Getting from Montreal to St. John's
 

We're heading to St John's for a wedding in late July, flying into Montreal. Flying is too expensive between Montreal and St. John's which leaves us with driving and/or the ferry. Suggestions for the quickest route? Many thanks!

Not sure what you are asking. There is no question of "and/or the ferry". St. John's, Newfoundland, is on an island. If you do not fly, you will have to take a ferry.

I think that from Montreal the Hwy 20 to the TCH is probably the best route. From southern ON people sometimes drop down through the US, but the highways in Maine are mostly N-S, and not useful for heading east. There are frequent discussions among those who drive through Montreal as to the best way to get outside the city, but if you're driving to St. John's--over 30 hours of travel--the 30 minutes you might save around the airport seems insignificant.
I know airfare to NL is high, but bear in mind the cost of the ferry crossing (see Marine Atlantic website), and the hotel room you'll need to take unless you intend to drive in "shifts".

nfld makes a lot of good points.

Where do you live?

Why are you flying to Montreal?

If you are going to drive from Montreal to NL then you have to take the ferry.

Car rental, gas, hotels, ferry costs....are you sure it is more expensive to fly? And, how do you plan to get back?

Fly: seriously, the ferry trip is only worth the major effort of driving (both before and after) if you are on a major vacation or, as I did, actually live on the Rock and have to travel to the mainland from time to time. Try carriers other than Air Canada, maybe West Jet? Porter? for deals.

I know that Westjet flies this route nonstop, and Porter can at least do it stopping in Halifax.

Why do I get the feeling she might mean "St. John" ??


LOL

She mentions the ferry so it's probably St. John's , NL not St. John, NB.

She also tags her post "Newfoundland".

yes, yes, I do see it now...

so the only real crime in her post is not writing "driving AND the ferry" instead of "driving and/OR the ferry"??


I don't know what is going to solve this woman's problem.

hi everyone - sorry for the delay with my reply. Yes, I admit to making a typo regarding "and/or". Apologies for all the confusion. So, northwestmale...my "crime" AND/OR "problem" is only with my typing. :)

We live in CA so we would've flown to Montreal - hence my question. I have since done more research on the best options and to your points, we will be flying into St John's (yes - the one in Newfoundland). So, no driving, ferrying or rest areas and hotels.

I appreciate your feedback - thank you!

Good for you!

That's great, Ruth!

Which air line are you using? Do you have a stopover in Halifax?