.
Safety Tips
  • Driving
    Be cautious of steep hills and narrow streets in downtown.
  • Ferry
    Check the ferry schedule before leaving the city.
  • Emergency
    St. John's has full hospital and emergency services.
  • Pedestrians
    Watch for pedestrians in busy downtown areas.
People Also Ask
  • How long does it take?
    About 1 hour total.
  • Is there a bus?
    There is no direct bus from the ferry terminal to downtown.
  • Can I take a taxi?
    Yes, taxis are available from the ferry terminal.
  • What is the best time to visit?
    Summer for festivals and nice weather.
  • Are there hotels?
    Yes, many options in downtown St. John's.
Quick Info
  • From Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • To St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

Year-round; St. John's is a vibrant city in all seasons.

Things to Do in St. John's
1
Signal Hill
Visit the historic site for panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
2
George Street
Experience the famous nightlife and live music scene in the heart of downtown.
3
The Rooms
Explore the provincial museum and art gallery for a deep dive into NL history.
4
Quidi Vidi Village
Visit this charming historic fishing village within the city limits.
Tags
Bell Island to St. John's St. John's travel Bell Island ferry commuting to St. John's Newfoundland capital NL travel Bell Island to St. John's distance Portugal Cove to St. John's Newfoundland tourism St. John's city guide