Avis Car Hire
Moncton

Finding the Avis desk at Moncton Airport is very straightforward. Once you’ve collected your luggage from baggage claim, look for the prominent "Rental Cars" signs inside the terminal building. The desks for all rental agencies are grouped together and are easy to spot. After you complete the paperwork at the Avis desk, a member of staff will direct you to the vehicle collection area, which is conveniently only a short walk from the terminal doors.

To ensure a smooth pickup after a late flight, it’s highly recommended to add your flight number to your Avis reservation. This allows the local staff to monitor your arrival and prepare for you even if the flight is delayed. On arrival, have your driving licence and reservation details ready to speed up the process at the desk. The airport layout is compact, so the walk to the car is short, helping you get on your way without unnecessary delay.

After leaving the rental car area at YQM you have a couple of convenient options for getting organised. Before joining the main road you can pull in at one of the petrol stations or coffee shops on Dieppe Boulevard, just a minute from the airport. These locations offer safe, spacious car parks where you can take a few moments to adjust mirrors, set up your GPS and secure luggage without feeling rushed by traffic.

The most direct and simple route into downtown Moncton is to take NB-15 West. From the airport, follow signs for Moncton which will lead you directly onto this road. It’s a primary, multi-lane route that takes you straight into the heart of the city with minimal complexity. You can then take the exit for Main Street (Exit 6), which places you on the city’s central thoroughfare near hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The drive from Moncton Airport to the Magnetic Hill area is surprisingly quick and easy, typically only 15 to 20 minutes. The route mainly uses the Trans-Canada Highway (NB-2 West), a major, well-maintained road. The exit for Magnetic Hill is clearly signed, making it a stress-free trip even for visitors unfamiliar with the area. This gets you from the airport to one of the region’s top attractions in no time.

For a direct drive to the Avenir Centre, take NB-15 West from the airport towards downtown Moncton. Then take the Main Street exit; the Avenir Centre sits prominently on Main Street and is hard to miss. If you’re arriving near an event, allow a little extra time for increased traffic and for finding parking in one of the nearby car parks or garages around the venue.

Because Moncton Airport is located in Dieppe, reaching your local destination is exceptionally easy. The two main roads you’ll use are Champlain Street and Dieppe Boulevard. These principal thoroughfares run through Dieppe’s commercial area and provide direct access to most hotels, shopping centres and restaurants. A satnav will guide you effortlessly along these main arteries, ensuring you reach your accommodation without confusing turns or backtracking.

Driving in the retail hub around Champlain Place Mall requires some patience, especially at weekends and in the evenings. The area is well served by main roads such as Champlain Street and Paul Street, but traffic can become congested. Drive defensively and be prepared for cars entering and exiting numerous car parks. Arriving a little early can help you find a convenient space without the stress of circling during peak times.

The drive to Hopewell Rocks is scenic and very straightforward, primarily following NB-114 South along the Petitcodiac River. The critical part of planning is checking the tide schedule online before you go. To walk on the ocean floor and explore the famous "flowerpot rocks" up close, you must visit at low tide. Many visitors plan to be there for the full tide cycle to see both high and low tide views, which are dramatically different.

To make the most of a day trip to Fundy National Park it’s best to get an early start from Moncton. The most direct route is NB-114 South, a pleasant drive that takes about one and a half hours. This road leads past Hopewell Rocks and directly to the park entrance near the village of Alma. Packing a lunch and snacks is a good idea, as it gives you more flexibility to explore the park’s trails and lookouts without needing to search for services.

The drive to Alma along NB-114 offers a few convenient stopping points. The town of Hillsborough, roughly halfway through the drive, has petrol stations and cafés where you can stretch your legs. The most popular stop is Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, which is directly on your route and a perfect place for a longer break. Closer to Alma the scenery itself provides many beautiful coastal lookouts worth a quick stop.

The drive from Moncton to Shediac is exceptionally easy and comfortable for all drivers. The route is almost entirely on NB-15 East, a modern, four-lane divided highway. It’s a relatively flat and straight drive taking only about 20–25 minutes. You won’t encounter challenging coastal features like narrow, winding roads or steep cliffs, making it a very relaxing and straightforward trip to the beach.

For a smooth beach day at Parlee Beach in Shediac, plan to arrive early, especially on a sunny summer weekend, to secure a good spot in the main provincial park car park. Having a rental car gives you the flexibility to explore other nearby attractions if the beach gets crowded. To ensure a quick exit, consider packing up slightly before the peak departure time around 4–5 pm to avoid the main rush of traffic leaving the park and heading back towards Moncton.

