How long is the ferry?

The ferry crossing takes between 7 and 16 hours depending on the route.

No, there is no passenger rail service in Newfoundland.

Can I fly from St. Stephen?

No, you must travel to a larger airport like Fredericton or Saint John.

Is the ferry expensive?

It varies based on vehicle size and passenger count.

What is the best way to travel?

Flying is the most convenient, while the ferry is best for road trippers.

St. Stephen

St. John's

Flight Ship

St. Stephen to St. John's

Updated: 26 May 2026

The journey from St. Stephen to St. John's is a long-distance trip involving a drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, followed by a ferry to Newfoundland, and a final drive across the island. Alternatively, you can fly from a nearby airport like Fredericton or Saint John. The total travel time by land and sea is over 24 hours. Flying is significantly faster but more expensive.

Total Distance: 1,600 km driving + 177 km ferry; 1,200 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is the fastest, taking approximately 6 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving and taking the ferry is the most economical for groups.

Compare St. Stephen to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	6 hours	16 hours (ferry only)
Avg Price	$500-$900	$200-$400
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	Saint John/Fredericton to St. John's	North Sydney to Argentia/Port aux Basques
Tip	Book flights well in advance for better pricing.	Reservations for the ferry are mandatory during peak season.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Book your Marine Atlantic ferry months in advance for summer travel.
Flight Connections
Ensure you have enough time for layovers if flying.
Packing
Pack warm clothing even in summer; Newfoundland weather is unpredictable.
Driving
The drive across Newfoundland is long; plan for overnight stops.
Time Zone
Remember that Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic time.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Follow all instructions from the crew during the ferry crossing.
Wildlife
Moose are very common on Newfoundland roads; drive with extreme caution at night.
Road Conditions
Check road reports before driving across the island.
Emergency
Carry a satellite phone or emergency beacon if traveling in remote areas.