How to Get to
Newfoundland:
Ferry vs. Flying
Cost, time, convenience, and experience we break down both ways to reach The Rock so you can choose what’s right for your trip. Whether you’re bringing a car, chasing icebergs, or just want the fastest route possible.
Getting to Newfoundland:
Two Very Different Experiences
Newfoundland is an island which means every visitor has to cross the water somehow. Flying is fast and often the cheapest option for solo travellers and international visitors. The Marine Atlantic ferry is slower, more expensive for groups with vehicles, but delivers an experience that many visitors say is one of the highlights of the entire trip. Here’s how to decide.
| Category | ⛴ Ferry (Marine Atlantic) | ✈ Flying |
|---|---|---|
| Journey Time | 6–7 hrs (Port aux Basques) 14–16 hrs (Argentia) + driving to/from ferry terminal |
1–3 hrs flight + airport time each end Fast door-to-door overall Faster |
| Cost Solo Traveller | ~$100–$200 CAD (passenger + cabin option) | $150–$450 CAD (varies widely by route & season) Often Cheaper |
| Cost Family with Car | $400–$900+ CAD (passengers + vehicle + cabin) Can Beat Flying | Flights + car rental ($50–$120/day) often more expensive total |
| Brings Your Car | ✅ Yes drive onto the ferry, drive off in Newfoundland Big Advantage | ❌ No must rent a car in Newfoundland (essential for exploring) |
| The Experience | Iconic Atlantic crossing part of the Newfoundland adventure More Memorable | Standard air travel efficient but not an experience in itself |
| Seasonal Availability | Port aux Basques: year-round Argentia: June–September only |
Year-round on all major routes More Flexible |
| Where You Arrive | Port aux Basques (west coast) or Argentia (near St. John’s) | St. John’s (YYT), Deer Lake (YDF), or Gander (YQX) fly direct to region |
| Best For | Families with vehicles, road trippers, those wanting the full experience | Solo travellers, international visitors, those short on time More Convenient |
| Book In Advance? | ⚠ Yes ferry books out fast in summer, especially with vehicles | ⚠ Yes flights to Newfoundland fill up in July & August |
For many visitors, the Marine Atlantic ferry crossing is not just transportation it’s one of the defining experiences of a Newfoundland trip.
Flying is faster, more flexible, and often the most practical choice especially for visitors from outside Canada.
The Two Ferry Routes
to Newfoundland
Marine Atlantic operates two routes between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Which one is right for you depends entirely on where you’re heading on the island.
The primary, year-round ferry crossing and for most visitors, the practical choice. Port aux Basques sits on Newfoundland’s western tip, ideal if you’re exploring Gros Morne, the Tablelands, Corner Brook, or driving across the whole island. Multiple daily departures. Book vehicles months in advance for summer.
The longer overnight route, arriving on the Avalon Peninsula just 90 minutes from St. John’s. Perfect if you’re focusing on the Avalon, the Irish Loop, Ferryland, or Eastern Newfoundland. Book a cabin for the overnight crossing. Argentia is only 3 hours from Bonavista and the Skerwink Trail area.
The Three Airports
of Newfoundland
Three airports serve visitors to Newfoundland each giving you direct access to a different part of the island. Choose the one closest to where you’re spending most of your time.
Newfoundland’s busiest airport and the primary gateway for most visitors. Located 5 km from downtown St. John’s, it gives you immediate access to the Avalon Peninsula, Irish Loop, and Eastern Newfoundland. Direct service from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, and seasonal international routes.
The gateway to Western Newfoundland just 30–45 minutes from Gros Morne National Park and Corner Brook. If Gros Morne, the Tablelands, Western Brook Pond, or the Viking Trail are on your itinerary, fly into Deer Lake. Direct service from Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. Car rental is essential from here.
The gateway to Central Newfoundland home of the Come From Away story. From Gander, Twillingate icebergs are 1.5 hours north, Fogo Island is 90 minutes, and Terra Nova National Park is 45 minutes south. Smaller airport, fewer flights, but the perfect entry point for a central NL itinerary.
Which Is Right for You?
Still not sure? Use this quick guide to find which option fits your travel situation.
Real Cost Comparison:
Family of 4 for 7 Days
Numbers are approximate based on typical summer 2025 pricing. Actual costs vary by dates, booking timing, and choices. Always book early for best rates.
⚠ These are rough estimates only. Flight costs vary enormously by booking date, season, and departure city. Ferry costs vary by vehicle size and cabin type. Always compare current prices at marineatlantic.ca and your preferred flight search engine before deciding.
Tips for Getting to Newfoundland
Book the Ferry Months in Advance
Marine Atlantic vehicle space is the most limited resource for summer Newfoundland travel. If you’re bringing a car in July or August, book as early as January–March. Passenger-only tickets are available closer to departure, but vehicle space goes fast.
Always Book a Cabin for Argentia
The 14–16 hour Argentia crossing is an overnight journey. A cabin is not a luxury it’s essential for a comfortable crossing and arriving rested. Bring your own snacks and entertainment; the onboard food is serviceable but not exceptional.
Fly into the Right Airport
Many visitors fly into St. John’s (YYT) even when they’re heading to Gros Morne adding a 7-hour drive each way. If western Newfoundland is your focus, fly into Deer Lake (YDF). If central, fly into Gander (YQX). Match your arrival airport to your itinerary.
A Rental Car Is Non-Negotiable
Regardless of whether you fly or ferry, you need a car to explore Newfoundland. There is no meaningful public transit outside St. John’s. Book your rental car early summer inventory at Deer Lake and Gander airports is limited and prices spike late.
Weather Can Delay Both Options
Newfoundland weather is unpredictable. The ferry can be delayed by fog or heavy swells. Flights to YYT are frequently diverted or delayed, especially in summer fog season. Build buffer time into your itinerary and don’t schedule a critical meeting the morning after you arrive.
Flying Can Be Cheaper If You’re Flexible
Flight prices to Newfoundland fluctuate enormously. Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner for your dates. Flying Tuesday–Thursday is typically cheaper. Flair and Porter sometimes offer dramatically lower fares than Air Canada on select routes.
The Argentia Ferry Arrives Near All the Best Stuff
Many visitors don’t realize that the Argentia route drops you 90 minutes from St. John’s, 3 hours from Bonavista, and close to Ferryland and the Irish Loop. If you’re focusing on Eastern Newfoundland, this is a much smarter choice than Port aux Basques (which is 8+ hours from St. John’s).
Consider a One-Way Combination
Many experienced Newfoundland travellers take the ferry one way and fly the other driving in via Port aux Basques, road-tripping across the island, and flying home from St. John’s (or vice versa). This gives you the best of both worlds without backtracking.
Common Questions About
Getting to Newfoundland
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