Part of Newfoundland’s appeal for travelers is its isolation and distinctiveness from mainland Canada. For anyone who enjoys a road trip, the idea of driving there and exploring at your own pace is very appealing.
However, the fact that Newfoundland is an island naturally makes it a bit more logistically challenging. You’ll need to plan around ferry crossings or combine flying with car rentals.
Despite this, the journey itself can be part of the adventure!
So if you’re plotting a road trip to Newfoundland, continue reading so you can nail down the logistics.
Can You Get to Newfoundland by Car?
Yes, you can get to Newfoundland by car. However, because Newfoundland is an island, you obviously can’t drive there directly from the mainland. Thankfully, there are car ferries from Nova Scotia and Labrador.
Most travelers end up taking one of the ferries from Nova Scotia, which are faster and more frequent, though the ferry from Labrador is often used by NL locals.
How to Drive to Newfoundland
Here are the three ways to drive to Newfoundland.
Option 1: Take the Car Ferry From North Sydney, NS, to Port-aux-Basques, NL
The most common route is the ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland. This crossing takes about 6 to 8 hours and operates year-round. It is ideal for travelers heading to western Newfoundland or planning to loop around the island.
Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer months, as the ferries can sell out. The ferry allows vehicles of all sizes including cars, RVs, and trucks.
Option 2: Take the Car Ferry from North Sydney, NS, to Argentia, NL
You can also take a ferry from North Sydney to Argentia, Newfoundland. This is a seasonal route, typically running from May to January, and the crossing is longer, taking roughly 16 hours overnight.
This route is ideal if you want to start in eastern Newfoundland, such as around St. John’s, without driving across the entire island from Port-aux-Basques. Cabins are available on this ferry for overnight travel.
Option 3: Take the Car Ferry from Blanc-Sablon, NL, to St. Barbe, NL
This option is more commonly used by locals in Labrador or northern Quebec. You can take the ferry from Blanc-Sablon, on the Labrador border, to St. Barbe on the northern coast of Newfoundland.
This crossing is shorter than the Nova Scotia ferries and allows direct access to northern Newfoundland, making it useful if you want to explore places like Gros Morne National Park or the Viking Trail first. Ferry schedules often change, so plan ahead.
How Much Do the Newfoundland Car Ferries Cost?
Ferry costs depend on the route, vehicle size, number of passengers, and whether you book a cabin. Here’s a breakdown of typical prices based on current Marine Atlantic fares:
North Sydney → Port-aux-Basques (Year-Round)
- Passenger fare: Around $60–$70 per adult one-way
- Car fee: Approximately $120–$150 per standard car
- Cabin: Optional for longer crossings, usually $100–$150 for a small cabin
- Example: Two adults in a car without a cabin: roughly $240–$280 one-way
North Sydney → Argentia (Seasonal)
- Passenger fare: Around $70–$80 per adult
- Car fee: About $160–$200 per standard car
- Cabin: Recommended for overnight crossings, costing $150–$200
- Example: Two adults in a car with a cabin: roughly $400–$480 one-way
Blanc-Sablon → St. Barbe (Labrador/Northern Newfoundland)
- Passenger fare: Approximately $30–$50 per adult
- Car fee: Around $80–$100 per standard car
- Cabin: Usually not needed, as the crossing is only 1–1.5 hours
Other factors can affect the cost of your ferry crossing. Larger vehicles such as RVs or trucks are significantly more expensive, sometimes costing twice as much as a standard car. Traveling during the peak summer months of July and August also tends to increase fares.
Driving Around Newfoundland
There’s no doubt that the best way to get around Newfoundland is by car. Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or renting one, the island is easy to navigate.
Most of the main highways are paved and well-maintained. Some rural roads, particularly in the mountainous west and northern coastal areas, may be trickier to navigate. Keep in mind that certain roads may be closed in winter due to snow, ice, or wind.
Keep in mind that gas stations can be sparse in remote areas. Plan accordingly if you’re venturing into national parks or smaller fishing villages.
Another consideration: watch out for moose! If you’ve never seen a moose before, you’d probably be surprised at just how massive they are. Locals are quick to advise you to try to avoid driving in the dark because of moose wandering on the roads. Because of their size, they pose a real threat to drivers. If you do have to drive in the dark, drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled. We nearly drove into a moose on our way to Deer Lake Airport before the sun came up.
Alternatives to Driving to Newfoundland
Newfoundland has a surprising number of commercial airports given its fairly remote location. St. John’s, Gander, and Deer Lake all have regular flights to major Canadian cities.
I flew into St. John’s and out of Deer Lake, renting a car in between to get around Newfoundland. Logistically, this was very easy. We essentially made a loop around the island, first heading north to Twillingate, then west to the stunning Gros Morne National Park, then south to Lark Harbour, and then back to the central part of the island to fly out of Deer Lake.
Public transportation outside St. John’s is extremely limited. Without a car, it is nearly impossible to explore the majority of the island. If renting, book several months in advance, especially for summer, as rental cars are in high demand from June to September.
Best Time to Make the Trip
The best time to visit Newfoundland depends on what you want to do. Most travelers choose summer for the warmest weather and longest days. July and August provide the most reliable conditions, while June and September are still comfortably warm and slightly less crowded.
Summer is also the best time to see puffins, whales, and icebergs, which attract many visitors.
Winter offers snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, but the mountains are small compared to the Canadian Rockies. Winter travel is challenging due to unpredictable weather, strong winds, snow, and rain, so only attempt it if your priority is winter adventure rather than sightseeing.
