Is the ferry expensive?

It varies by vehicle size and season; check the Marine Atlantic website for current rates.

How long is the drive?

It takes about 35 hours of driving time, usually spread over 4-5 days.

No, there is no passenger rail service in Newfoundland.

What is the best airport?

St. John's International Airport (YYT) is the main gateway.

Is it worth the trip?

Yes, the scenery and culture of Newfoundland are unlike anywhere else in Canada.

Elgin

St. John's

Flight Driving

Elgin to St. John's

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Elgin to St. John's is an epic cross-country adventure covering over 2,500 kilometers. You must drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and take the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. From there, it is a long drive across the island to St. John's. This route takes you through the heart of the Maritimes and across the rugged, beautiful landscape of Newfoundland. It is a journey for those who love the open road and coastal scenery.

Total Distance: Driving distance 2,550 km (including ferry), straight-line air distance 2,000 km.

Fastest Way

Flying from Ottawa (YOW) to St. John's (YYT) is the fastest, taking about 7 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective way to reach St. John's if you have multiple passengers.

Compare Elgin to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	7 hours	35 hours
Avg Price	$500 - $1,000	$600 - $1,000
Operator	Air Canada	Personal Vehicle + Marine Atlantic
Route	YOW to YYT	Hwy 401 to Trans-Canada Hwy 2 to Ferry to Trans-Canada Hwy 1
Tip	Flights connect through Montreal or Toronto.	Book your ferry crossing months in advance, especially for summer travel.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Marine Atlantic ferry tickets sell out fast; book as soon as your travel dates are set.
Route Planning
The drive across Newfoundland is long; plan for overnight stops in Gander or Corner Brook.
Packing
Newfoundland weather is unpredictable; bring waterproof gear and warm layers.
Local Culture
Take time to talk to the locals; Newfoundlanders are known for their hospitality and storytelling.
Driving
Be prepared for long stretches of road with limited services in rural Newfoundland.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Moose are extremely common on Newfoundland roads; avoid driving at night at all costs.
Weather
Fog can be very thick on the island; drive slowly and use your headlights.
Emergency
Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle for the long drive across the island.
Navigation
Download offline maps; cell service is limited in many parts of the province.