Finding your way to Price Edward Island and the Points East Coastal Drive
There are lots of ways to travel to Prince Edward Island and you'll find suggestions below, with helpful links to other websites, like airlines and ferry schedules.
What’s the transportation situation in the province?
If you're not coming in your own vehicle or on a tour bus, you'll want to rent a car. Prince Edward Island is a rural place that's perfect for exploring and driving tours. Most car rental companies have offices in the Charlottetown, Halifax and Moncton Airport and in the larger towns and cities. There are no rail lines.
By Air
For the list of air carriers contact http://www.flypei.com/index.php?page=air_carriers or your local travel agent.
Private pilots can take advantage of airports in Charlottetown and Summerside.
By Automobile
Driving Distances
1600 km (1000 miles) from Toronto
1000 km (625 miles) from Montreal
1100 km (650 miles) from Boston
1450 km (850 miles) from New York City
Driving to Prince Edward Island provides two unique experiences; crossing a 13-kilometre Confederation Bridge which links New Brunswick to PEI, arriving at Borden-Carleton. Or arrive via a relaxing 75 minute sail aboard Northumberland Ferries departing from Caribou, Nova Scotia and arriving at Wood Islands, and placing you directly on the Points East Coastal Drive. The bridge and ferry tolls are paid only on departure.
Confederation Bridge
The Confederation Bridge - www.confederationbridge.com is open 24 hours a day and takes approximately 12 minutes to cross. Tolls are collected only when leaving the Island. Additional information about the bridge is available by telephoning, toll-free, 1-888-437-6565.
If arriving via the Confederation Bridge, follow the TransCanada Highway to Charlottetown following the Charlottetown Bypass and connecting back to the TransCanada at the Hillsborough River Bridge on the east side of Charlottetown where you will enter Points East Coastal Drive. Proceed by following the Star Fish signs to discover the special places along Points East Coastal Drive.
Northumberland Ferries
Northumberland Ferries - www.peiferry.com depart from Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, on a schedule of about every 90 minutes, offering a pleasant respite. Discover a regional tradition on a voyage across the beautiful Northumberland Strait with Northumberland Ferries. This 75-minute ferry trip between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou, Nova Scotia offers a variety of onboard amenities and services tailored to the Maritime experience. From aboard the MV Confederation and MV Holiday Island, spend less time behind the wheel and more time taking in the beauty of the Atlantic coast, listening to live music, savoring local flavors, and catching up over a cup of hot coffee.
Up-to-the-minute schedule information is available by telephoning, toll-free, 1-877-635-SAIL (7245). The ferry does not operate from the end of December until early May. Make a Reservation Today
Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine
C.T.M.A. - http://www.ctma.ca/en/ offers regular ferry service from Souris, Prince Edward Island to Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Québec. Telephone 1-888-986-3278 for additional information.
By Bus or Shuttle
Maritime Bus – www.maritimebus.com offers daily bus service from various cities in New Brunswick and Nova Scoatia to Borden-Carleton, Charlottetown and Summerside, PEI. Telephone 902-566-9962 or toll free 1-800-575-1807 for more information.
A number of companies offer shuttle services by van to and from Charlottetown (and selected other Island locations) and Halifax, Nova Scotia. These companies operate from various locations and on different schedules; contact each for details about their specific services.
East Connection Shuttle - passenger shuttle from Souris (Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine ferry), Montague, Wood Islands ferry, St. Peters. Passenger, luggage, bicycle, shuttle service on Confederation Trail. Island-wide tours.
902-393-5132 902-892-6760
Prince Edward Tours – www.princeedwardtours.com
Visit some of the finest attractions on PEI. Personally tailored tours. Multillingual guide service.
902-566-5466 or toll free 1-877-286-6532
Trius Tours – coachatlanticgroup.com
902-566-5664 or 1-800-903-5664
By Rail
VIA Rail - www.viarail.ca While there are no trains on Prince Edward Island, VIA Rail offers service to Moncton, New Brunswick with connecting bus service (provided by Acadian) to Prince Edward Island. 1-888-842-7245