How long is the ferry to Newfoundland?

The crossing takes between 6 to 16 hours depending on the route.

Can I fly to St. John's?

Yes, St. John's International Airport (YYT) has regular service.

Is it worth driving to Newfoundland?

Yes, the scenery and culture are unique and well worth the drive.

Do I need a passport?

No, this is a domestic trip within Canada.

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

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the island.

Whitney

St. John's

Flight Driving

Whitney to St. John's

Updated: 31 May 2026

Reaching St. John's from Whitney involves a long journey across Canada and across the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The most common route is driving to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and taking the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques, followed by a drive across Newfoundland. Alternatively, fly from Ottawa to St. John's International Airport (YYT). This is a bucket-list trip for many Canadians.

Total Distance: Driving distance 2,400 km (including ferry), straight-line air distance 1,800 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from Ottawa (YOW) to St. John's (YYT) takes about 6 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is cheaper for groups, but ferry costs add up quickly.

Compare Whitney to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	6 hours	30 hours
Avg Price	$500 - $900 CAD	$600 - $1,000 CAD
Operator	Air Canada / Porter	Marine Atlantic
Route	YOW to YYT via YYZ or YUL.	Trans-Canada Hwy to North Sydney, then ferry to NL.
Tip	Flights are the fastest way to reach the island.	Book your ferry reservation months in advance.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Marine Atlantic ferries sell out quickly; book your spot as soon as your dates are set.
Driving in NL
The Trans-Canada Highway across Newfoundland is long; plan for multiple days of driving.
Weather
Newfoundland weather is famously changeable; pack for all four seasons.
Time Zone
Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
Local Food
Try traditional Newfoundland dishes like cod tongues or Jiggs dinner.

Safety Tips

Moose
Be extremely careful driving at night in Newfoundland due to the high moose population.
Ferry Safety
Follow all instructions from crew members while on the ferry.
Road Conditions
Check road reports, as coastal winds can affect driving conditions.
Emergency
Carry a satellite messenger if you plan to explore remote areas of the island.