Driving
Rockport to St. John's
Updated: 30 May 2026
The journey from Rockport to St. John's is a massive undertaking of approximately 2,500 kilometers. You must drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and take the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. From there, it is a long drive across the Trans-Canada Highway to St. John's. This trip takes at least 30 hours of travel time, including the ferry crossing. It is a bucket-list road trip for many Canadians.
Total Distance: 2,500 km driving distance; 1,900 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving is the only practical way to reach St. John's with a vehicle.
Cheapest Way
Driving is the only practical way to bring your own vehicle to Newfoundland.
Compare Rockport to St. John's Routes
Driving
Connecting
Duration
30 hours
Avg Price
$400-$600 CAD in fuel + $200 ferry
Operator
Marine Atlantic
Route
Highway 401 E to North Sydney, then ferry to Newfoundland.
Book your ferry reservation months in advance, especially for summer travel.
Travel Tips
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Ferry BookingMarine Atlantic ferry tickets sell out quickly; book as soon as your dates are set.
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Time ZoneNewfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
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DrivingThe Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland is long and remote; keep your gas tank full.
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WeatherNewfoundland weather is notoriously unpredictable; pack for all four seasons.
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WildlifeMoose are extremely common on Newfoundland roads; drive with extra caution at night.
Safety Tips
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Ferry SafetyFollow all instructions from crew members during the ferry crossing.
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Road SafetyThe Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland has many curves; adjust your speed accordingly.
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EmergencyCarry a satellite messenger or emergency beacon if traveling in remote areas.
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FatiguePlan for multiple overnight stops; the drive across the island is over 900 km.
People Also Ask
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Is there a train to St. John's?No, the Newfoundland Railway was closed in the late 1980s.
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How long is the ferry?The ferry crossing takes between 6 and 16 hours depending on the route.
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Is it worth driving?Yes, the scenery in Newfoundland is spectacular.
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How long is the drive?The total journey from Ontario takes several days.
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Are there tolls?No, but the ferry is a significant expense.
Quick Info
- From Rockport, Ontario, 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 opportunities.
Things to Do in St. John's
1
Signal Hill
Visit the historic site where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received. It offers panoramic views.
2
Quidi Vidi Village
Explore this charming fishing village located within the city limits of St. John's.
3
Cape Spear
Stand at the easternmost point in North America. It is a must-see for any visitor.
4
The Rooms
Discover the history, art, and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador in this world-class museum.
Tags
Rockport to St. John's
driving to Newfoundland
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Ontario to Newfoundland
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