Hertz Car Hire
Moncton

The Hertz rental car counter is conveniently located inside the main terminal building at Greater Moncton Airport. Once you have collected your bags from the baggage claim carousel, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to the "Rental Cars" area. This dedicated section houses the counters for several agencies, making it easy to spot the Hertz desk. After completing your paperwork, the staff will direct you to the adjacent car park where the rental vehicles are staged for collection, just a short walk away.

The drive from Moncton Airport (YQM) to the city centre is generally quick and straightforward. Under normal traffic conditions, you can expect the journey to take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. During typical weekday arrival times, traffic flow is usually steady, as the main route via Veteran's Memorial Highway and Wheeler Boulevard is designed to handle volume well. While minor congestion can occur during the late-afternoon rush, significant delays are uncommon for this particular route.

If you're staying in Dieppe, your first drive from the airport is incredibly simple as YQM is technically located within Dieppe’s city limits. Upon exiting the airport, you will be on Adélard-Savoie Boulevard. For most destinations in Dieppe, you simply continue on this road until you reach Dieppe Boulevard, a major thoroughfare. From there, a left or right turn will likely take you very close to your accommodation. This route avoids motorways and complex junctions, making it a low-stress start to your visit.

Driving the Moncton region in the depths of winter requires being prepared for snow and ice. Local drivers almost universally use winter tyres, as they provide essential traction and safety in challenging conditions. While rental vehicles are equipped to meet regional safety standards, it's always wise to drive cautiously and adapt to the weather. Pay close attention to the forecast and allow extra time for journeys, as road conditions can change quickly during the winter months.

After a day of melting followed by a freeze, drivers in the Moncton area should be particularly cautious on elevated structures. The Gunningsville Bridge and the Causeway bridge connecting Moncton and Riverview are well-known spots where black ice can form quickly as their surfaces cool faster than the ground. Similarly, motorway overpasses on Wheeler Boulevard and the Trans-Canada Highway can become slick before other road surfaces. Always reduce your speed and increase following distance in these areas when temperatures drop near freezing.

A fantastic day trip from Moncton involves timing your visit to Hopewell Rocks with low tide, which is about a 40-minute drive south. Plan to spend two to three hours there exploring the ocean floor and the upper lookouts. From Hopewell Rocks, continue along the scenic coastal Route 114 for another 45 minutes to the quaint village of Alma, located at the entrance to Fundy National Park. It's a perfect spot for lunch and a short stroll before making the easy one-hour drive back to Moncton via Route 114 and the Trans-Canada Highway.

To make the most of your visit to Hopewell Rocks, plan to arrive at least an hour before the official low tide time. The drive from Moncton takes about 40 minutes, so you should leave the city approximately two hours before peak low tide. This schedule gives you ample time to walk down to the ocean floor, explore the famous flowerpot rocks, and then make your way back up to the various lookouts. Arriving early also helps you avoid the largest crowds that tend to gather right at the lowest point of the tide.

The most direct and easiest route for a first-time visitor is to take Route 114 south directly from Riverview, which is just across the river from Moncton. This scenic coastal road leads you all the way to the park entrance in Alma, passing Hopewell Rocks along the way. While you can take the Trans-Canada Highway as an alternative for part of the journey, sticking to Route 114 the entire way is simpler as it requires no major motorway changes. Just follow the signs for Fundy National Park and you'll enjoy a beautiful drive without any confusing splits.

Shediac is very accommodating for visitors with vehicles, especially around its main attractions. For Parlee Beach Provincial Park, there is a very large, dedicated paid car park right at the main entrance, offering easy access to the sand. Near the waterfront and the famous giant lobster statue, you'll find ample free public parking along Main Street and adjacent side streets. These spots are just a short walk from the shops, restaurants, and the marina, making it convenient to park once and explore the area on foot.

The drive from Moncton to Bouctouche is a pleasant and easy 40-minute trip, primarily on Route 11, a well-maintained highway. The road is mostly straight and flat, making for a relaxing journey to the coast. Along the way, you'll pass through smaller communities with access to petrol stations and convenience stores, but services become less frequent closer to Bouctouche. It's a good idea to ensure you have fuel and any snacks you need before you leave the greater Moncton area. Once you arrive, signs clearly direct you to popular spots like the Irving Eco-Centre and its attractive boardwalk beach.

