by Turo
posted on March 27, 2026
The Moncton to Charlottetown drive is short in distance but full of character. In just a couple of hours, the route shifts from New Brunswick’s quiet coastal towns to Prince Edward Island’s red-sand shores. This road trip guide shows you where to stop, what to expect on the road, and how you can enjoy the journey your way.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Moncton to Charlottetown
- How are the road conditions between Moncton and Charlottetown?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Moncton to Charlottetown, PEI?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Moncton and Charlottetown?
- Where to stop while driving from Moncton to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Frequently asked questions about the Moncton to Charlottetown road trip
- Book your rental car in Moncton with Turo
Tips for driving from Moncton to Charlottetown
The Moncton to Charlottetown drive covers about 185 kilometres and usually takes just under two hours. The route follows the Trans-Canada Highway before crossing the Confederation Bridge into Prince Edward Island. Keep an eye on bridge wind advisories, and leave some time for detours along the way.
How are the road conditions between Moncton and Charlottetown?
Most of the trip follows well-maintained highways, including the Trans-Canada and the Confederation Bridge. Traffic stays light outside of summer weekends, and the bridge crossing itself is smooth and clearly marked.
What is the best time of year to drive from Moncton to Charlottetown, PEI?
Warm summer weather opens beaches, seafood shacks, and coastal viewpoints across Prince Edward Island, but it also brings more crowds. Early autumn’s crisp air and quieter roads can be more manageable. Fall is also seafood season, so be sure to bring your appetite!
Are there EV chargers along the way between Moncton and Charlottetown?
If you’re curious about driving electric, the charging infrastructure along this route continues to improve. Moncton has several fast-charging stations, and additional chargers appear near the Confederation Bridge and around Charlottetown, so you can do the whole drive with one well-planned stop.
Where to stop while driving from Moncton to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Driving from Moncton to Charlottetown is quick enough for a day-trip, yet there’s plenty worth seeing along the way. Stopping at a few attractions along the way can turn the short drive into the ultimate Maritimes road trip!
Shediac, New Brunswick
Just east of Moncton, Shediac, NB, is Canada’s “Lobster Capital” and home to the world’s largest lobster sculpture, a 10-metre roadside landmark that has welcomed travellers since 1990.
- Distance from Moncton: ~25 km (about 25 minutes)
- Distance to Charlottetown: ~160 km (about 1 hour 40 minutes)
Why it’s great
This is the town to stop in for an Atlantic seafood feast by the water, and Parlee Beach, one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada, is just minutes away.
Practical tips
The lobster statue sits beside a public park with easy roadside parking. Parlee Beach charges a small entry fee in summer, and the main lot fills quickly on hot afternoons.
How to get there
Follow Route 15 east toward Shediac, a short coastal drive that reaches town in about 25 minutes. Book a Moncton airport car rental with Turo, and you can head out as soon as you land. A spacious SUV or minivan from Toyota or Ford will give you room for beach gear, coolers, and anything you plan to bring along.
Sackville, New Brunswick
Sackville sits directly on the Trans-Canada Highway, about 45 minutes from Moncton. The town is home to Mount Allison University and the Sackville Waterfowl Park, a network of raised boardwalks that cross marshland filled with migratory birds and tidal wetlands along the Tantramar Marsh.
- Distance from Moncton: ~55 km (about 45 minutes)
- Distance to Charlottetown: ~130 km (about 1 hour 25 minutes)
Why it’s great
Waterfowl Park runs right beside downtown, so you can park once and head out exploring. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and see the Tantramar landscape up close.
Practical tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes for the 3 km loop. The trails stay open year-round, though mornings are best if you want quieter paths and better chances to spot birds.
How to get there
Stay on the Trans-Canada Highway toward Sackville, then take the exit for Main Street. This stretch of highway is smooth and open, so a comfortable cruiser makes the drive easy. Making your Moncton rental car a refined BMW or Mercedes-Benz gives you a quiet ride between stops and keeps the short highway hops along this route relaxed.
Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick
Hopewell Rocks is one of the most popular attractions along the Bay of Fundy. The site is famous for its towering flowerpot rock formations, shaped by the world’s highest tides. It’s a bit of a detour off your route, but if you really want to discover the Maritimes, it should not be missed.
