Getting Here

Yes, you can visit Nova Scotia without a car, especially if you’re staying in Halifax or combining city time with guided day tours. Halifax is a walkable coastal city with public transit, ferries, tours, and transportation connections to other parts of the province. Some visitors choose a car-free itinerary based in Halifax and take day trips to popular destinations.

Yes, Nova Scotia has public transportation options, including local transit systems, regional bus services, ferries, and airport transportation. Halifax Transit operates buses and ferries throughout the Halifax region, while intercity bus services connect many communities across the province and Atlantic Canada. Public transportation is available, but service levels vary outside major urban areas, so travellers heading to rural or coastal destinations may find a car more convenient.

Getting from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to downtown Halifax is straightforward. You can take the Halifax Transit Regional Express Route 320 bus, which provides direct public transportation between the airport and downtown Halifax, or choose a taxi, rideshare service, shuttle, or rental car. The airport is about 35 kilometres (22 miles) from downtown Halifax, and travel time is typically 30 to 60 minutes depending on your transportation choice and traffic conditions.

Nova Scotia is about a 10 to 11 hour drive from Boston, depending on your destination and border crossing times. The drive from Boston to Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital city, is approximately 1,050 kilometres (650 miles) and passes through Maine and New Brunswick before reaching Nova Scotia.

The best way to get to Nova Scotia depends on where you’re travelling from. Many visitors arrive by air through Halifax Stanfield International Airport, while others drive via New Brunswick or take seasonal ferry services from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick or Bar Harbor, Maine. Flying is usually the fastest option, while driving offers more flexibility for exploring the province on a road trip. Sydney Airport on Cape Breton Island also offers daily flights from Toronto and Montreal.

Yes. Halifax Stanfield International Airport offers direct flights from many Canadian, United States, and European destinations. Halifax is Atlantic Canada’s largest air gateway and serves as the main entry point for many visitors travelling to Nova Scotia. Available routes vary by season and airline, so it’s worth checking schedules when planning your trip.

Visitors from the United States can reach Nova Scotia by direct flight, ferry, or road trip. Direct flights connect Halifax with several US cities, while drivers can enter through New Brunswick. Travellers from New England can also consider the seasonal ferry between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth on Nova Scotia’s southwest coast.

Most travellers fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), located about 35 kilometres from downtown Halifax. As the province’s largest airport, it offers the widest range of domestic and international connections and is the most convenient arrival point for exploring much of Nova Scotia. Sydney Airport on Cape Breton Island also offers daily flights from Toronto and Montreal.

Neither option is better for everyone. Flying is typically faster and ideal for shorter trips, while driving provides flexibility to explore multiple regions at your own pace. If you’re planning a Nova Scotia road trip, having a vehicle can make it easier to visit destinations such as the Cabot Trail, Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Bay of Fundy.