Do you have to pay to take your car on the Marine Atlantic ferry?

Yes. Bringing a vehicle on the Marine Atlantic ferry is an additional charge on top of the passenger fare. The cost varies by vehicle length and type. For current vehicle rates, visit marineatlantic.ca or call 1-800-341-7981. Reservations for vehicles are strongly recommended, particularly for summer travel when demand is highest.

Which Marine Atlantic route is cheaper?

The North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland route is cheaper and shorter (approximately 7 hours) than the North Sydney to Argentia route (14-15 hours). The Argentia route is seasonal (summer only) and more expensive but deposits you on the eastern side of the island, closer to St. John's.

Newfoundland Travel Tips

How Much Does the
Marine Atlantic Ferry Cost?

Q: How much does the Marine Atlantic ferry cost?

A one-way passenger ticket on the Marine Atlantic ferry is approximately $43.78 plus HST. Vehicle transport is additional and varies by vehicle size. There are discounts for seniors, and children under 5 travel free. The cheaper North Sydney to Port aux Basques route (7 hours) costs less than the longer North Sydney to Argentia route (14-15 hours). For current rates, contact Marine Atlantic at 1-800-341-7981 or visit marineatlantic.ca.

Current fares, route options, vehicle costs, and booking tips for the Marine Atlantic ferry to Newfoundland.

A one-way passenger ticket on the Marine Atlantic ferry costs approximately $43.78 plus HST. Vehicle transport is additional. Marine Atlantic operates two routes from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Newfoundland.

Route Options and Approximate Costs

Route	Crossing Time	Season	Notes
North Sydney, NS to Port aux Basques, NL	~7 hours	Year-round	Shorter, cheaper. Arrives western NL near Gros Morne.
North Sydney, NS to Argentia, NL	~14-15 hours	Summer seasonal	Longer, more expensive. Arrives eastern NL near St. John’s.

Contact Marine Atlantic

Phone: 1-800-341-7981. Email: reservations@marineatlantic.ca. Head Office: 10 Fort William Place, St. John’s, NL A1C 1K4. For current rates and online booking, visit marineatlantic.ca. Rates change seasonally.

Tips for Booking

Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during peak summer travel (July and August) when crossings fill well in advance. The North Sydney to Port aux Basques route operates year-round. Book online or by phone walk-on passenger space is sometimes available but vehicle space is not guaranteed without a reservation.

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Ferry vs. Flying Which Is Better?

If your trip is focused on western Newfoundland (Gros Morne, Corner Brook, the Northern Peninsula), the ferry from Port aux Basques delivers you directly to that region. If your focus is St. John’s and the Avalon Peninsula, flying into YYT and renting a car is almost always faster and often cheaper than the ferry plus the trans-island drive.

Discounts

Discounts are available for seniors. Children under 5 travel free. Check marineatlantic.ca for current promotional fares, which vary seasonally.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Passenger one-way approximately $43.78 plus HST. Vehicle transport additional. Discounts for seniors. Children under 5 free. Call 1-800-341-7981 or visit marineatlantic.ca for current rates.

Yes. Vehicle transport is additional to the passenger fare and varies by vehicle length and type. Book vehicle reservations ahead for summer travel.

North Sydney to Port aux Basques (~7 hrs) is cheaper and shorter than North Sydney to Argentia (~14-15 hrs). Argentia is seasonal (summer only) and deposits you closer to St. John’s.

Deciding How to Get to Newfoundland?

Compare the ferry with flying on the full Ferry vs. Flying Guide.

Ferry vs. Flying Guide

How Much Does theMarine Atlantic Ferry Cost?