Flying in
The island has three main airports that visitors commonly use:
- St. John's International (YYT): the largest airport, and the natural choice for the Avalon and Eastern regions.
- Deer Lake Regional (YDF): on the west side of the island and the usual gateway to Gros Morne National Park and the Great Northern Peninsula.
- Gander International (YQX): in the Central region, and reasonably placed for Twillingate and the Fogo Island ferry.
Routes and seasonal schedules change, so check current service with the airlines. Flying into one airport and out of another can save a long backtrack across the island.
The ferry from Nova Scotia
Marine Atlantic runs car and passenger ferries from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to two ports in Newfoundland:
- Port aux Basques, in the island's south-west corner. This is the main route. It is convenient for the west coast, but St. John's is a long drive away, roughly 900 km on the Trans-Canada Highway.
- Argentia, on the Avalon Peninsula and much closer to St. John's. This route is seasonal, usually summer only, and the crossing is considerably longer.
Check Marine Atlantic for current schedules, crossing times and fares, and reserve early for summer sailings with a vehicle.
Getting around once you arrive
Distances are bigger than many visitors expect, and public transport between regions is limited. Most people rent a car. Allow real time for driving, especially if you are combining regions that sit at opposite ends of the island.
Labrador
Labrador is on the mainland and is usually reached by air or by road via the Trans-Labrador Highway. There is also a seasonal ferry across the Strait of Belle Isle from the Great Northern Peninsula. Plan Labrador travel carefully, as services can be far apart.
A note on time zones
The island of Newfoundland runs on Newfoundland Time, half an hour ahead of Atlantic Time. Most of Labrador uses Atlantic Time. Double-check tour and ferry times when you book.