Maritime Bus from Charlottetown, PEI: Scenic Journey to St John, New Brunswick
Thinking of traveling through the Canadian Maritimes without a car? I’ve got you.
I recently took the Maritime Bus from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to Saint John, New Brunswick – and let me just say, it was surprisingly scenic, comfortable, and absolutely doable even for solo travelers.
I know firsthand that figuring out public transport options between provinces can be confusing (especially in this part of Canada), but after riding this route myself, I’m here to break it all down. From how to book, what the journey’s really like, what to expect at each transfer, and little tips I wish I knew before boarding – consider this your complete guide.
Whether you’re a backpacker, student, car-free explorer, or just looking for a scenic alternative to flying or driving, this post will show you exactly how to do the trip, what to expect, and how to make the most of the journey.
Booking Your Ticket
Booking with Maritime Bus is fairly simple – their official website is where you’ll do it all. You can also call, but I found the website straightforward enough. I booked this particular trip about two months in advance since summer in the Maritimes is a busy season. Buses do sell out, and it’s often cheaper when you book ahead.
For this route from Charlottetown, PEI to Saint John, New Brunswick, you’ll likely have at least two transfers. I picked the one with the fewest – three in total, which honestly still felt like a lot, but manageable.
When you complete your booking, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. You can either print it or just show it on your phone – I chose the latter. Make sure your phone is charged or bring a portable charger, just in case.
Where It All Begins: Charlottetown Terminal
The Charlottetown terminal is pretty low-key but well located – right in downtown. If you arrive early, there’s a cozy café just across the street where you can grab a latte or pastry before boarding. The terminal itself has the basics: seating, washrooms, and a small waiting area.
Pro Tip: Be there at least 30 minutes early for check-in. My bus pulled out almost exactly on time – just a minute past scheduled departure.
The Journey Itself: Every Leg of the Trip
This wasn’t just a bus ride – it felt like a slow-travel postcard unraveling through three beautiful provinces. From coastal bridges to tiny towns and even a surprise lighthouse or two, each leg had its own charm.
Leg 1: Charlottetown to Amherst, Nova Scotia
Things start off strong the moment you leave Charlottetown. You’re rolling through the PEI countryside – think green fields, red dirt roads, and potato farms that stretch to the horizon.
But the real highlight here? Crossing the Confederation Bridge. At nearly 13 km long, it’s one of the world’s longest overwater bridges – and seeing it from a bus window is surprisingly majestic. You’re quite literally leaving the island behind, and the views of the Northumberland Strait are everything.
Once in Amherst, you’ll likely have your first transfer. This terminal is modest – expect plastic seating and vending machines. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a functional stop. You’ll want to double-check your connecting bus time, as there’s minimal signage and staff support can vary.
Note: If you’re moving between buses, be ready to carry your luggage between platforms and keep an eye out for your next bus arrival.
Personalize Your Journey:
While the Maritimes offer stunning scenery throughout, each leg has its unique charm. Keep an eye out for interesting sights! On the Charlottetown to Amherst leg, I discovered this charming town in Nova Scotia through a quick bus research session (there was no time to explore it, though!). This sparked my curiosity and added this quaint town to my future must-visit list.
Leg 2: Amherst to Moncton, New Brunswick
As you enter New Brunswick, the terrain flattens and farming fields take over. It’s less dramatic than PEI, but still full of charm. Think old barns, lazy rivers, and small communities with signs in both English and French.
The Moncton terminal is one of the larger, better-equipped stops on this route. There’s seating, clean restrooms, and even a Shoppers Drug Mart nearby if you need snacks or travel essentials. If you have a layover here, this is the stop to stretch your legs or grab a bite.
Fun detail: I spotted Halls Creek pedestrian bridge through the window and instantly bookmarked Moncton for a future trip. It gave me real “small city with hidden gems” vibes.
Leg 3: Moncton to Saint John New Brunswick
The final stretch is where things get really scenic again. You’ll pass coastal views, rocky cliffs, and fishing villages that feel lifted from a storybook. If you’re lucky, the sun will start to dip, giving you that soft golden hour light on the Atlantic.
This leg has fewer rest stops, so definitely make sure to use the facilities in Moncton before boarding.
When you arrive in Saint John, you’re dropped off right downtown – which is super convenient for exploring. The terminal is central, making it easy to grab a cab, walk to your hotel, or start sightseeing immediately.
