How to Get to Saint John. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

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 more frequent 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. Fewer direct options appear in winter. Book in advance for summer travel.

Airport Services YSJ

Terminal facilities 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 rental desks 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; a rental car is highly recommended for exploring New Brunswick.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing & Trains

Saint 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.
Saint John has no active VIA Rail passenger service. Nearest station is Moncton.
Declare all goods at the border, including alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.

Bus Services & Self-Driving

Maritime Bus is the main intercity service, connecting Saint 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

Minimum age 21 (sometimes 25 for certain classes), valid driver's license, and a major credit card for deposit.

Major Companies

Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National operate in Saint 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

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

Cruise & Ferry Details

Cruise ships dock at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal.
The Fundy Rose ferry connects Saint John to Digby, Nova Scotia (~2.5 hrs).
Ferry reservations are highly recommended, especially for vehicles.

River Transportation & Immigration

While the Saint 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 Saint John.

Departure Information

Prepare for your departure from Saint John with these details to ensure a smooth exit.

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees apply beyond typical airline ticket costs.
For YSJ airport: arrive 90 min before domestic, 2 hrs 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 pass or ticket ready.
Be mindful of luggage weight limits to avoid extra fees.

If driving, check road conditions, especially in winter.
International travelers should re-familiarize themselves with home country entry rules.
Keep all travel documents accessible 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, equipped with ramps or lifts and designated seating for mobility aids.

Transit Tips

Use Google Maps for real-time bus tracking and route planning.
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 more convenient than waiting for a bus.

Hubs

Important bus routes link Uptown with areas 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 metered. A short trip within Uptown is approx. $8-$15.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Uber or Lyft availability in Saint John is not consistent or widespread. It's best to call 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 trips.
If using ride-sharing, verify driver and vehicle details 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 downtown.

Bicycle Rentals

No formal city-wide bike sharing. Rentals available from local shops, especially in warmer months (e.g., BikeWorks).

Driving Laws & Parking

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. 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.

How to Get to Saint John