Is Saint John near Moncton?

Yes, it is about a 1.5-hour drive from Moncton.

No, there is no passenger rail service to Saint John.

What is the best time to visit?

Summer months offer the best weather for outdoor activities.

Is the water safe to swim?

The Bay of Fundy is very cold; swimming is generally not recommended.

There is a ferry from Saint John to Digby, Nova Scotia.

Prescott

Saint John

Flight Driving

Prescott to Saint John

Updated: 26 May 2026

Traveling from Prescott to Saint John involves traversing the Trans-Canada Highway through Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. The distance is approximately 1400 kilometers, typically requiring 15 hours of driving time. You will pass through major cities like Montreal and Fredericton before reaching the port city of Saint John. Alternatively, you can fly from Ottawa to Saint John Airport (YSJ) with a connection. This route is ideal for those looking to explore the historic Bay of Fundy coastline.

Total Distance: Driving distance 1400 km, straight-line air distance 1080 km.

Fastest Way

Flying from Ottawa is the fastest, though connections can add significant time.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the most cost-effective way to reach Saint John.

Compare Prescott to Saint John Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours	15 hours
Avg Price	$450 - $800 CAD	$275 - $375 CAD
Operator	Air Canada	Personal Vehicle
Route	YOW to YSJ via Toronto or Montreal.	Highway 401 to Highway 20, then Trans-Canada Highway 2.
Tip	Flights to Saint John are often more expensive than to Moncton.	The route through the Appalachian mountains in New Brunswick is very scenic.

Travel Tips

Parking
Use the parking garages downtown as street parking is limited and strictly enforced.
Tides
Check the tide tables before visiting the Reversing Falls to see the water at its most dramatic.
Weather
The coast can be foggy and cooler than inland; pack layers even in summer.
Local Transit
Saint John Transit provides bus service, but a car is recommended for exploring the outskirts.
Events
Check the city calendar for festivals at the Imperial Theatre.

Safety Tips

Fog
Coastal fog can reduce visibility to near zero; drive with headlights on.
Steep Grades
Be cautious of steep hills in the city, especially during icy winter conditions.
Emergency
Keep a roadside emergency kit in your car for the long drive through rural Quebec.
Pedestrians
Be aware of high pedestrian traffic in the historic uptown area.