The final leg to Saint John offered the most dramatic coastal views yet. The rocky coastline, dotted with lighthouses and fishing villages, was a sight to behold. The anticipation built as we approached Saint John, and I couldn’t wait to explore this historic city.
Onboard Amenities: What to Expect
Let’s talk bus life. This isn’t a luxury liner, but Maritime Bus offers a fairly comfortable ride – especially for the price.
Seating & Comfort
The seats were spacious enough for a long-distance journey, and most had the ability to recline slightly. You’ll find individual air vents and reading lights, which helped me stay comfortable on the six-hour trip.
Tip: Seat selection isn’t guaranteed, but if you board early, you can usually claim a window seat (highly recommended for the views).
Power & Charging
Not all seats had working charging ports, but a few did – and when they worked, they were lifesavers. If you’re relying on your phone for navigation or entertainment, carry a portable power bank just in case.
Personal Note: My charger worked on the first leg but not the last, so I was grateful for my backup battery.
Restrooms
There’s a small restroom at the back of the bus. It’s functional but not something you’d want to use unless necessary. I’d recommend using facilities during the rest stops or layovers – they’re cleaner and roomier.
Luggage
There’s plenty of space under the bus for checked baggage, and overhead compartments for smaller bags and personal items. I kept my snacks, book, and charger within arm’s reach – always a good idea.
Wi-Fi Woes (or Wins?)
Let’s be honest – when it comes to Wi-Fi on long-distance buses, expectations need to be realistic.
Signal Strength
Wi-Fi was advertised, but it was spotty across the entire route. Some legs had a connection, others didn’t. And even when it worked, the speeds were pretty slow – definitely not Netflix-friendly.
Pro tip: Download your content in advance. I had a podcast lineup, an offline playlist, and an eBook ready to go, which saved me when the connection dropped completely somewhere between Moncton and Saint John.
Alternative Entertainment
Don’t rely on being online. Instead, bring:
- Offline maps (just in case you’re planning to navigate after arrival)
- A book or e-reader
- A fully loaded Netflix or YouTube playlist
- A small journal to jot down notes from the road (a personal fave of mine)
I also used this time to plan out my Saint John itinerary – it’s honestly the perfect excuse to disconnect and take in the scenery.
Arrival in Saint John
After hours on the road, rolling through beautiful coastal stretches and sleepy Maritime towns, stepping off the bus in Saint John feels like arriving somewhere with stories to tell.
Where You Land
The Saint John Maritime Bus terminal is right downtown, which is super convenient. No long treks or extra transit required – you’re already in the heart of the city.
As soon as we arrived, I could feel that shift in energy. Saint John has this mix of old-world charm and fresh, coastal vibrance. There’s history in the buildings, sea breeze in the air, and locals who’ll give you a smile or a recommendation if you look even slightly confused.
What To Expect After You Arrive
You’ll grab your bags right by the bus. There’s no long wait or carousel – just hop off, pick up your luggage, and you’re free to go. I loved how seamless it was.
From here, you can:
- Walk to nearby attractions, like King’s Square
- Grab a quick bite – there are cafés, pubs, and diners within a short walk.
- Call a cab or use local transit if your accommodation isn’t central.
I didn’t feel rushed or overwhelmed – just ready to explore.
If You’re Continuing Onward
Saint John is also a gateway city, with ferries to Nova Scotia and more buses heading east. So if it’s just a stopover for you, the location of the terminal makes it easy to plan the next leg.
The Verdict: Worth It?
Absolutely – especially if you’re looking to experience the Maritimes without the stress (or cost) of flying or driving. The Maritime Bus is far from luxury, but it gets the job done in a surprisingly scenic, no-fuss kind of way.
For me, this wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It was about watching the landscape shift, listening to locals in conversations around me, and meeting people with completely different stories from mine – like the artist I met on the Amherst leg heading to his Canada Day exhibition.
Was it long? Yes. Was it the smoothest ride ever? Not quite. But would I do it again?
In a heartbeat.
The journey gave me time to reflect, slow down, and just be – something I don’t always get to do when I travel by plane. And arriving in Saint John felt like stepping into a completely different world than where I started that morning.
If you’re after something scenic, affordable, and just a little bit nostalgic, I can’t recommend this route enough.
Bonus Tips for Your Own Bus Adventure
Whether it’s your first time using Maritime Bus or you’re a seasoned East Coast traveler, these tips can help make the journey smoother and more enjoyable:
Dress for the Ride
Bus temperatures can be a little unpredictable. I always pack a light sweater or hoodie – especially if you tend to get cold easily.
