How long is the drive?

The total driving time is about 13 hours plus the ferry.

Is St. John's a big city?

It is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland.

Yes, you can fly from Charlottetown to St. John's with connections.

Is the ferry reliable?

Yes, but it can be affected by severe weather.

What is the best time to visit?

Summer offers the best weather for exploring.

York

St. John's

Driving Ship

York to St. John's

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from York, PEI to St. John's, NL is a major cross-country expedition. Drive 4 hours to North Sydney, take the 7-hour ferry to Port aux Basques, and then drive 9 hours across the entire island of Newfoundland to reach the capital city of St. John's.

Total Distance: Driving distance 450 km + 180 km ferry + 900 km, total travel time 24+ hours.

Fastest Way

Driving to North Sydney and taking the ferry is the standard route.

Cheapest Way

Driving and taking the ferry is the most practical way to transport a vehicle.

Compare York to St. John's Routes

	Driving Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	13 hours total driving	7 hours
Avg Price	$300 - $450 fuel	$200 - $400
Operator	Personal Vehicle	Marine Atlantic
Route	TCH 104 to North Sydney, then TCH 1 across Newfoundland.	North Sydney, NS to Port aux Basques, NL.
Tip	The drive across Newfoundland is long; plan for an overnight stop.	Book your ferry crossing well in advance.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Always book your ferry crossing well in advance.
Time Zone
Newfoundland is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
Driving
The TCH across Newfoundland is long; plan for multiple rest stops.
Wildlife
Moose are a major hazard; avoid driving at night at all costs.
Supplies
Keep a cooler with food and water for the long drive across the island.