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Getting Around St Johns

Getting Around St Johns

St Johns Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Metrobus is the sole public transit provider in St. John's. It serves the city and parts of Mount Pearl and Paradise.

The system focuses on connecting residential areas with major commercial, educational, and healthcare hubs.

System Overview

  • Main hub: Downtown Bus Terminal on New Gower Street.
  • Detailed route maps available on Metrobus website or terminal.
  • Fully accessible fleet with ramps or lifts and priority seating.
  • Serves city, Mount Pearl, and Paradise areas.

Single Fare

CAD $2.75; exact cash payment required when boarding.

Reloadable m-Card

Purchase for discounted fares and pass options (daily, weekly, monthly).

Day Pass

CAD $8.25 on m-Card; unlimited rides for 24 hours.

Operating Information

Hours & Frequency
  • Operates early morning (around 6 AM) until late evening (around 11 PM or midnight).
  • Frequency varies; 15-30 minutes on main routes during peak hours.
  • Less frequent service during off-peak times and weekends.
Navigation Tips
  • Use Metrobus website or Google Maps for real-time tracking.
  • Always have exact change ready for cash payments.
  • Download Transit app (iOS) or Transit app (Android) for planning.

Public Transit Highlights

Cost-Effective

Single fares and day passes provide value.

Accessible

Fully accessible bus fleet.

City Coverage

Connects urban and suburban areas.

Info Apps

Real-time tracking and planning.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing in St. John's

Taxis and ride-sharing services provide convenient alternatives for getting around St. John's, especially for direct routes or when public transit is not suitable.

Licensed Taxis

  • Licensed taxis are typically yellow with roof lights.
  • Calling for a taxi or finding a stand is common.
  • Fares are metered; short rides cost $10-$20.
  • Most taxis accept cash and major credit/debit cards.

Ride-Sharing Services

  • Uber operates in St. John's.
  • KABU is a local Canadian ride-sharing app.
  • Availability of drivers can be less consistent than in larger cities.
  • Verify driver and vehicle match app details for safety.

Safety & Convenience

  • Licensed vehicles with background-checked drivers.
  • Always confirm driver and car details in ride-share apps.
  • Taxis or ride-sharing serve well for late-night transport.
  • Use in-app safety features.
  • Especially if public transit has stopped.
  • Easy for direct routes or specific destinations.

Rental Options in St. John's

Car Rental

Valid driver's license needed. All major rental companies available.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Not widely available for general tourism. Options are very limited.

Bicycle Rental

Available from local shops during warmer months. No city-wide bike-sharing.

Walking & Cycling in St. John's

St. John's offers many opportunities for walking and some for cycling, notably in its scenic areas.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Downtown: Highly walkable with narrow streets, colorful row houses, shops, and restaurants.
  • Waterfront: Pleasant promenade along Harbour Drive.
  • Signal Hill: Numerous walking trails offering spectacular views (North Head Trail, Ladies Lookout Trail).
  • East Coast Trail: Several sections easily accessible from St. John's.

Walking Tour Options

  • Guided: Local companies offer historical, cultural, or culinary walking tours with local insights.
  • Self-guided: Brochures and maps available at the Visitor Information Centre for exploration at your own pace.
  • Bicycle Infrastructure: Limited dedicated bike lanes; some multi-use paths (Grand Concourse Trail system).
  • Always wear a Bike helmet for safety when cycling.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Guided city tours via mini-buses or larger coaches.

Provides an overview of major attractions.

Water Transport

No formal boat taxi service for intra-city travel.

Boat tours are for specific excursions like whale watching.

Accessibility Services

Metrobus operates a fully accessible fleet.

Some taxi companies offer accessible vehicles; call in advance.

Getting Around Comparison

Car Rental Benefits
  • Maximum flexibility for exploration.
  • Enables easy day trips outside the city.
  • Accommodates significant luggage.
Public Transit Benefits
  • Cost-effective for city travel.
  • Avoids parking difficulties downtown.
  • Environmentally friendly option.

Considerations

Driving Challenges
  • Higher daily costs (rental, fuel, parking).
  • Downtown parking can be scarce and expensive.
  • Requires navigation skills for city streets.
Transit Limitations
  • Fixed routes and limited service areas.
  • Requires adherence to schedules and walking to stops.
  • Less convenient for carrying significant luggage.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard options, some specialized transportation services cater to specific tourist needs or accessibility requirements.

Tour Options

  • Guided city tours via mini-buses or larger coaches.
  • These tours provide an overview of major attractions and historical sites.
  • A traditional hop-on-hop-off bus service is not typically available.
  • Boat tours for whale watching, iceberg viewing, or puffin viewing depart from the harbour.

Accessibility Services

  • Metrobus operates a fully accessible fleet, making its buses usable for travelers.
  • Some taxi companies offer accessible vehicles; advisable to call in advance to book one.
  • Accessibility at attractions varies; modern buildings (The Rooms) are generally accessible.
  • Many historic downtown structures may have limited accessibility.

Pedestrian Safety

No specific "no-go" areas. Use common sense regarding personal comfort and safety.

Cycling Terrain

Some steep hills and busy arterial roads might be less pleasant for cycling.

General Advice

Always check with specific sites for detailed accessibility information before your visit.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Local Regulations
  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Speed limits posted in kilometers per hour (km/h).
Roads & Parking
  • Roads within the city are generally good.
  • Some residential streets, especially downtown, can be narrow, steep, and winding.
  • Downtown parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

Travel Smarter

John's.

Embrace the city's unique charm, from its history to its natural beauty.

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