Entertainment is Key
While some buses offer Wi-Fi, I wouldn’t count on it. Download a few movies, playlists, podcasts, or a good eBook before your trip. I ended up switching between music and offline Netflix downloads, and I was grateful I planned ahead.
Snacks = Lifesaver
Depending on your route, rest stops may be limited – and your options may vary. Pack light snacks, a water bottle, and maybe a sandwich, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Terminals like Moncton and Amherst often have nearby spots (like Tim Hortons or Shoppers Drug Mart), but better to come prepared.
Check-In & Boarding
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Even though boarding is usually quick and stress-free, giving yourself a buffer helps in case anything changes last minute.
Digital Tickets Work Just Fine
You don’t need to print your ticket. I just showed the one emailed to me, and the driver scanned it right from my phone. Easy.
Download Your Bus Schedule
Schedules and connections can shift, so it helps to have your route handy – either screenshot it or download the PDF from Maritime Bus ahead of time. You’ll thank yourself during transfers.
Bonus Tips
- Pack a light sweater or jacket: The bus temperature can vary.
- Bring entertainment for potential Wi-Fi downtime: Downloaded movies, books, games.
- Pack snacks and drinks: Especially if you have dietary restrictions. However, you would find places to purchase snacks like the Tim Hortons or Shoppers Drug Mart
- Download your bus schedule: Keep an eye on updates in case of delays.
Cost Breakdown: What I Actually Paid
Let’s talk numbers – because planning a trip also means budgeting for it. Here’s exactly what it cost for a round trip from Charlottetown to Saint John for two adults (my sister and me):
| Item | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult Bus Tickets (Round Trip) | $292.99 |
| Transaction Fees | $35.63 |
| Transaction Fees Tax | $5.34 |
| Total | $333.96 |
For roughly $167 per person round trip, it’s honestly one of the more budget-friendly ways to experience multiple Maritime provinces without the stress of driving. And when you add the scenic views, built-in rest stops, and comfy seats, it becomes an experience – not just transportation.
Pro tip: Fares fluctuate based on season and availability, so if you’re planning to travel during holidays or summer, try booking at least 4–6 weeks ahead for the best price.
Quotes & Fun Facts from the Road
One of my favourite things about slow travel – especially by bus – is the people you meet along the way. Every trip becomes a chance encounter waiting to happen, and this one was no exception.
“I’m heading to an art exhibition in Moncton for Canada Day.”
That’s what a fellow passenger told me during the Amherst–Moncton leg. He turned out to be a local artist, and just like that, a routine transfer became a moment of connection and creativity. We chatted about local art scenes, travel, and the kind of inspiration that only the Maritimes can offer. I never caught his name, but that brief exchange was one of the highlights of the day.
Here are a few other gems from the journey:
- Confederation Bridge, which links PEI to mainland Canada, is the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered water – it spans a stunning 12.9 km.
- Maritime Bus has been around since 2012, but the legacy of regional bus travel in the Maritimes dates back much further. It’s a core thread in how these small communities stay connected.
- I spotted at least three moose souvenirs at different terminals – it’s the unofficial mascot of long-distance travel in Eastern Canada, clearly.
Real talk: These little moments – overheard conversations, scenic glimpses, unplanned detours – are what make bus travel in the Maritimes feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Quotes and Fun Facts
While chatting with a fellow traveler on the Amherst to Moncton leg, I learned that he was a local artist on his way to an exhibition for Canada Day. It’s amazing the interesting people you can meet while traveling! The Maritimes are known for their friendly locals and vibrant communities, making every journey a potential treasure trove of stories and new friends.
Ready for Your Own Maritime Bus Adventure?
If you’re craving a slower, more scenic way to explore Atlantic Canada – one that lets you soak in the charm of each province – the Maritime Bus is a seriously underrated gem. Whether you’re starting in PEI or Saint John, this journey offers a unique window into the heart of the Maritimes.
Yes, the ride can be long. Yes, there might be transfers. But that’s part of the magic – you get the time and space to experience the road, not just rush through it. You might just meet a local artist, glimpse a hidden bay, or discover a sleepy town you’ll want to return to.
So if you’re considering this trip, let this be your sign: book the ticket, grab your snacks, and let the Maritimes unfold outside your window.
And when you do? I’d love to hear about your journey. Tag me on Instagram @simply.nma or drop a comment below!
