St. John's
St. John's
Driving Ship

Florence to St. John's

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Florence to St. John's involves driving to North Sydney (5 km), taking the Marine Atlantic ferry to Port aux Basques (6-8 hours), and driving 900 kilometers across Newfoundland to St. John's. This is a major cross-island journey.

Total Distance: 900 km driving distance (excluding ferry); 950 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving and taking the ferry is the only practical way to reach St. John's.
Cheapest Way
Driving and taking the ferry is the most practical way to travel.
Compare Florence to St. John's Routes
Driving
Direct
Ship
Direct
Duration 10 hours 7 hours
Avg Price 150-220 CAD in fuel 150-300 CAD (ferry)
Operator Personal Vehicle Marine Atlantic
Route Trans-Canada Hwy 1 across Newfoundland. North Sydney to Port aux Basques.
Tip The drive across Newfoundland is long; plan for an overnight stop. Book your ferry reservation well in advance.
Travel Tips
  • Ferry Booking
    Book your ferry ticket as early as possible.
  • Navigation
    The route in Newfoundland is simple; follow the Trans-Canada Highway.
  • Weather
    Newfoundland weather can be unpredictable; pack accordingly.
  • Time Zone
    Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
  • Wildlife
    Watch for moose on the highway in Newfoundland.
Safety Tips
  • Fatigue
    Take breaks during the long drive across the island.
  • Road Conditions
    Be alert for moose, especially at night.
  • Visibility
    Use headlights during foggy conditions.
  • Emergency
    Keep a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle.
People Also Ask
  • Is there a flight?
    Yes, you can fly from Sydney (YQY) to St. John's (YYT).
  • How long is the ferry?
    It takes about 6 to 8 hours.
  • Is the ferry reliable?
    Yes, Marine Atlantic is reliable.
  • What is the best route?
    The ferry to Port aux Basques is the most direct.
  • Do I need a passport?
    No, this is a domestic route.
Quick Info
  • From Florence, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • To St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

June to September for the best weather and ferry conditions.

Things to Do in St. John's
1
Signal Hill
Visit the historic site with panoramic views of the city and ocean.
2
Quidi Vidi Village
Explore the historic fishing village and brewery.
3
George Street
Experience the famous nightlife and music scene.
4
The Rooms
Visit the museum and art gallery.
Tags
Florence to St. John's Nova Scotia to Newfoundland ferry to Newfoundland driving to St. John's Florence NS St. John's transport Atlantic Canada travel best way to St. John's
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