The main timing issue is the afternoon traffic returning to Moncton, which can be heavy on a fine day. To avoid this you have two good options. You could leave the beach by 3 pm to get ahead of the biggest wave of departing beachgoers. Alternatively, take a more relaxed pace, enjoy an early seafood dinner in Shediac and drive back to Moncton after 7 pm when the roads have cleared.

A day trip to Bouctouche is very manageable and the drive is quite simple. Take NB-15 East from Moncton and then merge onto NB-11 North towards Miramichi. The route is well maintained highway driving for the majority of the trip and takes under an hour. The Irving Eco-Centre and its famous boardwalk are well signposted from the highway, making it an easy destination to find for a memorable day out.

A day trip to Kouchibouguac National Park is very practical with a rental car and offers a fantastic way to experience New Brunswick’s varied landscapes. The drive north on NB-11 takes about an hour and 15 minutes. To make the most of your day, bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes and a camera. Packing water and snacks is also recommended so you can explore beaches and trails without having to leave for supplies.

The drive to Saint John is mostly smooth on the Trans-Canada Highway (NB-2 West) and then NB-1 West. The most likely slowdown is around the town of Sussex, which serves as a regional hub. Also, as you approach Saint John commuter traffic can build during typical rush hours. It’s good practice to check a live traffic map on your phone before you set off for the latest conditions.

The key to a relaxed round trip to Fredericton is managing your time. The drive itself is very easy, following the Trans-Canada Highway (NB-2 West) for the entire journey of about two hours. To avoid feeling rushed, plan to leave Moncton early in the morning, giving you a full day to explore the capital. Aim to start your return before about 3.30 pm to stay ahead of any afternoon commuter traffic.

The drive from Moncton to Halifax is straightforward, following the Trans-Canada Highway east into Nova Scotia. The trip typically takes about two and a half to three hours. To avoid arriving in Halifax during peak traffic periods, time your departure so you reach the outskirts of Halifax either mid-morning (around 10 am) or mid-afternoon (between 1 pm and 3 pm). This helps you miss the morning and evening commuter rushes.

The route to the Confederation Bridge is well signed and easy to navigate from Moncton. Take NB-15 East and then transition to NB-16 East, which leads directly to the toll plaza at Cape Jourimain. The bridge itself is a remarkable 13-kilometre drive, but be aware that high winds can sometimes lead to vehicle restrictions, which are posted on signs well in advance of the crossing. It’s a simple and memorable part of any trip to PEI.

The Trans-Canada Highway (NB-2) that runs past Moncton is a modern, multi-lane divided road that is easy for any visitor to navigate. Signage is clear and bilingual, with plenty of advance notice for major exits to Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe. The lanes are wide and well maintained, providing a comfortable driving experience whether you’re passing through or exiting into the city.

Downtown Moncton’s grid is fairly easy to navigate, but like many city centres it has a number of one-way streets, particularly between Main Street and St. George Street. Your satnav will usually handle these correctly, but it’s wise to watch the road signs. The traffic circle connecting Vaughan Harvey Boulevard, Main Street and Assumption Boulevard can be unfamiliar to some drivers; yield to traffic already in the circle and follow the signs for your exit.

For a stress-free afternoon exploring downtown Moncton, the best option is to use one of the public car parks or paid surface lots. There are several conveniently located just off Main Street, for example near City Hall or the Avenir Centre. Parking here allows you to leave your car for several hours and comfortably explore shops, restaurants and the riverfront trail on foot without worrying about moving it to avoid a ticket.

The Moncton Market is located on Westmorland Street, just a block from Main Street. Reaching it by car is simple using any downtown exit. On a busy Saturday morning the dedicated market car park fills up quickly. Your best strategy is to look for on-street parking a few blocks away or use one of the nearby public lots, then enjoy a short, pleasant walk to the market.

On-street parking in downtown Moncton, especially along Main Street, is typically managed by parking meters with posted time limits, usually two or three hours during business hours. It’s crucial to read the signs carefully on the specific block where you park to understand hours of enforcement and any restrictions. For overnight or all-day parking it is often easier and more secure to use your hotel’s parking or a nearby public garage.

Within the city limits of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview the main roads are well lit and easy to navigate at night. However, once you head onto the highways or rural routes for day trips to places like Fundy National Park or the coast, the roads become significantly darker. It’s important to use your full beams when appropriate, drive at a cautious speed and be especially watchful for wildlife crossing the road.

