Air Travel to: St Johns

Major Airports & Airlines

St. John's International Airport YYT

YYT serves as the main air entry point to the city and Newfoundland.

Airline Connections

Air Canada: Direct flights from Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Halifax (YHZ).
WestJet: Direct flights from Toronto (YYZ), Halifax (YHZ), Calgary (YYC).
Porter Airlines: Direct flights from Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ).

Flight Options & Facilities

Flight frequency increases during the peak summer season (July-August).

Travel Considerations

Expect higher prices during peak season and holidays.
Airport facilities include car rental, ATMs, restaurants, gift shops, free Wi-Fi.
Booking well in advance for summer travel assists availability.

Airport Transfers Taxis

Taxis available outside terminal. Flat rate to downtown St. John's ($25-$30).

Airport Transfers Car Rental

Major rental companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, etc.) have desks at YYT.

Airport Transfers Public Transit

Metrobus does not directly serve the airport. Nearest bus stop needs a significant walk.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Requirements

Valid driver's license (English or French) for short visits.
International Driving Permit (IDP) if license not in English/French.
Minimum driving age 16; rental age 21-25+ (surcharges may apply).
Bring a Car phone mount for navigation.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads generally well-maintained; some narrower outside major routes.
Moose collisions are a serious hazard, especially at dawn, dusk, night.
Bring a Roadside emergency kit for longer drives.
Drive on the right, seatbelts mandatory, speed limits in km/h.

Other Land Transport

Border Crossings

Not directly applicable; St. John's is on an island. Land border crossings are from the U.S.

Train/Bus Service

No passenger train service. Limited long-distance bus (DRL Coachlines) requires ferry to island first.

Local Rental

Motorcycle/scooter rentals limited. Bicycle rentals from local shops during warmer months.

Sea/River Arrivals to St. John's

Ferry Services

Sea travel is a popular way to reach Newfoundland.

Marine Atlantic

Operates car/passenger ferries from North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
To Port aux Basques (year-round) and Argentia (seasonal, closer to St. John's).
Book ferry passages well in advance, especially with a vehicle during peak season.

Cruise and River Travel

St. John's is a popular port of call for cruise ships.

Cruise Ship Access

Mainly active during summer and fall.
Cruise terminal centrally located near downtown, easy access to attractions.
No significant river transportation options for passenger travel.

Driving from Ferry Ports

If you bring a car to St. John's, you drive from your arrival port.

Travel Distances

From Port aux Basques: Approximately 9 hours drive.
From Argentia: Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive.
Standard Canadian immigration procedures apply at seaports.

Departure Information from St. John's

Plan your departure smoothly from St. John's.

Airport Procedures YYT

Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours prior.
International Flights: Arrive 2 to 3 hours prior.
Check in online to save time.

Exit Fees & Airport Facilities

Canada does not impose specific exit fees for departing travelers.
Various taxes and fees typically include in your airfare or ferry ticket price.
Allow ample time for security screening.

YYT offers restaurants and cafes.
Duty-free shop for international departures.
Gift shops for last-minute souvenirs.

Departure Checklist

Pre-Flight Steps

Ensure a smooth check-in and boarding experience.

Essentials

Confirm flight status before leaving for the airport.
Have valid ID and boarding pass ready.
Review luggage weight limits to avoid extra fees.

Airport Experience

Make the most of your time at the airport.

Amenities

Enjoy last-minute meals or snacks at airport restaurants.
Browse gift shops for souvenirs you might have missed.
Utilize free Wi-Fi for last-minute communications.

Timely Arrival

Arrive at YYT 1.5-2 hours before domestic, 2-3 hours before international flights.

Online Check-in

Check in online when possible to save time at the airport.

Security Screening

Allow ample time for security screening lines, especially during peak travel.

Departure Tip

Consider purchasing duty-free items for international departures.

Air Travel to St Johns