Reaching the Magnetic Hill area from downtown Moncton is a very straightforward drive. The simplest route is to take Berry Mills Road, which you can access from Wheeler Boulevard, the city's main perimeter road. Follow Berry Mills Road north-west for about 10–15 minutes, and you will see large, clear signs directing you to turn onto Magnetic Hill Road. The zoo, the hill phenomenon, and other attractions are all clustered together in this well-marked tourist area, making it impossible to miss.

When staying near the Avenir Centre, you'll find several convenient parking options. Many downtown hotels offer dedicated guest parking, which is often the most stress-free choice on an event night. Additionally, the city operates several public car parks and surface lots within a few blocks of the venue, such as the one on Assumption Boulevard. Arriving a bit early for an event is always a good strategy to secure a spot easily and avoid the last-minute rush of traffic right around the centre.

On nights with a major event at the Avenir Centre, expect increased traffic congestion in the city centre, particularly on Main Street, Highfield Street, and Vaughan Harvey Boulevard. While full road closures are rare, local police often direct traffic at key junctions to manage the flow before and after the event. The biggest impact is usually in the hour leading up to the start time and for about 45 minutes after it ends. If you're not attending the event, it's wise to use Wheeler Boulevard to bypass the downtown area during these peak times.

For visitors, the Wheeler Boulevard and Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) interchange can sometimes be tricky, as it involves several lanes merging and exiting in close proximity. It's helpful to know your exit number in advance and move into the correct lane early. Additionally, the five-point junction in downtown Dieppe, where several main streets converge, can be confusing on the first pass. However, Moncton's road network is generally well-signed, and paying close attention to the signage will help you navigate these areas smoothly.

Driving between the tri-communities during rush hour, typically from 7:30–9:00 AM and 4:00–5:30 PM, can involve moderate congestion. The Gunningsville Bridge connecting Moncton and Riverview is the primary bottleneck, with traffic often backing up on the Riverview side in the morning and the Moncton side in the evening. Similarly, traffic on Wheeler Boulevard and sections of Mountain Road can become heavy. While the delays are usually not extreme, it's a good practice to add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your travel time if you need to cross the river during these peak periods.

The drive from Moncton to PEI is a highlight for many visitors. Plan for a 90-minute drive east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) to reach the Confederation Bridge. The approach to the bridge is very well signposted. After the 10–12 minute crossing, you'll be on PEI's Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1), which takes you directly to Charlottetown in about 45–50 minutes. The entire route is straightforward with excellent signage, making for a seamless and scenic transition from one province to the next.

There are several convenient spots for a break on the drive from Moncton to Charlottetown. Just before the Confederation Bridge, the town of Aulac, New Brunswick, has petrol stations and fast-food options right off the highway. Once you cross onto PEI, the Gateway Village in Borden-Carleton is an excellent stop, offering visitor information, shops, and restaurants with large car parks. Further along towards Charlottetown, the small town of Crapaud has amenities and provides a nice glimpse into island life just off the main highway.

A day trip to PEI's north shore beaches from Moncton is very doable. Plan to leave Moncton early, around 08:00, to maximise your time on the island. After crossing the Confederation Bridge, drive directly to the Cavendish–North Rustico section of PEI National Park, which takes about 1.5 hours from the bridge. You can spend several hours enjoying the iconic beaches like Cavendish or Brackley Beach, have lunch in North Rustico, and still have time for a quick stop in Charlottetown on your way back. Aim to leave the island by late afternoon to ensure a comfortable return drive to Moncton.

A same-day drive from Moncton to Halifax is very manageable and a common trip for locals and visitors alike. The drive typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, almost entirely on the well-maintained Trans-Canada Highway. The key factor to plan around is Halifax's rush-hour traffic, which can add significant time if you arrive between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. If you're catching a flight from Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), remember the airport is located about 30 minutes north of the city, so factor that into your timing.

The most straightforward and least stressful route is to take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2 in NB, becoming Highway 104 in NS) all the way to Truro, Nova Scotia. Just past Truro, take the exit for Highway 102, which leads directly into Halifax. This is the main, well-signposted artery into the city. To minimise stress, try to time your arrival to avoid the late-afternoon rush hour. If you are heading to downtown Halifax, following the signs for the MacKay Bridge can sometimes be less congested than the Macdonald Bridge during peak times.

