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How to Get to Saint John

How to Get to Saint John

New Brunswick Canada Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Saint John Airport (YSJ) is the main local airport. Nearby alternatives include Greater Moncton (YQM) and Fredericton (YFC) for more flight options.

Flight Information

  • YSJ mainly handles Air Canada and Flair Airlines, connecting to Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL).
  • YQM & YFC offer at shorter intervals connections with Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines.
  • No direct international flights from major global hubs arrive at YSJ.

Seasonal Availability & Transfers

Flight frequency and prices generally increase during summer (July-August) and holidays. Not as many direct options can be seen in winter. Book in advance for summer travel.

Airport Services YSJ

  • Terminal provisions at YSJ include a restaurant/bar, gift shop, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Taxis are available outside the terminal. A fare to Uptown is approx. $30-$40 CAD.
  • Car hire counters are present; highly suggested for wider regional exploration.

Finding Flights

Use flight comparison tools like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for the best deals.

Booking Advice

Book in advance, especially for summer travel, to avoid higher prices.

Car Rental at Airport

Major companies have desks at YSJ; renting a vehicle is highly suggested for exploring New Brunswick.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing & Trains

  • St. John is ~100 km from the U.S. Border (Calais, ME/St. Stephen, NB).
  • Valid passport required for all travelers; U.S. Citizens may use enhanced IDs.
  • St. John has no active VIA Rail passenger service. Nearest station is Moncton.
  • Declare all products at the border, including alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.

Bus Services & Self-Driving

  • Maritime Bus is the main intercity service, connecting St. John to major Maritimes cities.
  • Valid driver's license (International Driving Permit if not English/French) required for driving.
  • Winter driving requires caution; snow tires are highly recommended.
  • Strict laws prohibit using handheld devices while driving.

Car Rental Considerations

Requirements

The minimum AGE is 21 (sometimes 25 for particular classes), valid driver's license, and a major credit card for deposit.

Major Companies

Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National operate in St. John (airport and downtown).

Insurance & Booking

Consider rental car insurance. Book in advance, especially during peak season. DiscoverCars.com offers options.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Port

St. John is a popular cruise ship destination. The Port St. John is directly in the uptown area, allowing easy walking access to attractions.

Cruise & Ferry Details

  • Cruise ships dock at the Marco Polo The Cruise port.
  • The Fundy Rose ferry connects Saint John to Digby, Nova Scotia (~2.A five-hour duration).
  • Ferry reservations are highly recommended, especially for vehicles.

River Transportation & Immigration

Though the St. John River runs through the city, passenger river transit is not a main mode. Scenic boat tours are available seasonally.

Arrival Procedures

  • For cruise passengers, customs are handled onboard or upon disembarkation.
  • No additional immigration check for domestic ferry arrivals from Digby, NS.
  • From the Fundy Rose ferry terminal, taxis are the main option for Uptown St. John.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure from Saint John with this details to facilitate a smooth exit.

Exit Procedures

  • No specific exit fees apply beyond typical airline ticket costs.
  • For YSJ airport: arrive 90 min before domestic, TWO hours for U.S. Flights.
  • For Fundy Rose ferry: arrive 60 min before for vehicles, 30 min for foot passengers.

Terminal Facilities

Information on facilities at departure points in Saint John for your journey.

Available Services

  • YSJ Airport: small terminal with basic amenities, cafe/restaurant, gift shop, free Wi-Fi.
  • Maritime Bus Terminal: Waiting area and washrooms, services are limited.
  • Double-check your departure times the day before to confirm any changes.

Departure Reminders

  • Allow ample time for check-in and security screening at the airport.
  • Have your boarding a pass or ticket ready.
  • Be mindful of weight limits for luggage to avoid extra fees.
  • If behind the wheel, check road conditions, especially in winter.
  • International travelers should re-familiarize themselves with home country entry rules.
  • Keep all travel have your documents ready until you reach your final destination.

Local Transport Advice

Public Transit Overview

Saint John Transit operates a bus system covering the city. It serves mainly as a commuter network, connecting residential areas to the uptown core and major commercial centers.

Transit Details

  • Main hub for transfers is "Market Square" in Uptown.
  • Single cash fare (exact change, ~$2.75-$3.00 CAD). No credit/debit tap.
  • Buses operate from early morning (~6:00 AM) to late evening (~11:00 PM), reduced on weekends.

Accessibility & Navigation

All Saint John Transit buses are accessible, fitted with ramps or lifts and designated seating for mobility aids.

Transit Tips

  • Use Google Maps for real-time bus tracking and route preparation.
  • Have exact cash fare ready upon boarding.
  • Plan your route in advance, especially on weekends or evenings.

Cost-Effective Travel

Purchase a day pass if you plan to use public transit more than twice in a day for better value.

Uptown Walking

For most tourist activities in the Uptown, walking is often simpler than in line for a bus.

Hubs

Important bus routes link Uptown with zones like the West Side, East Side, and North End.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Taxis provide a convenient door-to-door service in Saint John.

Identification & Fares

  • Clearly marked with company names (Vet's Taxi, Royal Taxi) and roof lights.
  • Call a dispatcher for pick-up or find them at designated stands.
  • Fares are based on a meter. A short trip within Uptown is approx. $8-$15.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Uber or Lyft availability in St. John is not consistent or widespread. It's best to phone a local taxi company directly.

Safety Measures

  • Licensed taxis are regulated and generally safe.
  • Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand for longer travels.
  • If using ride-sharing, verify driver and vehicle specifics before entering.

Rental Options: Cars & Bikes

Car Rental

Requires minimum age (21/25), valid driver's license, and credit card for deposit. Major companies at airport and the city center.

Bicycle Rentals

No formal city-wide bike sharing. Rentals available from local shops, most significantly during the warm season (e.g., BikeWorks).

Driving Laws & Parking

Drive on the right. Seatbelts are required. Cell phone use illegal. Metered street parking in Uptown; garages available.

Transport Tip

Understand your rental car insurance options fully before you pick up the vehicle.