Is there a train to Windsor?

Yes, VIA Rail operates trains to Windsor from Toronto.

Do I need a passport?

Not for domestic travel, but keep ID for hotel check-ins.

How long is the ferry?

The ferry from Campobello to the mainland takes about 20 minutes.

Highway 401 is toll-free, but the 407 ETR in Toronto is a toll road.

Where is the best place to stop?

Montreal is a great halfway point for an overnight stay.

Wilsons Beach

Windsor

Flight Driving

Wilsons Beach to Windsor

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Wilsons Beach on Campobello Island to Windsor requires a ferry crossing to Deer Island or mainland New Brunswick before hitting the Trans-Canada Highway. You will traverse through Quebec and Ontario, primarily utilizing Highway 401. The total driving distance spans approximately 1,650 kilometers. Expect a travel time of roughly 18 to 20 hours of pure driving. This route is a major cross-country corridor connecting the Maritimes to the industrial heartland of Ontario.

Total Distance: 1,650 km driving distance; 1,320 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Saint John Airport to Windsor is the fastest, taking roughly 8 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective for groups or families sharing fuel costs.

Compare Wilsons Beach to Windsor Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	8 hours	19 hours
Avg Price	$600 - $900	$350 - $500 in fuel
Operator	Air Canada	Personal Vehicle
Route	Saint John Airport (YSJ) to Windsor International Airport (YQG).	Route 774 to Route 1, then Trans-Canada Highway 2 and Highway 401.
Tip	You must drive to Saint John first, which adds 2 hours to your total travel time.	Check the East Coast Ferry schedule for Campobello Island departures before starting your trip.

Travel Tips

Ferry Timing
Always verify the East Coast Ferry schedule as it is tide-dependent.
Highway 401 Traffic
Avoid the Greater Toronto Area during rush hours between 7 AM and 9 AM.
Fuel Stops
Fill up in Quebec where gas prices are often lower than in Ontario.
Rest Breaks
Plan stops every 3 hours to maintain alertness on the long drive.
Border Awareness
Keep your passport handy if you accidentally cross into the US near Windsor.

Safety Tips

Winter Driving
Avoid this route in winter due to heavy snow squalls on Highway 401.
Wildlife
Watch for moose on New Brunswick highways, especially at dawn and dusk.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your tires and brakes are serviced before a 1,600 km journey.
Emergency Kit
Carry a winter emergency kit even in shoulder seasons.