For a quick and easy playground stop, Centennial Park in Moncton is an excellent choice, located just off St. George Boulevard with ample parking. It features a large, modern playground and plenty of space to run around. In Dieppe, Rotary St-Anselme Park is another great option, easily accessible from Dieppe Boulevard and offering extensive play structures. Both parks are just a few minutes' drive from major routes, making them perfect for a convenient break without a major detour from your travel plans.

A compact car is perfectly suitable for exploring the main attractions along the Fundy coast from Moncton. The primary roads, such as Route 114 to Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park, are paved and well-maintained. While the terrain is hilly in some areas, a standard vehicle will handle the gradients without issue. A higher-clearance vehicle is not necessary unless you plan to venture onto specific unpaved back roads, but for all popular viewpoints, trails, and villages, a compact car provides a comfortable and economical choice.

When driving in the areas surrounding Moncton, especially at dawn and dusk, the most common wildlife encounters are with white-tailed deer. They can be prevalent on quieter, wooded routes like Route 114 towards Fundy National Park and the back roads around Magnetic Hill. It's also possible to see moose on the larger highways, such as the Trans-Canada Highway, particularly in more rural stretches away from the city. Always stay alert, scan the ditches and shoulders of the road, and be prepared to slow down, especially during twilight hours.

Fog is a common occurrence along the Bay of Fundy coast and can roll in very quickly, dramatically reducing visibility. If you encounter thick fog, the most important adjustment is to significantly reduce your speed and turn on your dipped headlights. Postpone visits to high-elevation viewpoints, as you are unlikely to see anything. Allow much more time for your journey, as you will need to drive more slowly and cautiously, especially on the winding sections of Route 114 or the roads within Fundy National Park.

Fuelling up before your return flight is very convenient, as there are several petrol stations located within a five-minute drive of the airport. You will find major brand stations with easy-to-access pumps and pay-at-the-pump service along Dieppe Boulevard, the main road that leads towards the airport. These stations are designed for quick stops and are situated so you can refuel and then proceed directly to the airport entrance and car rental return area without any complicated turns or detours.

To ensure a stress-free return to Moncton airport, plan to arrive at least two hours before your flight's departure time. The main routes to the airport, like Wheeler Boulevard and Dieppe Boulevard, are generally efficient. However, during the morning rush hour (7:30–9:00 AM), it's wise to add an extra 15 minutes to your travel time as a buffer. Following the clear airport signage from any direction will lead you directly to the terminal and the designated rental car return lanes, which are located right next to the main car park.

For late-night arrivals in Moncton, you'll still have several options for essentials. A number of major supermarkets, like Sobeys and Atlantic Superstore, are open until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM and are located along main roads like Mountain Road or Regis Street. You will also find several 24-hour convenience stores and fast-food restaurants, particularly in the commercial areas near the Trans-Canada Highway. While smaller local shops will be closed, securing basic food items or necessities after a late flight is generally not a problem.

Downtown Moncton is quite manageable for first-time visitors. The street grid is relatively straightforward, with Main Street and St. George Street as the primary east–west arteries. While there are some one-way streets, they are well-marked and easy to anticipate. Parking is also fairly intuitive, with a mix of on-street metered spots and clearly signed public lots and garages. The downtown core is compact, so once you park, you can easily explore the main attractions on foot.

For easy access to Main Street and the riverfront, the large public car park behind Assumption Place (the tall blue building) is an excellent choice. It offers plenty of space and puts you right in the middle of the downtown action. Another great option is the city-run parking garage on Robinson Street, just a block from Main Street. Both locations are ideal for parking your rental car for a few hours while you enjoy a walk along the Riverfront Trail or explore the downtown shops and restaurants.

The best place to park to view the Tidal Bore is in the dedicated parking area at Bore Park, located right on the riverfront off Main Street. There is ample free parking available specifically for this purpose. To plan your visit, you must check the daily tide schedule, which is posted online and at the park itself. You should aim to arrive at the park about 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bore to get a good viewing spot along the riverbank.

