How long is the drive from Halifax to Newfoundland by ferry?

From Halifax to North Sydney, Nova Scotia (the ferry terminal) is approximately 4 hours. The Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney to Port aux Basques takes approximately 7 hours. Total journey from Halifax to arriving in Newfoundland is approximately 11-12 hours including loading and sailing time.

How much does the Marine Atlantic ferry cost from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland?

A passenger one-way ticket is approximately $43.78 plus HST. Vehicle transport is additional and varies by vehicle size. Contact Marine Atlantic at 1-800-341-7981 or visit marineatlantic.ca for current rates and schedules. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer travel.

Newfoundland Travel Tips

Can You Drive from
Halifax to Newfoundland?

You cannot drive directly. Here is exactly how to get from Halifax to Newfoundland with or without a car.

You cannot drive directly from Halifax to Newfoundland Newfoundland is an island separated from mainland Canada by the Cabot Strait. Bringing a car requires the Marine Atlantic ferry. Alternatively, you can fly directly from Halifax to St. John’s (YYT) in approximately 1.5 hours and pick up a rental car on arrival.

Option 1: Drive + Marine Atlantic Ferry

Leg	Distance/Time	Notes
Halifax to North Sydney, NS (ferry terminal)	~430 km, ~4 hrs	Trans-Canada (Route 104) east to Cape Breton
North Sydney to Port aux Basques, NL (ferry)	~175 km across water, ~7 hrs	Marine Atlantic ferry. Book ahead.
Port aux Basques to Rocky Harbour (Gros Morne)	~170 km, ~2 hrs	Arrive western Newfoundland immediately
Port aux Basques to St. John’s	~905 km, ~11 hrs	Full trans-island drive

Marine Atlantic Ferry Contact

Phone: 1-800-341-7981. Email: reservations@marineatlantic.ca. Headquarters: 10 Fort William Place, St. John’s, NL. Book reservations well ahead for summer, especially if travelling with a vehicle. The North Sydney to Port aux Basques route operates year-round.

Option 2: Fly from Halifax to St. John’s

Air Canada operates direct flights from Halifax (YHZ) to St. John’s (YYT) in approximately 1.5 hours. This is faster and cheaper than the ferry option if you do not need to bring your own vehicle pick up a rental car at YYT Airport on arrival. Book your rental car 3-4 months ahead for summer travel inventory at YYT sells out.

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Ferry vs. Flying from Halifax

If you want to bring your own vehicle and explore at your own pace from the western end of the island, the ferry is the right choice you arrive in Port aux Basques and Gros Morne is 2 hours north. If your focus is St. John’s and the Avalon Peninsula, flying and renting a car is faster and often cheaper.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Not directly. Newfoundland is an island. You must take the Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney, NS (~4 hrs from Halifax) to Port aux Basques, NL (~7 hr crossing). Total journey approximately 11-12 hours.

Passenger one-way approximately $43.78 plus HST. Vehicle transport additional. Call 1-800-341-7981 or visit marineatlantic.ca for current rates. Book reservations ahead for summer.

Fly if your focus is St. John’s and the Avalon Peninsula 1.5 hours vs. 11+ hours. Take the ferry if you want to bring your car and start from the western end of the island near Gros Morne.

Planning Your Newfoundland Trip?

Whether you fly or take the ferry, book your rental car well ahead for summer travel.

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