How long is the ferry?

The crossing takes 6 to 16 hours depending on the route.

Do I need a passport?

No, it is domestic travel within Canada.

Flying is much faster and less exhausting.

Are there hotels in St. John's?

Yes, there are many options in the downtown area.

What is the best time to visit?

July and August are the best months for weather.

Grande-Anse

St. John's

Flight Driving

Grande-Anse to St. John's

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Grande-Anse to St. John's is a major trip involving both driving and a ferry crossing. You must drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to catch the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port-aux-Basques. From there, it is a long drive across Newfoundland to St. John's. The total travel time can exceed 24 hours. This is a bucket-list journey for many Canadians.

Total Distance: 1500 km driving distance + 177 km ferry, 1100 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is significantly faster, taking about 6 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving and taking the ferry is generally cheaper if traveling with multiple people.

Compare Grande-Anse to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	6 hours	24+ hours
Avg Price	$400-$800	$400-$600 (including ferry)
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	Fly from Bathurst (ZBF) to St. John's (YYT).	Highway 11 to Highway 104 to North Sydney, then ferry.
Tip	Connecting flights usually go through Montreal or Halifax.	Book your ferry reservation well in advance.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Book your Marine Atlantic ferry months in advance for summer travel.
Driving in NL
The Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland is long; plan for multiple days.
Weather
Newfoundland weather is unpredictable; pack layers.
Time Zone
Remember that Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
Supplies
Stock up on snacks and water for the ferry crossing.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Moose are very common on Newfoundland roads; drive slowly at night.
Ferry Safety
Follow all instructions from the ferry crew during the crossing.
Emergency
Keep a satellite phone or emergency beacon if traveling in remote areas.
Vehicle Prep
Ensure your car is in excellent condition for the long drive.