Port information & tips for Saint John (New Brunswick)
Saint John on the spectacular Bay of Fundy is Canada's oldest incorporated city and a fascinating destination on the Atlantic coast. The charming port city impresses with its Victorian brick architecture, maritime serenity, and the impressive natural spectacle of the world's highest tidal range. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the famous Reversing Falls Rapids as well as the historic Saint John City Market and the vibrant Area 506 Container Village. Cruise ships dock at the modern Marco Polo Cruise Terminal or the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal, both of which are located right in the heart of "Uptown" and, thanks to their central location, provide perfect, walkable access to the historic city's most important sights, shops, and restaurants.
The Saint John cruise port is located directly in the heart of the historic Uptown district and, with its modern Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee terminals, offers an excellent starting point for travelers. Thanks to its central location, guests can reach the charming city center as well as the ships via short distances while enjoying the maritime atmosphere of the Bay of Fundy.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region usually takes place via the Canadian hubs of Toronto (YYZ) or Montreal (YUL) with a connecting flight to Saint John Airport (YSJ). The airport is located only about 16 kilometers from the port, so travelers can easily reach the terminals in about 20 to 25 minutes by taxi, rideshare, or with the local airport shuttle.
Car & Parking
For guests visiting Saint John as part of a road trip through Eastern Canada, the port is ideally connected to the highway network via Route 1 (Saint John Throughway). Supervised parking is available directly at the terminals as well as in the immediate vicinity; furthermore, long-term parking for the duration of the cruise can be easily reserved through providers such as HotSpot or directly on-site.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Transfer
Due to the long flight time and the time difference, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before embarkation and stay in one of the charming hotels in the Uptown district. Many accommodations are within direct walking distance of the Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee terminals, and short transfer routes also allow for a completely relaxed start to the cruise as well as time for a visit to the famous Reversing Falls.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Saint John cruise port is located directly in the heart of the historic Uptown district and, with its modern Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee terminals, offers an excellent starting point for travelers. Thanks to its central location, guests can reach the charming city center as well as the ships via short distances while enjoying the maritime atmosphere of the Bay of Fundy.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region usually takes place via the Canadian hubs of Toronto (YYZ) or Montreal (YUL) with a connecting flight to Saint John Airport (YSJ). The airport is located only about 16 kilometers from the port, so travelers can easily reach the terminals in about 20 to 25 minutes by taxi, rideshare, or with the local airport shuttle.
Car & Parking
For guests visiting Saint John as part of a road trip through Eastern Canada, the port is ideally connected to the highway network via Route 1 (Saint John Throughway). Supervised parking is available directly at the terminals as well as in the immediate vicinity; furthermore, long-term parking for the duration of the cruise can be easily reserved through providers such as HotSpot or directly on-site.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Transfer
Due to the long flight time and the time difference, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before embarkation and stay in one of the charming hotels in the Uptown district. Many accommodations are within direct walking distance of the Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee terminals, and short transfer routes also allow for a completely relaxed start to the cruise as well as time for a visit to the famous Reversing Falls.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Saint John cruise port is located directly in the city center and, thanks to its prime location, allows for an easy start to your shore excursion. The Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee terminals are in close proximity to the most important sights and shopping opportunities of the historic old town.
On Foot
The charming Uptown district can be reached comfortably in about 5 to 10 minutes on foot. A special highlight is the Harbour Passage, a beautifully designed walking and cycling path that connects the port area directly with Market Square and other attractions.
Taxi
Well-organized taxi ranks for individual trips into the surrounding area are located directly in front of the terminal buildings. Popular destinations such as the famous Reversing Falls Rapids can be reached comfortably within a short driving time of about 10 minutes.
Saint John Transit and Shuttles
Buses from the local transport company Saint John Transit provide a practical connection to the wider city area and nearby parks. In addition, extra shuttle buses are available on many cruise days, transporting visitors directly to the region's most prominent sights.
To make the most of your day in Saint John, we recommend a combination of the historic charm of the city center and the spectacular natural phenomena of the Bay of Fundy.
Uptown Saint John & City Market
The historic heart of the city delights with magnificent Victorian architecture and Canada's oldest continuously operating farmers market; additionally, the charming streets around Market Square invite you to enjoy a relaxed stroll directly by the harbor.
Reversing Falls Rapids
This fascinating natural wonder makes the immense power of the tides in the Bay of Fundy visible and, thanks to its short distance from the terminal, is perfectly suited for an impressive observation of the backwards-flowing rapids.
St. Martins & Sea Caves
The idyllic fishing village offers an unforgettable nature experience with its striking red cliffs and sea caves that can be explored at low tide; furthermore, the picturesque coastal landscape is ideal for an excursion into the wild beauty of New Brunswick thanks to organized tours.
Saint John City Market & Uptown
The historic Saint John City Market is located in the heart of the charming Uptown district and is easily reachable on foot from the cruise terminal in about ten minutes. As the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in North America, it impresses with its fascinating ceiling construction in the shape of an inverted ship's hull and offers an excellent selection of regional specialties and authentic crafts. Thanks to its central location, a visit to the market can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the Victorian streets, which also invite you to linger with cozy cafes and small boutiques. It is best to visit the market in the morning to enjoy the lively atmosphere in peace, and plan your return to the harbor for the early afternoon to let the day wind down in a relaxed manner at the ship.
The return journey to the Port of Saint John is extremely straightforward and safe thanks to the central location of the Marco Polo and Long Wharf cruise terminals.
On Foot
Thanks to the excellent location, you can easily reach the Marco Polo Terminal or the Long Wharf Pier on foot via the Harbor Passage or through the charming Uptown district. The paths are well-marked and lead you directly back to the security checkpoints at the port entrance.
Taxi
Taxi stands can be found at central locations such as Market Square or directly in front of the Hilton Saint John and the Delta Hotel. The drivers are well aware of the ships' departure times and will take you directly to the respective terminal building on a short route and on time.
Shuttle Buses and Local Transport
Many excursion buses and the popular Hop-On-Hop-Off buses have fixed stops directly at the terminals as well as at Brunswick Square. Additionally, local public transport offers reliable connections from the Reversing Falls Rapids, allowing you to explore more distant locations in a relaxed manner and return to the ship on time.
