St. John's
St. John's
Driving

Martintown to St. John's

Updated: 28 May 2026

Reaching St. John's from Martintown is a major expedition. You must drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to catch the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. From the ferry terminal, it is a long drive across the Trans-Canada Highway to St. John's. The total distance is over 2,000 km, including the ferry crossing. This is a bucket-list road trip for many Canadians.

Total Distance: Driving distance 2,000+ km; Air distance 1,700 km.
Fastest Way
Flying from Ottawa or Montreal to St. John's International Airport (YYT).
Cheapest Way
Driving and taking the ferry is the most practical way to bring your own vehicle.
Compare Martintown to St. John's Routes
Driving
Connecting
Duration
24+ hours
Avg Price
600-900 CAD including ferry
Operator
Marine Atlantic
Route
Hwy 401 E to Trans-Canada Hwy 104 to Ferry

Book your ferry reservation months in advance, especially for summer travel.

Travel Tips
  • Ferry Booking
    Marine Atlantic ferries sell out quickly; book as soon as your dates are set.
  • Time Zone
    Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
  • Weather
    Newfoundland weather is famously unpredictable; pack for all four seasons.
  • Driving
    The Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland is long and remote; keep your gas tank full.
  • Local Culture
    Take time to chat with locals; they are known for their hospitality.
Safety Tips
  • Wildlife
    Moose are very common on Newfoundland roads; drive with extreme caution at night.
  • Ferry Safety
    Follow all instructions from ferry staff during the crossing.
  • Navigation
    Download offline maps as cell service is limited in rural areas.
  • Emergency
    Carry a satellite messenger if you plan on hiking in remote areas.
People Also Ask
  • How long is the ferry?
    The crossing takes between 6 to 16 hours depending on the route.
  • Is it worth driving?
    Yes, the scenery in Newfoundland is spectacular.
  • Do I need a passport?
    No, it is a domestic trip within Canada.
  • What is the best time to visit?
    Summer is the best time for weather and activities.
  • Are there tolls?
    Only the ferry fee applies.
Quick Info
  • From Martintown, Ontario, Canada
  • To St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

July to September for the best weather and iceberg viewing.

Things to Do in St. John's
1
Signal Hill
Hike to the top for incredible views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean. It is a historic site.
2
Quidi Vidi Village
Visit this charming fishing village within the city. It is famous for its brewery and scenery.
3
The Rooms
Explore the museum and art gallery to learn about Newfoundland's unique culture. It is a must-see.
4
George Street
Experience the famous nightlife and live music. It is known for having the most bars per capita.
Tags
Martintown to St. John's driving to Newfoundland Marine Atlantic ferry Ontario to St. John's Newfoundland travel best route to St. John's traveling to NL ferry to Newfoundland
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