How to Get Around New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a driving province, and a car is close to essential for anything beyond a single city. The Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) is the spine, running from Edmundston in the northwest through Fredericton to Moncton and on toward Nova Scotia; Route 1 carries the Fundy coast from the Maine border at St. Stephen through Saint John toward Moncton; and Route 11 follows the Acadian east and north coasts. Distances are moderate by Canadian standards, Moncton to Fredericton is about 90 minutes, but public transport between towns is limited.

Via Rail's Ocean, the Halifax–Montreal train, stops at Moncton three days a week, the province's only intercity passenger rail. Airports at Moncton (Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc), Saint John and Fredericton connect to Canadian hubs. Ferries reach the Fundy Isles, Grand Manan from Blacks Harbour, Deer Island free, and Campobello seasonally. The Confederation Bridge, 12.9 kilometres long, links the province to Prince Edward Island; its toll is charged only when you leave the island. Foreign drivers may use a valid home licence; an international permit is wise.

By car. Route 2 (Trans-Canada) links Edmundston, Fredericton and Moncton; Route 1 runs the Fundy coast from St. Stephen through Saint John; Route 11 serves the Acadian north and east; Route 8 connects Fredericton and Miramichi. Winter driving means snow and ice from about December to March. The Hartland Covered Bridge, the world's longest at 391 metres, still carries traffic across the Saint John River.

By train and air. Via Rail's Ocean serves Moncton three days a week to Halifax and to Montreal; there is no other passenger rail in the province. Fly into Moncton, Saint John or Fredericton.

By ferry and bridge. Reach Grand Manan from Blacks Harbour and Deer Island (free) from Letete; Campobello has a seasonal ferry and a year-round bridge via Maine. The Confederation Bridge crosses to Prince Edward Island: the toll of $20.00 for a two-axle vehicle (motorcycle $20.00) is charged only when leaving PEI at Borden-Carleton, and the pedestrian/cyclist shuttle is $4.75 and $9.50.