How long is the ferry ride?

The ferry crossing between Port aux Basques and North Sydney takes about 7 hours.

Yes, you can fly from Gander or St. John's to Halifax, but you will need to reach those airports first.

Is there a train to Halifax?

There is no train service from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia.

What is the best way to travel?

Driving and taking the ferry is the most practical and common method.

Are there tolls on the way?

There are no major highway tolls on this route, but the ferry is a paid service.

Halifax

Driving Ship

Heart's Content to Halifax

Updated: 31 May 2026

Traveling from Heart's Content to Halifax requires a combination of driving and the Marine Atlantic ferry. You must first drive to Port aux Basques, which takes about 10 hours. From there, you board the ferry to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, a crossing of approximately 7 hours. Finally, you drive from North Sydney to Halifax, taking another 4.5 hours. This journey covers over 1,100 kilometers of land and sea. It is a major transit route for those moving between the island and the mainland.

Total Distance: 1,150 km total distance (including ferry).

Fastest Way

Driving to Port aux Basques and taking the daytime ferry is the most efficient.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle and booking the ferry as a standard passenger.

Compare Heart's Content to Halifax Routes

	Driving Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	15 hours	7 hours
Avg Price	$200-$300 in fuel	$200-$400 per vehicle
Operator	Personal Vehicle	Marine Atlantic
Route	Route 80, TCH, Ferry, Highway 105, Highway 104.	Port aux Basques to North Sydney.
Tip	Ensure you arrive at the ferry terminal 2 hours before departure.	Book a cabin if taking the overnight ferry for better rest.

Travel Tips

Ferry Reservations
Marine Atlantic ferries sell out quickly; book your spot weeks in advance.
Check-in Time
Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 120 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Sea Sickness
If you are prone to motion sickness, bring medication for the ferry crossing.
Highway 104
Be aware of construction zones on the Trans-Canada Highway in Nova Scotia.
Time Zones
Remember that Newfoundland is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during boarding and disembarking the vessel.
Driver Fatigue
This is a long journey; plan for an overnight stay in North Sydney or Truro.
Weather Delays
High winds can delay ferry crossings; check the Marine Atlantic website frequently.
Emergency Contacts
Keep the numbers for local police and roadside assistance saved in your phone.