Getting Here and Around

 Car rentals are in high demand in St. John's. Most companies have vehicles at the St. John's International Airport and within the city. Be sure to book your car well in advance of your travel to ensure you are not disappointed. 

Find transportation companies in St. John's

Driving in St. John's is relatively easy and traffic jams are rare. If you are renting a vehicle, we recommend you book in advance. 

Find out more about driving distances from St. John's to other communities in the province.

As streets in St. John's do not follow a grid plan you may consider using a Global Positioning System (GPS). One-way streets are common in the downtown and several intersections meet at 'interesting' angles. Use caution and observe signage.

Parking zones in the downtown area are generally in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. A Park and Pay system is used in the downtown. Some residential areas in the downtown require parking permits for on-street parking.

Seat belt use is mandatory in Newfoundland and Labrador and using a cell phone while driving is prohibited. If you are driving on the highway outside the city, always be alert to the possibility of moose entering the road. Moose are unpredictable and can cause serious accidents. Be especially cautious between dusk and dawn when visibility is reduced and moose are most active. Slow down, be alert and observe the warning signs that indicate high risk areas.

If public transit is your choice, St. John's offers Metrobus service throughout the city.

The cash fare for one adult is $2.50 and children (5-17) is $2. Exact coinage is best as change is not given.

M-Cards (monthly, semester or multiple ride passes) can be purchased at various locations throughout the city including downtown at St. John's City Hall (Access St. John's Service Centre) on New Gower Street, as well as at the Avalon Mall, Kenmount Road. M-Cards may also be purchased online at the Metrobus website. All low-floor Metrobuses offer free wi-fi. 

GoBus Accessible Transit is the St. John's area paratransit system. Its mandate is to provide persons with disabilities and those who are unable to access conventional transit equal access to a transportation system so as to enhance their participation in all aspects of community life. The goal is to ensure that accessible, affordable transportation is provided in a dignified and respectful manner.

Contact: GoBus
Phone: 709-570-2131
Fax: 709-722-0018
gobus@metrobus.com

Several taxi companies operate in St. John's and surrounding communities 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Taxis are available at the exit of the arrivals area at St. John's International Airport.

General taxi meter rates start at $3.75. Some taxis offer child car seats upon request. Passenger vans are also available upon request. Taxi companies can also provide city tours, speak with a driver for details and rates.

The City also has rideshare services available.

Walking is an excellent way to experience St. John's, especially in the downtown area. In the downtown, Harbour Drive, Water Street and Duckworth Street run parallel to each other and contain a variety of restaurants, shops, galleries and other businesses and attractions. As you venture further north from the harbour, you'll climb some steep hills many of which contain the multi-coloured homes and buildings for which St. John's is famous.

St. John's also has extraordinary walking trails that offer a unique way to see the city. The Grand Concourse is an integrated trail system spanning St. John's and the neighbouring communities of Mount Pearl and Paradise. Approximately 125 km in length, the Grand Concourse links a series of rivers, lakes and ponds, parks and green spaces, providing access to the beautiful natural features of the metro region.