- Distance from Moncton: ~45 km (about 45 minutes)
- Distance to Charlottetown: ~200 km (about 2 hours 20 minutes)
Why it’s great
Tides can rise more than 12 metres here, which completely changes the landscape within hours.
Practical tips
Check the tide schedule before arriving so you can plan when to walk on the ocean floor. The park has several lookout platforms and staircases, so comfortable walking shoes are important.
How to get there
Follow Route 114 south toward Hopewell Cape along the Bay of Fundy coast. Making your Moncton car rental an all-wheel drive vehicle gives steady handling along these rural routes. Models from Subaru or Jeep will keep the drive comfortable while giving you space for all your gear.
Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island
Victoria-by-the-Sea is on PEI’s south shore, about 35 minutes west of Charlottetown. The beautiful village is known for its working Victoria Harbour, the Lobster Barn Pub, and the Victoria Playhouse, a small theatre that hosts summer performances inside a converted church overlooking the water.
- Distance from Moncton: ~150 km (about 1 hour 40 minutes)
- Distance to Charlottetown: ~40 km (about 35 minutes)
Why it’s great
This beautiful place gives you a clear sense of PEI’s coastal life. A short walk along the harbour passes the lighthouse replica, artisan shops, and seafood restaurants facing the Strait.
Practical tips
Streets in the village are narrow, and parking fills quickly near the wharf and theatre during summer afternoons. Plan to park once and explore the harbour area on foot.
How to get there
After crossing the Confederation Bridge, continue along Route 1 toward Crapaud. Choosing an electric vehicle keeps the trip quiet and efficient, and renting a Tesla, Chevrolet, or Nissan model makes the drive simple while giving you plenty of range for exploring the island.
Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island
Inside Prince Edward Island National Park, Cavendish Beach is known for its red sandstone cliffs, wide sandy shoreline, and views across the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Just inland, you’ll also find Green Gables Heritage Place, the farm that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.
- Distance from Moncton: ~190 km (about 2 hours 10 minutes)
- Distance to Charlottetown: ~40 km (about 40 minutes)
Why it’s great
The red cliffs and long stretch of beach are some of the most recognizable landscapes on Prince Edward Island, and boardwalk paths lead down to the sand.
Practical tips
Parking lots near the beach and Green Gables fill quickly during summer afternoons. Arrive earlier in the day if you want easier access to the shoreline and shorter waits.
How to get there
Follow Route 10 north to Route 6, then continue east toward Cavendish. The roads through this part of PEI wind along the coast and past farmland, and the drive itself is something to look forward to. Renting an exotic car, classic car, or sports car adds a little excitement to the trip while giving you a comfortable ride along the island’s scenic coastal routes.
Frequently asked questions about the Moncton to Charlottetown road trip
Where is Charlottetown?
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, located on the island’s south shore along Charlottetown Harbour, where the Hillsborough River meets the Northumberland Strait. The city serves as the main gateway for exploring PEI’s beaches, national parks, and harbour towns.
Most visitors reach the city by crossing the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick, though Charlottetown Airport also connects the island to major Canadian cities. If you’re flying in, booking a Charlottetown airport car rental on Turo lets you start exploring the island as soon as you grab your bags!
How far is it to drive from Moncton to Charlottetown, PEI?
The drive from Moncton to Charlottetown is about 185 kilometres and usually takes just under two hours. You’ll follow the Trans-Canada Highway through southeastern New Brunswick before crossing the Confederation Bridge into Prince Edward Island.
How long is the bridge from Moncton to PEI?
The Confederation Bridge stretches 12.9 kilometres (8 miles) across the Northumberland Strait, making it the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered water. The crossing typically takes around 10-12 minutes.
Can you drive around PEI in one day?
Driving the island’s outer coastal roads covers roughly 600 kilometres, which can take about 8-10 hours without long stops. It’s much nicer to spread the trip over two days to visit beaches, fishing villages, and national park viewpoints along the way.
What is the best month to go to PEI?
July and August bring the warmest weather, open beaches, and the most festivals across the island. September is another excellent time to visit, with cooler air, smaller crowds, and seafood season in full swing!
Book your rental car in Moncton with Turo
Every great road trip starts with one decision: what you want to drive. With Turo, you choose the exact car that fits the trip you have in mind. Pick up your vehicle in Moncton, have it delivered to your location, or choose airport delivery so the adventure can begin as soon as you land!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
