Flight
Ship
Pleasant Bay to St. John's
Updated: 31 May 2026
The journey from Pleasant Bay to St. John's involves crossing the Cabot Strait. You will drive 2 hours to North Sydney to catch the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques. From there, it is a long drive across the Trans-Canada Highway to St. John's. Alternatively, you can fly from Halifax to St. John's, which is much faster.
Total Distance: 950 km driving + ferry; 850 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Flying from Halifax to St. John's is the fastest, taking 4 hours.
Cheapest Way
The ferry is the most cost-effective for those traveling with a vehicle.
Compare Pleasant Bay to St. John's Routes
|
Connecting
|
Direct
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours | 16 hours |
| Avg Price | $300 - $600 | $200 - $400 |
| Operator | Air Canada | Marine Atlantic |
| Route | Drive to YHZ, fly to YYT. | North Sydney to Port aux Basques or Argentia. |
| Tip | Flying is significantly faster than the ferry route. | Book your ferry reservation well in advance, especially during summer. |
Travel Tips
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Ferry BookingBook your Marine Atlantic ferry ticket online in advance.
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DrivingThe drive across Newfoundland is long; plan for overnight stops.
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WeatherBe prepared for foggy and windy conditions in Newfoundland.
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PackingBring warm clothing, even in summer.
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NavigationUse GPS to navigate the Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland.
Safety Tips
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WildlifeWatch for moose on the roads, especially at night.
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WeatherCheck the weather forecast for the ferry crossing.
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EmergencyKeep a charged phone and power bank in your vehicle.
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Road ConditionsBe aware of potential road construction in remote areas.
People Also Ask
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Is there a ferry to Newfoundland?Yes, Marine Atlantic operates ferries from North Sydney.
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How long is the ferry ride?It takes about 6-16 hours depending on the route.
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Can I fly to St. John's?Yes, there are regular flights to St. John's International Airport (YYT).
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Is St. John's worth visiting?Yes, it is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture.
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Do I need a passport?No, this is a domestic trip within Canada.
Quick Info
- From Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
- To St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
July to August for the best weather and iceberg viewing.
Things to Do in St. John's
1
Signal Hill
Visit this historic site for panoramic views of St. John's.
2
Quidi Vidi Village
Explore this charming fishing village and its brewery.
3
The Rooms
Learn about the history and culture of Newfoundland.
4
Cape Spear
Visit the easternmost point in North America.
Tags
Pleasant Bay to St. John's
travel to Newfoundland from Nova Scotia
Marine Atlantic ferry
flights to St. John's
Cape Breton travel
best way to St. John's
transportation guide
Canada travel
