Transportation
Getting around in Halifax
Getting around Halifax is easy. You can drive a car, take the bus, hop on a ferry, ride a bike, take a taxi or just walk.
Halifax Transit
There are several ticket options to ride the bus, ferry and Access-A-Bus. Tickets can be purchased in cash when you ride, at a retailer location, or you can purchase monthly bus passes.
Find out where transit tickets are sold and learn about HFXGO, the new transit app
Buses
Halifax Transit is the name of our municipal public transportation system.
Take a look at their information for passengers where you can find advice on how to navigate the public transit system in Halifax, such as bus routes, schedules, maps, where to purchase transit passes or tickets, and much more.
Halifax Transit has several routes that travel locally as well as to suburban and outer areas in the city. Also, Halifax transit offers an urban express routes which provides a limited-stop service within the urban core so that you can make your commute on time.
If you are waiting at a Halifax Transit stop and have access to a phone, they have a Departures Time Line service that can give you information about when your next bus will come or if there are any unexpected delays.
Access-A-Bus
If you have any mobility impairment that would make using the bus or the ferry difficult, you can always connect with Access-A-Bus. This is a shared-ride, door-to-door public system funded by the Municipality to help persons with mobility issues to use Halifax’s public transportation system.
Please note as well that:
- All of Halifax’s buses and ferries have Accessible Low Floor (ALF) models for people experiencing physical difficulties. These buses lower down to the curb, and can also secure wheelchairs.
- Halifax Transit has many park and ride lots throughout the city. Park your car and ride the bus or ferry!
Ferry Service
The Harbour Ferry Service has two routes between downtown Halifax and Dartmouth. The ferry is wheel-chair friendly and connects to the bus and Access-A-Bus systems.
Halifax Transit Programs
Halifax Transit also offers different programs to make public transportation more accessible for folks with limited and/or low income, as well as for students and seniors.
Take a cab
There are several taxi companies in Halifax. Look in the Yellow Pages to find the company that best serves your interests.
Extra Care Taxi is a special taxi for people in wheelchairs, providing a quality accessible taxi service to individuals in a safe, compassionate, and reliable manner.
Affordable access transit pass program
You could save 50% off of your monthly transit pass.
Biking and walking in Halifax
If you prefer to bike or walk, or use any other means of transportation, it is a good idea to take a look at Halifax’s information page, you will find there important tips, maps and other information that may help you make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Remember that, by law, you must wear a helmet if you use a motorcycle, bicycle, scooter, skateboard or inline skates.
Bridges
There are two bridges connecting downtown Halifax and downtown Dartmouth
- The A. Murray MacKay Bridge, usually called the "New Bridge"
- The Angus L. Macdonald Bridge (usually called the "Old Bridge")
- Walkers and cyclists can only use the Macdonald Bridge.
Driving
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Do you want to get a Driver's License?
If you will be getting around Halifax in your own vehicle, please contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles at Access Nova Scotia to find out a step-by-step guide to process your license.
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Do you have a driver's licence from your country?
- You can use your license for 90 days in Nova Scotia. After that, you will have to apply for a Nova Scotia driver's license
- After the 90-day period, you will need to purchase a vision test, a knowledge test (rules and signs) and a road test
- The road test is only made by appointment once after you have purchased it. Remember to present your receipt before you take the test
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Do you have a licence from another Canadian province or from the USA?
You can drive in Nova Scotia for 90 days with your license. After that, your old license can be exchanged for a Nova Scotia’s driver’s license. Please note that this exchange comes with a fee.
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Do you need to register your vehicle?
Once you buy a car, you must purchase both a vehicle permit, which will get your license plates, and a vehicle certificate registration, which proves ownership. You can go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles at Access Nova Scotia to get the documents yourself.
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Are you looking to purchase your own vehicle?
Whether you want to buy a used or a new vehicle the Nova Scotia Automobile Dealers Association is a good place to start your search.
It is always good to do some research before visiting any car dealership so that you can negotiate a good price for the vehicle you want to buy.
If you will be buying a used car, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations may have some tips to guide you through your search.
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Other rules and safety while driving
Children safety
Child safety seats are required for children less than 18kg (40lb), and booster seats are required for children under nine years of age or 145 cm (4ft 9in tall). For more information review the “Passenger safety” section at the Nova Scotia Driver’s Handbook.
Insurance
If you own a vehicle in Nova Scotia, our laws state you must have insurance, which is meant to protect you if you have an accident or if your car is stolen or damaged.
For more information on companies that offer vehicle insurance, please check the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory.
Do you have a cell phone?
In Nova Scotia, it is against the law to use cell phones or to text message while you are driving. You can use a cell phone only in an emergency or if you are using a hands-free device.
Road safety
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Aggressive driving
Did you know?
- Speeding is one of the main causes of collisions in Halifax Regional Municipality
- Crashes at speeds over 30 km/hour are more likely to cause serious injury or death
Before you leave
- Allow extra time for your trip
- Be aware of changing speed limits, especially in neighbourhoods
- Remember that you cannot control traffic or
others driving around you
Tips to stay safe
- Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs
- Let other drivers merge safely
- Follow posted speed limits
- Do not follow other cars too closely
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Distracted driving
Did you know?
- Distracted driving is one of the main causes of car crashes in Halifax Regional Municipality
- Drivers often have only a few seconds to react to changes on the road
Common distractions
- Using a phone, tablet, or GPS
- Playing music loudly
- Having pets move around freely in the vehicle
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Looking after upset or distracted children
Tips to stay focused on the road
- Keep cell phones out of reach
- Plan your journey before getting into your car
- Avoid eating or drinking while driving
- Keep pets secured and away from the front seats
- Keep music at a low volume
- Have toys and books for children to use
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Intersections
You may see
- Cars, trucks, and vans
- People riding bikes or scooters
- People walking, or using wheelchair or walker
When driving
- Look left and right for road crossings
- Fully stop at stop signs and red lights
- Let people cross the street before you go
When walking or rolling
- Look both ways before crossing the street
- Use crosswalks and crossing signals
- Cross only when it is safe
When cycling
- Use lights and reflectors, and wear bright clothing
- Slow down and watch for cars that are turning
- Use hand signals to show what you are going to do
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Seat belts and car seats
Did you know
- Seat belts reduce injuries and death during car collisions by up to 50%
- Wearing a seat belt is required by provincial law
- Drivers are responsible for making sure passengers under 16 years old are wearing a seat belt
Tips to stay safe
- Look left and right for road crossings
- Fully stop at stop signs and red lights
- Let people cross the street before you go
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Winter road safety
Did you know
- You can be fined for driving with snow on your windshield and car (obstructed view)
- Road salt does not work as well when the temperature is below -10°C
- It can take up to 12 times further to stop on snow and ice than on a dry road
Tips to stay safe
- Check that your tires, windshield wipers, and lights are working before you drive
- Remove all snow, ice, fog, and frost from your car
- Leave extra space between you and cars in front of you so that you can safely slow down and stop
- When walking, rolling, or cycling in the winter, wear bright and reflective clothing
- Slow down at intersections and watch carefully for people crossing the road
- Check for updates on winter parking bans in Halifax Regional Municipality
Learn About Education in Halifax
Halifax is a great place to study! If you’re looking for schools and programs for your children, your loved ones, or for yourself, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.