Ferry Fares To Newfoundland

There are a few different ferry routes to consider when travelling from New Brunswick to Newfoundland. Most travellers will take the ferry from Nova Scotia to either Port aux Basques or Argentia, with year-round service from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques, and seasonal service from North Sydney to Argentia. The crossing from North Sydney to Port aux Basques takes around six to eight hours, depending on the weather, while the longer trip to Argentia takes about 15 hours. It's important to note that there are no bridges connecting Newfoundland to Mainland Canada, so a ferry or flight is necessary.

The ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland costs $35.65 per adult passenger and $101.95 per car

Getting to Newfoundland by Ferry

Most travellers take the ferry from Nova Scotia to either Port aux Basques or Argentia in Newfoundland. The ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland costs $35.65 per adult passenger and $101.95 per car. This ferry operates year-round and the crossing takes six to eight hours, depending on the weather. There are usually two sailings per day—one in the morning and one in the evening.

Making a Reservation

You can make a reservation for the ferry on the Marine Atlantic website. If you are towing a trailer, you will need to measure your unit, bumper to bumper. You will also need to list all passengers, and each passenger will need photo ID when you arrive at the ferry terminal. If you want to reserve a cabin, you can do so at the same time on the website. You pay for everything in advance by credit card. Once you have completed your reservation, you will receive an email with your itinerary.

Boarding the Ferry

About two hours before departure, an announcement will instruct you to return to your vehicle so that loading can commence. It is recommended that you arrive at the terminal three hours ahead of departure. Before you load your vehicle on the ferry, make sure you have a bag packed with everything you will need during the voyage. Once your vehicle is loaded, you will be asked to proceed to the passenger decks. You cannot stay in your vehicle, and you cannot return to it during the voyage.

Onboard Amenities

All ferries have restaurants on board and offer everything from small snacks to a full buffet and fine dining. There are also sun decks, games rooms for kids, a bar, and a movie theatre. A limited number of berth accommodations, which are private rooms with a bed and shower, are available for rent on both crossings at an additional cost if you want extra comfort. There are also reclining chairs onboard if you are unable to secure a berth.

Getting Off the Ferry

Getting off the ferry in North Sydney or Port aux Basques is simple—just follow the line of cars, and you will be on the Trans-Canada Highway. In Port aux Basques, you can take the first exit, where there is a Horton's and convenience stores. If you didn't buy breakfast on the ferry, you may be out of luck, as restaurants and stores in Port aux Basques are usually not open when the boat unloads. Just past Port aux Basques, you can stop at the Newfoundland Visitor Centre, which is right on the Trans-Canada Highway.

The ferry from North Sydney to Argentia, Newfoundland costs $99.80 for adult passengers and $207.35 per car

If you're looking to take a ferry from New Brunswick to Newfoundland, you'll first need to head to Nova Scotia. There is no direct ferry route from New Brunswick to Newfoundland.

Once in Nova Scotia, you can take a ferry from North Sydney to either Port aux Basques or Argentia in Newfoundland. The ferry to Port aux Basques operates year-round and takes around six to eight hours, depending on the weather. There are usually two sailings per day—one in the morning and one in the evening. The ferry to Argentia, on the other hand, operates only from June to September and takes about 15 hours. This ferry runs three times a week.

The cost of the ferry from North Sydney to Argentia, Newfoundland, starts at $99.80 for adult passengers and $207.35 per car. If you're travelling in a larger vehicle, such as an RV, or towing a trailer, expect additional charges, along with the standard 25% fuel surcharge.

It's important to note that reservations are required for these ferry trips, so be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season. You can make your reservations on the Marine Atlantic website or by calling their customer service line. When booking, you'll need to provide the measurements of your vehicle if you're towing a trailer. Additionally, each passenger will need to have photo ID upon arrival at the ferry terminal.

When taking the ferry, keep in mind that you won't be able to stay in your vehicle or access it during the voyage. Therefore, it's recommended to pack a bag with all the essentials you'll need while onboard. If you'd like more comfort, you can reserve a cabin at an additional cost when booking your trip.

The ferry from North Sydney to Port-aux-Basques takes around 7 hours

There are two ferries from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Newfoundland. The first goes to Port-aux-Basques, and the second to Argentia. The Port-aux-Basques ferry operates year-round, while the Argentia ferry operates seasonally from June to September. The Port-aux-Basques ferry is a good choice for those planning to visit Western Newfoundland or spend a few days exploring before travelling to the east coast. The Argentia ferry is a better option for those looking to start their visit to Newfoundland in Eastern Newfoundland near St. John's and the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve.

The Port-aux-Basques ferry costs $35.65 per adult passenger and $101.95 per car. There are additional charges for larger vehicles like RVs, along with a 25% fuel surcharge. The Argentia ferry costs $99.80 for adult passengers and $207.35 per car, with additional charges for larger vehicles and the standard 25% fuel surcharge.

The Marine Atlantic ferries offer various amenities, including restaurants, sun decks, games rooms, bars, and movie theatres. There are also different accommodation options available for an additional cost, such as reclining chairs and private rooms with beds and showers.

The ferry from North Sydney to Argentia takes around 15-17 hours

The ferry typically departs from North Sydney on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and departs from Argentia on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The ferry journey is an experience in itself, akin to a mini ocean cruise. The vessel makes the one-way journey in approximately 15-17 hours, with the exact duration depending on the weather conditions and the vessel's speed.

The ferry from North Sydney to Argentia is a popular choice for travellers due to its convenience and the opportunity to take in the sights along the way. The ferry has a variety of amenities to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable, including restaurants, a bar, a movie theatre, and games rooms for children. There are also improved sleeping quarters and additional comforts on the new ferry, Ala'suinu, which was introduced in 2024.

The cost of taking the ferry from North Sydney to Argentia starts at $99.80 for adult passengers and $207.35 per car. There are additional charges for larger vehicles like RVs or trailers, as well as a standard 13% fuel surcharge. Reservations for the ferry can be made online or by calling the Marine Atlantic Reservations number. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season and holidays, as the ferry can book up quickly.

The ferry from North Sydney to Port-aux-Basques runs twice daily

The ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland runs twice daily and takes approximately seven hours. This route operates year-round and offers multiple sailings every day. The ferry journey between these two points is the most popular way to get to Newfoundland, with over 95% of all visitors to the island arriving by this ferry.

The cost of taking the ferry starts at $35.65 per adult passenger and $101.95 per car. There are additional charges for larger vehicles like RVs, as well as a 13% fuel surcharge. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season and holidays when the ferry can book up quickly. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Onboard the ferry, there are restaurants offering a range of options from small snacks to a full buffet and fine dining. There are also sun decks, a bar, a movie theatre, and a games room for kids. For those who want to sleep during the journey, there are limited berth accommodations available for an additional cost, as well as reclining chairs.

The ferry from North Sydney to Port-aux-Basques is a convenient and popular way to travel to Newfoundland, offering beautiful views and a range of amenities to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions