How long is the ferry?

The crossing to Port aux Basques is 7 hours; the crossing to Argentia is 16 hours.

No, there are no direct flights from Trail to St. John's.

Only if you have at least 10-14 days to enjoy the cross-country experience.

What is the best way to get around St. John's?

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the island.

Do I need a passport?

No, this is a domestic flight within Canada.

Trail

St. John's

Flight Ship

Trail to St. John's

Updated: 30 May 2026

Reaching St. John's from Trail is a massive undertaking involving a flight or a combination of driving and the Marine Atlantic ferry. Flying from Trail (YZZ) to Vancouver (YVR) and then to St. John's (YYT) is the most practical route. If driving, you must reach North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and take the ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques. This journey spans the entire continent and requires careful planning.

Total Distance: Driving distance 6,500 km; straight-line air distance 4,600 km.

Fastest Way

Flying is significantly faster than the multi-day drive and ferry combination.

Cheapest Way

Flying is often cheaper than the total cost of fuel, hotels, and ferry fees for a solo traveler.

Compare Trail to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	16 hours	7-16 hours
Avg Price	$1,000 - $1,800	$200 - $500 (ferry only)
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	YZZ to YVR to YYT	North Sydney to Port aux Basques/Argentia
Tip	Flights to St. John's often have long layovers in Toronto or Montreal.	Book your ferry reservation months in advance for summer travel.

Travel Tips

Ferry Reservations
Marine Atlantic ferries sell out quickly; book as soon as your travel dates are set.
Time Zone
Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
Packing
Newfoundland weather is unpredictable; bring waterproof gear regardless of the season.
Flight Layovers
Choose layovers in Toronto or Montreal that are at least 3 hours long to avoid missing connections.
Car Rental
Rent a car in St. John's to explore the surrounding Avalon Peninsula.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during the ferry crossing, especially in rough seas.
Driving
Newfoundland roads can be winding and foggy; drive with caution.
Wildlife
Moose are very common on Newfoundland highways; avoid driving at night.
Emergency
Keep a satellite messenger or offline maps, as cell service is spotty in rural Newfoundland.