How long is the ferry ride?

The ferry ride from North Sydney to Port aux Basques takes about 7 hours.

Is there a direct flight?

No, you must connect through a major hub like Halifax.

What is the best way to travel?

Flying is the fastest, while the ferry is a unique experience.

No, there are no tolls on the Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland.

No, there is no passenger train service in Newfoundland.

St. John's

Flight Driving

Birch Plain to St. John's

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Birch Plain to St. John's involves a combination of driving and a ferry crossing. You will drive to North Sydney, take the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques, and then drive across Newfoundland. The total distance is approximately 1,100 kilometers. This is a scenic route that showcases the beauty of the Atlantic provinces.

Total Distance: 1,100 km driving, 900 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Sydney to St. John's is the fastest.

Cheapest Way

Driving with the ferry is cost-effective for groups.

Compare Birch Plain to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	4 hours	24 hours
Avg Price	$300 - $700	$300 - $500 in fuel + ferry
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	Sydney (YQY) to St. John's (YYT) via Halifax (YHZ).	Hwy 105 to North Sydney, ferry to NL, TCH to St. John's.
Tip	Flying is significantly faster than the ferry route.	Book your ferry reservation well in advance.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Book your Marine Atlantic ferry ticket months in advance.
Weather
Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Newfoundland.
Navigation
Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
Packing
Bring warm clothing even in the summer.
Time Zone
Remember that Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.