A great loop trip involves driving south from Moncton on Route 114 to Hopewell Rocks first, timing your visit for low tide. After exploring the rocks, continue south on Route 114, then take the scenic Route 915 towards Cape Enrage. This coastal road offers stunning views. After your visit to the lighthouse and cliffs at Cape Enrage, you can loop back towards Moncton by taking a different inland route through Riverside-Albert and Hillsborough, which eventually reconnects with Route 114, minimising backtracking and showing you more of the countryside.

When driving the scenic coastal routes near Fundy National Park, it's common for cell service to become unreliable or completely unavailable in certain areas. To avoid navigation issues, it's highly recommended to download offline maps of the region to your phone before you leave Moncton. Alternatively, picking up a paper map from a visitor information centre is a great backup. The main roads are well-signed for major attractions like Hopewell Rocks and Alma, but having an offline map ensures you can explore smaller roads with confidence.

For an immersive Acadian experience, a drive along the Acadian Coastal Drive is a must. An easy day trip from Moncton is to head north on Highway 15 and then Route 11 towards Shediac, known for its vibrant Acadian culture. Continue north to the charming town of Bouctouche to visit Le Pays de la Sagouine and the Irving Eco-Centre. Further up the coast, the Kouchibouguac National Park area also has deep Acadian roots. The entire route is well-paved and offers beautiful coastal scenery and opportunities to explore unique communities.

The drive from Moncton to Miramichi takes about 90 minutes to two hours and is primarily on modern, well-maintained highways like Route 11. The journey is straightforward and mostly rural, passing through forests and small communities. While there are towns with services along the way, there can be long stretches with no petrol stations or restaurants directly on the highway. It's a good practice to start with a full tank of fuel and have some snacks and water with you, especially if travelling outside main business hours.

Summer is construction season in New Brunswick, and you should anticipate potential delays on major routes around Moncton, including the Trans-Canada Highway and Wheeler Boulevard. Work zones are typically well-signed, but they can lead to lane reductions and lower speed limits. It's always a good idea to check the provincial 511 traveller information service online before heading out on a long drive for the latest updates on construction projects. Factoring in an extra 15–20 minutes for your journey during peak summer months is a wise precaution.

Driving in New Brunswick is very similar to driving in the U.S., but there are a few key differences to note. All speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles per hour. A right turn on a red light is permitted after a complete stop unless a sign indicates otherwise, which is familiar to most American drivers. Be especially mindful of school zone speed limits, which are strictly enforced on school days, and remember that passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing is illegal and carries heavy penalties.

This is an ambitious but achievable day trip with a rental car, though it requires careful planning around the tides at Hopewell Rocks. You would start with an early breakfast in Moncton, then drive 25 minutes to Shediac for a morning at the beach. The drive from Shediac to Hopewell Rocks is about an hour. You'd need to ensure the low tide at Hopewell falls in the afternoon for this plan to work. After a couple of hours there, the 40-minute drive back to Moncton is easy, but it will be a very full day of driving and activities.

For travellers planning multiple day trips, staying in the north end of Moncton or in Dieppe near the airport offers the most convenient motorway access. Hotels located near the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) and Wheeler Boulevard interchange provide immediate on-ramps for trips towards Nova Scotia, PEI, or Fundy National Park. The area around Champlain Place mall in Dieppe is also excellent, offering quick access to major arteries that connect to the motorway system, saving you from navigating downtown traffic each morning.

For a sunset drive, head towards the Alma area near Fundy National Park, which is about an hour from Moncton. You can enjoy the evening light from the Alma wharf or a park viewpoint and then have a comfortable, straightforward drive back on well-paved roads after dark. For a sunrise trip, a closer option like the Hopewell Rocks area is better, as it's only a 40-minute drive. This minimises the amount of pre-dawn driving required, and you can enjoy breakfast in nearby Hillsborough or Riverview on your way back to Moncton as the morning progresses.

The transition from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia by car is seamless. The Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2 in NB) becomes Highway 104 in NS, and the high quality of the road continues. Just across the border, you'll find a large, modern Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre with rest areas and travel resources. Road signage remains clear and bilingual for a short distance before becoming English-only. The general pace of traffic is consistent across the border, making for a very easy and comfortable driving experience.