In winter, major arteries like NB-15 from the airport and the Trans-Canada Highway are high-priority routes for snow clearing and gritting, so they are generally in good condition. However, conditions can change rapidly during a storm. Always allow extra travel time, reduce your speed and be prepared for potentially snow-covered or icy secondary roads. Checking the provincial road conditions report online before a longer day trip is a wise move.

The Bay of Fundy is known for fog that can roll in quickly and dramatically reduce visibility, especially along coastal routes like NB-114. In these conditions, or during heavy rain, it’s essential to slow down significantly. Use your dipped headlights, not full beam, as they are more effective in fog. Greatly increasing the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead is the most important safety adjustment you can make.

A good, low-stress option is to drive from the rental pickup area to the airport’s short-term or hourly car park. These lots are typically quiet and have wide spaces, giving you plenty of room to work. This allows you to take your time installing the car seat correctly and safely, away from the flow of traffic at the arrivals curb or the rental return lanes. Once you’re ready, you can begin your journey confident that the seat is secure.

The most efficient plan is for the person arriving first to be the designated driver and handle the rental agreement. They can complete the paperwork at the Avis desk, pick up the vehicle and then drive to the airport’s cell-phone lot, a free waiting area just minutes from the terminal. Once the rest of the group has landed and collected their bags, they can call for a quick and easy pickup at the passenger arrivals curb.

The simplest route to Riverview is to take NB-15 West from the airport towards Moncton and then follow signs for Riverview, which will direct you over the Gunningsville Bridge. This bridge is the main connection between Moncton and Riverview, so it can experience heavy traffic during the morning and evening commutes. If possible, try to time your crossing outside the peak 7–9 am and 4–6 pm windows for a smoother drive.

A grocery stop right after leaving the airport is very convenient. Several large supermarkets, such as Sobeys and Atlantic Superstore, are located along Champlain Street in Dieppe, just a five-minute drive from the YQM rental car area. You can easily program one into your satnav and pick up all your supplies before you head to your hotel or accommodation.

Driving to the Magnetic Hill Zoo is straightforward, as it’s located just off the Trans-Canada Highway and is very well signposted. The zoo shares a large parking complex with the Magic Mountain water park, so the area can be very busy on warm summer days. To get a better parking spot and avoid the biggest crowds, it’s recommended to arrive early in the day, ideally around opening time.

A logical and efficient driving order for this popular day trip starts with Hopewell Rocks. Plan to arrive there to coincide with low tide for the best experience. From there, continue south on the same highway, NB-114, which leads you directly into Fundy National Park for an afternoon of hiking and sightseeing. The village of Alma sits right at the park entrance and makes a perfect final stop for dinner before the scenic drive back to Moncton.

To get a jump on summer traffic the best strategy is to start your day trip early. For popular destinations like Shediac or the Fundy coast try to be on the road leaving Moncton before 9:00 am. This helps you avoid the bulk of local and tourist traffic. On your return, either leave before 3:00 pm or stay for dinner and travel back after 7:00 pm to miss the afternoon rush.

Yes. On highways heading out of the city core the risk of wildlife encounters increases. Routes that pass through wooded areas, such as NB-114 towards Fundy National Park or sections of the Trans-Canada Highway (NB-2) outside the city, are common areas for deer and moose. Be especially alert and cautious during dawn and dusk, when animals are most active and likely to be near the roadway.

The safest and most important rule is never to make a sudden stop or attempt a risky manoeuvre if you miss your exit. Simply continue to the next exit. Highways in the Moncton area have frequent interchanges, so you’ll only travel a few extra minutes. Once you’ve safely exited the motorway you can pull over, let your satnav recalculate and easily find your way back without any stress.

To ensure you navigate correctly set your GPS for the airport’s main address: 777 Aviation Avenue, Dieppe. As you approach the airport grounds, turn your attention from the GPS to the road signs. Look specifically for signs that say "Rental Car Return." These will guide you into a separate entrance and a dedicated lot for all rental agencies, keeping you away from the busy passenger drop-off and departure lanes.

If you have extra time before you need to return your car there are several convenient options a minute or two from the airport entrance. Along Dieppe Boulevard you’ll find multiple coffee shops and fast-food outlets with seating and restrooms. This allows you to relax and wait until it’s the right time to proceed to the rental car return lot without having to circle the airport.

Two common issues to avoid relate to fuel and time. First, check your rental agreement’s fuel policy and refill the tank nearby if required to avoid extra charges. Second, for early flights always budget more time than you think you’ll need. Plan to arrive at the rental lot, complete the return process and still have plenty of time to walk to the terminal, check bags and clear security without rushing.