Saint John, New Brunswick: Travel Guide

There are several ways to get to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The best option for you will depend on where you are travelling from.

If you are travelling from the United States, you can fly to Saint John Airport (YSJ) from various airports, including Pearson International, Sir Donald Sangster International, Pierre Elliott Trudeau International, Los Angeles International, and Orlando International. You can also drive to Saint John from the US, but be aware that the city is around 647 miles from the US-Canada border, and that gas is sold by the litre in Canada, and is generally more expensive than in the US.

If you are already in Canada, you can take a bus to Saint John, or drive or take a bus to Moncton and fly from there.

Travel by plane

If you're planning a trip to Saint John, New Brunswick, you have a few options for travelling by plane. The city is served by Saint John Airport (YSJ), which is located about 10 miles northeast of Uptown Saint John. Several airlines operate flights to and from the airport, including Flair Airlines, United, and Air Canada.

When booking your flight, consider using the 'Flexible Dates' calendar to find the cheapest days to fly. Generally, the lowest rates for round-trip flights to Saint John Airport are available in June and May for one-way flights. Sunday is typically the best day of the week to buy plane tickets, and booking your flight at least a month in advance can help you secure a lower rate.

Keep in mind that there are no direct flights to Saint John Airport from some locations, such as Moncton Airport. If you're travelling from Moncton, you may need to make a connection or consider alternative transportation methods.

When planning your trip, it's also worth noting that Uptown Saint John is located on a small peninsula and can easily be explored on foot. However, if you want to visit attractions outside the city centre, such as Fundy National Park or the Reversing Falls Rapids, you will need a car. Car rental services are available at the airport and in the city centre.

Travel by train

There are no train stations in Saint John, New Brunswick. Moncton, around 150 miles away, is the closest city with a train station. The train tracks between Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John were removed many years ago.

To get to Saint John by train, you will need to take a train to Moncton and then transfer to a bus for the remainder of the journey. The whole journey from Toronto to Saint John will take around 26 hours and 44 minutes and costs between $140 and $280. The train journey from Toronto to Montreal takes around 2 hours, and the train from Montreal to Moncton takes around 15 hours. The bus from Moncton to Saint John takes around 2 hours.

It is worth noting that the bus service between Bangor and Saint John was discontinued in March 2024, so you will not be able to take a bus for that part of the journey.

Travel by bus

If you're planning to travel to Saint John, New Brunswick, and don't want to rent a car, the city's bus system is a convenient and affordable way to get around. Saint John Transit operates more than 20 bus routes throughout the city, with two key lines—Lines 1 and 3—that pass through Uptown and stop at King's Square. These main lines operate at regular 15- or 30-minute intervals from Monday to Saturday, with limited Sunday and holiday service.

To plan your trip on Saint John Transit, you can use the Transit Route Finder on their website. Simply enter your starting point and destination, and you'll be provided with the routes, times, and any other relevant information. The bus drivers are also knowledgeable about the system and can answer any questions you may have. Additionally, there is a mobile app called Transit that can help you navigate the Saint John Transit system more efficiently. The app provides real-time departures, service alerts, and vehicle locations, allowing you to track your bus and plan your trip around any disruptions.

One-way bus fares for adults cost CA$2.75, while seniors and children aged 6 to 14 pay CA$2.50. Kids under 5 ride for free. You can pay with cash or use a Transcard, which offers a slight discount on each ride. The Transcard can be purchased for either 10 or 20 rides, costing between CA$22 and CA$50.

If you're visiting during the cruise season (April to October), Saint John Transit also offers 2-hour guided bus tours of Historic Saint John. These tours depart from Water Street, just up from the cruise terminal, and cost CA$40 for adults and CA$25 for children. The tours are available in English and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Travel by car

If you're planning a road trip to Saint John, New Brunswick, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Saint John is one of Canada's oldest cities, dating back to 1604, and it has seen a renaissance in recent years, with millennials opening businesses and artists setting up shop. The city has a lot to offer, from historic buildings to chic coffee shops and microbreweries.

When travelling to Saint John, it's recommended to have your own car. You can bring your own or rent one at the Saint John Airport or from agencies in the city centre. Keep in mind that parking in central Saint John can be expensive, especially on major streets like King Street. However, you can usually find free parking on side streets. Additionally, gas in Canada is sold by the litre and is generally more expensive than in the US.

There are several must-see attractions in and around Saint John that are easily accessible by car. Here are some suggestions:

• Reversing Falls Rapids: This attraction is created by the powerful Bay of Fundy, which reverses the flow of the Saint John River twice a day. You can view the falls from the Reversing Falls Skywalk and Bridge.
• Irving Nature Park: Located just outside the city, this park offers hiking trails with impressive views of the Bay of Fundy. You can explore six different ecosystems and discover a long, sandy beach that's perfect for bird watching.
• Fundy National Park: This premier national park is a one-hour drive from Saint John. Explore the beautiful scenery and hiking trails, ranging from short walks to longer treks. The park also offers guided walks to explore the medicinal forests, beach explorations and indigenous experiences.
• Cape Enrage: A gorgeous scenic stop along the coast with winding roads and breathtaking views. At low tide, you can walk along the rock ledges to a giant sandbar.
• Hopewell Rocks: Located two hours from Saint John, these famous flower pot rocks grace the covers of travel guides. Visitors can walk along the Bay of Fundy at low tide and witness the world's highest tides. Kayaking around Hopewell Rocks is highly recommended.
• Cape Spencer Lighthouse: A short drive from the city, this lighthouse offers a phenomenal view from its location on a steep hill 200 feet above the Bay of Fundy.

So, if you're planning a trip to Saint John, New Brunswick, travelling by car is a great option. You'll have the flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding natural attractions at your own pace.

Travel by taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. However, the compactness of the uptown area and its walkability make taxis an unnecessary expense. Nevertheless, if you prefer to travel by taxi, here is some information to help you get around.

Fares and Zones

Taxis in Saint John are not metered. Instead, they operate on a zoned fare system. Remember to ask the driver how much the ride will cost before getting into the taxi. The base fare is typically CA$5 (approximately $4), plus CA$1.85 (less than $1.50) per mile travelled.

Taxi Sharing

Another quirk of the local taxi system is that you do not necessarily have exclusive use of the taxi. The driver is allowed to pick up and drop off other passengers while you are in the taxi.

Taxi Tour Services

If you are looking for a more comprehensive experience, there are several taxi tour services in Saint John that provide guided tours of the city and its surrounding areas. These tours typically cover popular attractions such as the Reversing Falls, St. Martins, the Bay of Fundy, and the Fundy Trail. Some well-known tour services include Dave's Taxi Tour Guys, Char's Taxi & Bay of Fundy Tours, and Aviv's Taxi & Tours. These tours generally receive positive reviews for their knowledgeable drivers and customised experiences.

Airport Transfers

For airport transfers, taxi services are available, and they may be a more convenient option compared to other transportation methods. However, it is worth noting that some travellers have reported issues with taxi reliability for airport trips, so it is always a good idea to plan ahead and allow some extra time.

Booking a Taxi

To book a taxi in Saint John, you can contact local taxi companies directly or use their websites or mobile applications, if available. It is recommended to book in advance, especially for early morning or late-night travels, to ensure availability.

Frequently asked questions