How to Get to
Newfoundland
Everything you need to know to get to Newfoundland which airport to fly into, the Marine Atlantic ferry, one-way routing strategy, airlines, and how to find cheap flights.
✈️ Airports in Newfoundland
Travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador by plane is the most popular option for visitors. All major airlines fly into Newfoundland and Labrador. You can arrive at St. John’s, Gander, and Deer Lake airports each serving a different part of the island.
| Airport | Code | Location | Best For | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. John’s International Airport | YYT | St. John’s, eastern NL | Eastern NL Avalon Peninsula, Bonavista, Twillingate | Air Canada, WestJet, PAL Airlines, Porter Airlines |
| Deer Lake Airport | YDF | Deer Lake, western NL | Gros Morne, Corner Brook, Northern Peninsula | Air Canada from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) |
| Gander International Airport | YQX | Gander, central NL | Central Newfoundland alternative when YYT/YDF booked | Limited service check availability |
The best routing for any trip that reaches Gros Morne: fly into St. John’s (YYT) and fly out of Deer Lake (YDF). This lets you drive the island west without doubling back for a 7-hour return drive. Most rental car companies at both airports allow one-way vehicle returns confirm at booking. Air Canada serves both airports from Toronto and Montreal.
Marine Atlantic vessel on the Cabot Strait crossing.
🚢 Marine Atlantic Ferry from Nova Scotia
Marine Atlantic operates two ferry routes from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. The ferry is the right choice if you want to bring your own vehicle or prefer the scenic Atlantic crossing experience.
| Route | Crossing Time | Season | Arrives | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Sydney to Port aux Basques | ~7 hours | Year-round | Western NL near Gros Morne | Gros Morne, Corner Brook, Northern Peninsula trips |
| North Sydney to Argentia | ~14-15 hours | Summer seasonal | Eastern NL near St. John’s | Avalon Peninsula trips avoids trans-island drive |
Phone: 1-800-341-7981 or 1-902-794-5254. Email: reservations@marineatlantic.ca. Head Office: 10 Fort William Place, St. John’s, NL A1C 1K4. Online booking: marineatlantic.ca. Passenger one-way: approximately $43.78 plus HST. Vehicle transport additional varies by size.
Vehicle space on Marine Atlantic fills weeks ahead in July and August. Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Walk-on passenger space is more readily available but vehicle reservations are critical in peak season. Arrive at the terminal 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure for vehicles.
🛫 Airlines Flying to Newfoundland
Several airlines offer direct flights to Newfoundland, including Air Canada, WestJet, PAL Airlines, and Porter Airlines, with direct routes from Canadian cities such as Toronto, Halifax, and Montreal.
The primary carrier into both St. John’s (YYT) and Deer Lake (YDF). Direct flights from Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Halifax (YHZ). Star Alliance member. The most reliable option for one-way routing between YYT and YDF for cross-island road trips.
Operates flights into St. John’s International Airport offering domestic and seasonal international services. Good alternative to Air Canada on the Toronto-St. John’s and other main routes.
Regional airline serving Newfoundland and Labrador with connections from mainland Canada. Important carrier for reaching smaller Newfoundland communities and Labrador destinations.
Expanding Canadian carrier offering routes to St. John’s from several Canadian cities. Check current routes as service expands.
Flights are cheaper during the shoulder seasons spring and fall than peak summer months (July and August). Compare prices across airlines and use online travel aggregators to compare. Airlines and travel websites offer email alerts for flight sales. Book in advance: generally booking ahead will ensure the best prices, especially during busy summer season. Use the flights search at visitnewfoundlandlabrador.ca/find-cheap-flights-from-all-airlines-coming-to-newfoundland/
A Marine Atlantic vessel on the Cabot Strait.
🚗 Getting Around After You Arrive
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Newfoundland and Labrador, especially outside the larger towns. Public transportation options are limited outside of St. John’s.
| Getting Around | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car | All three airports (YYT, YDF, YQX) | Essential outside St. John’s. Book 3-4 months ahead for summer. |
| Taxi / rideshare | St. John’s only | Available within the city. Not suitable for touring. |
| Local bus services | Limited in some towns | Check locally. Not reliable for tourist routes. |
| Public transit | St. John’s only (Metrobus) | Covers downtown St. John’s and some suburbs. Not for touring. |
Summer inventory at St. John’s Airport (YYT) sells out completely months before peak season. This is not an exaggeration. Last-minute bookings in July typically result in getting a cargo van at premium rates. Book your rental car the same day you book your flights.
Gros Morne National Park awaits
🗺️ Which Airport Should I Fly Into?
Your choice of airport depends entirely on which part of Newfoundland you are focusing on.
| If your trip focuses on… | Fly into… | Fly out of… |
|---|---|---|
| St. John’s and the Avalon Peninsula only | YYT St. John’s | YYT St. John’s (return flight) |
| Avalon + Bonavista + Twillingate (7-day loop) | YYT St. John’s | YYT St. John’s (return) |
| Gros Morne only | YDF Deer Lake | YDF Deer Lake (return) |
| Full cross-island road trip (10-14 days) | YYT St. John’s | YDF Deer Lake (one-way) |
| Northern Peninsula + Gros Morne focus | YDF Deer Lake | YDF Deer Lake |
Flying into St. John’s (YYT) and out of Deer Lake (YDF) gives you the entire island as a one-way drive with no backtracking. The 7-hour return drive from Gros Morne to St. John’s is entirely eliminated. Air Canada serves both airports from Toronto and Montreal on daily flights.
Flying is the most popular option. St. John’s International Airport (YYT) is the main gateway Air Canada, WestJet, PAL Airlines, and Porter Airlines all serve it. For western Newfoundland and Gros Morne, Deer Lake Airport (YDF) is 30-40 minutes from Rocky Harbour. The Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia is the right option if you want to bring your own vehicle.Three main airports: St. John’s (YYT) largest, eastern NL; Deer Lake (YDF) western NL, gateway to Gros Morne; Gander (YQX) central NL, limited service.Approximately 2.5 hours from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to St. John’s (YYT). Approximately 2 hours from Toronto to Deer Lake (YDF). Air Canada operates these routes.North Sydney to Port aux Basques: approximately 7 hours. North Sydney to Argentia: approximately 14-15 hours. Book vehicle reservations well ahead at marineatlantic.ca or 1-800-341-7981.Fly if your trip focuses on eastern Newfoundland or if you are happy to rent a car on arrival. Take the ferry if you want to bring your own vehicle, if your trip focuses on western Newfoundland (the Port aux Basques route deposits you near Gros Morne), or if you enjoy the scenic crossing experience.
Ready to Book?
Find cheap flights from all airlines coming to Newfoundland at our flights search then lock in your rental car.
Find Cheap Flights to Newfoundland
Ready to Book?
Find cheap flights from all airlines coming to Newfoundland at our flights search then lock in your rental car.
Find Cheap Flights to Newfoundland