Payless Car Hire
Gander

After you collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim area at Gander International Airport, you can find the car rental counters conveniently located within the main arrivals hall of the terminal building. The area is well signposted, directing travellers towards the various rental agencies available on-site. Simply look for the Payless sign among the other brands to begin the rental process. The counters are situated before the main exit, ensuring you can complete your paperwork before heading outside.

The vehicle pickup area at Gander International Airport is situated very close to the terminal building, making it a convenient process for travellers. Once you have completed the rental agreement at the Payless counter inside, you will be directed to a designated car park just a short walk from the arrivals exit. You will not need to take a shuttle or navigate a complex parking garage. The proximity of the lot allows for a quick and easy transition from the terminal to your rental car.

Navigating from the arrivals hall to the vehicle pickup lot with luggage is straightforward at Gander's airport. We recommend using one of the complimentary luggage trolleys available in the baggage claim area. After completing your rental paperwork at the counter, you can push the trolley directly out of the terminal exit and across to the nearby rental car lot. The walk is short and on a flat, paved surface, making it manageable even with multiple bags.

Car rental counters at Gander International Airport typically align their opening hours with the final scheduled flight arrivals of the day. If you have a reservation for a late-arriving flight, the staff are generally prepared to accommodate you. The pickup process itself remains the same as it would during the day. It is always good practice to include your flight number in your reservation so the local office can track your arrival time and be ready for you.

The time it takes from landing to driving away can vary, but a reasonable estimate for planning is between 45 to 75 minutes. This accounts for disembarking, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, and completing the rental paperwork at the counter. Gander is an efficient airport, so these steps are often quicker than in larger hubs. The final step of walking to the car and exiting the lot is typically very quick due to the close proximity of the rental vehicles.

When leaving Gander International Airport, the most direct route to the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH/Route 1) is well signposted. A common mistake for first-time visitors is not immediately looking for the prominent signs directing traffic towards either St. John's (east) or Corner Brook (west). The airport access road, James Boulevard, leads directly to the highway entrance. Pay close attention to the signage as you leave the airport grounds to ensure you merge onto the TCH in your intended direction of travel without any confusion.

Getting from the airport to the main hotel district in Gander is very simple and direct. After picking up your car, you will exit the airport onto James Boulevard. Follow this road until you reach the traffic lights at the junction with the Trans-Canada Highway. Instead of turning onto the highway, proceed straight through the junction, where the road becomes Elizabeth Drive, the main thoroughfare through Gander where most hotels, restaurants and services are located.

To ensure your GPS directs you to the main passenger terminal for your return, it is best to enter "Gander International Airport" or its official address, 1000 James Boulevard, Gander, NL. This will guide you to the public access roads for departures and rental car returns. Avoid setting your destination to a specific runway or a generic point on the airfield, as this can sometimes lead navigation apps to route you towards service or cargo entrances that are not accessible to the public.

As you approach Gander International Airport on James Boulevard, be sure to stay in the appropriate lane and watch for specific overhead and roadside signs. The signage will clearly distinguish between lanes for "Departures", "Arrivals" and "Rental Car Return." The entrance to the rental return lot is typically a separate turn-off just before you reach the main terminal drop-off kerb. Following these dedicated signs will guide you directly to the correct parking area, avoiding the passenger drop-off loop.

For a comfortable and stress-free departure, plan to arrive at the airport to return your vehicle approximately two hours before your scheduled flight time. This provides a sufficient buffer to complete the vehicle return process, which is usually quick, and then proceed to the airline check-in desk and security screening. Gander is an efficient airport, but this two-hour window ensures you are not rushed, even if there are small queues for the airline or security.

Gander does not experience the heavy traffic congestion common in larger metropolitan areas, so travel times are generally very predictable. You might encounter slightly more local traffic during typical morning and late afternoon commute hours on weekdays, particularly on Elizabeth Drive. However, these minor increases in volume rarely cause significant delays. Your drive to or from the airport should be smooth at almost any time of day.

For a relaxed one-day driving plan, you could focus on exploring the immediate Gander area and its surroundings. Start your morning by visiting the North Atlantic Aviation Museum to learn about the town's rich history. In the afternoon, take a peaceful drive around the scenic Gander Lake via Route 330, stopping at Jonathan's Pond Provincial Park. This loop offers beautiful Newfoundland scenery without requiring a full day on the Trans-Canada Highway, allowing you to return to town for dinner at a leisurely pace.

A perfect half-day scenic drive from Gander is the route to the Gander Heritage Memorial Park, also known as the Silent Witness Memorial. Located just a short drive east of town off the Trans-Canada Highway, the site itself is profoundly moving and set in a tranquil, wooded area. The drive there offers a nice glimpse of the central Newfoundland landscape. Afterwards, you can continue a few minutes more to the shores of Gander Lake for some beautiful photo opportunities before heading back to town.

Gander serves as an excellent central base for exploring what is known as the "Road to the Isles." A popular and very manageable day trip is the drive to Twillingate, which takes about 90 minutes each way. This allows you ample time to explore the charming town, look for icebergs or whales in season, and visit the Long Point Lighthouse. While you could visit a second, smaller community nearby, focusing on one main destination like Twillingate makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable day trip.

The Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) in central Newfoundland is a well-maintained, two-lane highway that is generally easy to drive. Be prepared for long, scenic stretches between towns with limited services, so it's wise to start with a full tank of fuel. The speed limit is typically 100 km/h, but always adjust for weather conditions. Most importantly, stay vigilant for wildlife, especially moose, which can appear on the road with little warning, particularly at dawn and dusk.

When travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway from Gander, you'll find reliable service centres in the larger towns along the route. Heading west, Grand Falls-Windsor is a major hub with numerous petrol stations, fast-food outlets and local restaurants. To the east, the town of Clarenville offers similar amenities before you reach the Avalon Peninsula. There are also smaller service stations in towns like Bishop's Falls or Glovertown, which are convenient for a quick break.

For long-distance drives, such as from Gander to Gros Morne National Park or St. John's, planning a break every two to three hours is a great strategy to stay alert and comfortable. Both routes are approximately four to five hours of driving time. A good midway point on the way to Gros Morne is Deer Lake, while Clarenville is a convenient stop on the way to St. John's. These breaks are perfect for refuelling, grabbing a snack, and stretching your legs before continuing your journey.

To plan a trip to Twillingate and Fogo Island, start by mapping your route from Gander up Route 340 from Notre Dame Junction. For Fogo Island, the most critical step is to check the ferry timetable online from Farewell to the island well in advance. The ferry can be busy, especially in peak season, so plan to arrive at the terminal early. You can visit Twillingate first and then backtrack slightly to catch the ferry, or stay overnight in the area to split the drive comfortably.

The biggest mistake to avoid when catching a ferry is underestimating your travel time and not accounting for potential delays. Always check the ferry's official schedule for departure times and recommended arrival windows, which can be 45–60 minutes before sailing. When leaving from Gander, add a buffer to your GPS-estimated driving time to account for possible roadworks or slow traffic. It's far better to arrive at the ferry terminal early and relax than to miss your connection due to a rushed departure.

Mobile signal is generally strong within Gander and other major towns along the Trans-Canada Highway. However, you should expect signal to become intermittent or completely unavailable in the more rural stretches between communities. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you download offline maps of the entire Newfoundland region to your smartphone before you begin your trip. This ensures your GPS navigation will work reliably everywhere, especially when exploring scenic side roads or heading to remote trailheads.

While major junctions on the Trans-Canada Highway are well signposted in advance, some exits for smaller routes or communities can seem to appear quickly after long stretches of uninterrupted driving. The turn-off at Notre Dame Junction for routes to Twillingate and Fogo Island is one to watch for carefully. It's helpful to review your route on a map before you depart and have a co-driver assist with navigation so you can anticipate your turns well ahead of time.

Fog is a common weather feature in Newfoundland and can roll in quickly, dramatically reducing visibility. When you encounter fog, the most important adjustment is to significantly reduce your speed to a level that is safe for the conditions. Turn on your dipped headlights, not your main beams, as they reflect off the moisture and worsen visibility. Increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead considerably, and be prepared to pull over at a safe location if conditions become too hazardous.

During the shoulder seasons of spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November), weather and road conditions can be highly unpredictable. You might experience bright sun, heavy rain, and even wet snow all in the same day. Main highways are well maintained, but it's essential to check the daily weather forecast before heading out on a long drive. Always be prepared for changing conditions by driving cautiously and allowing for extra travel time in your itinerary.

The single greatest wildlife hazard for drivers across Newfoundland, including the Gander area, is the moose. These large animals are unpredictable and can cause serious collisions. They are most active on and near roadways during the hours of dawn and dusk, but can be present at any time of day or night. Be especially cautious in areas marked with moose warning signs and constantly scan the shoulders of the road as you drive.

To minimise the risk associated with moose on the roads, it is wisest to avoid driving on rural highways during peak activity times. If possible, plan your long-distance travel for bright daylight hours. If you must drive at dawn, dusk, or after dark, significantly reduce your speed, use your main beams when there is no oncoming traffic, and be extremely vigilant. Having a passenger act as a second set of eyes to scan the roadside can also be very helpful.

If you need to take a break during a night drive, the safest option is to pull into a designated rest area or the well-lit car park of a 24-hour petrol station or convenience store in a town. Avoid stopping on the hard shoulder of the Trans-Canada Highway or other dark, rural roads. These areas are unlit and stopping there can be hazardous due to other traffic and the potential for wildlife encounters. Plan your stops around towns like Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor or Clarenville for maximum safety.

While the main highways are paved and well maintained, access roads to many provincial parks, trailheads, and remote cabin areas are often unpaved gravel roads. These are typically graded and suitable for most standard rental cars when driven at a sensible speed. However, you should always be prepared for potentially rougher surfaces, potholes, or dust. Slowing down is key to ensuring a safe and comfortable drive on these secondary roads.

For most sightseeing in and around Gander, including trips on well maintained gravel roads to parks, a standard saloon is perfectly adequate. These vehicles handle typical unpaved surfaces without issue when driven at a reduced speed. If your itinerary includes extensive travel on more remote logging roads or poorly maintained backroads, you might consider a vehicle with higher clearance. However, for the vast majority of tourist destinations, any car in the rental fleet will be a suitable choice.

When travelling with camping gear, smart organisation is key to a smooth trip. Keep items you'll need frequently, like waterproof jackets, jumpers, snacks and water, in a small bag on the back seat for easy access. Pack your tent, sleeping bags and cooking equipment deeper in the boot, as you'll only need them at the campsite. Using plastic boxes can help keep gear separated and dry, which is especially useful given Newfoundland's famously changeable weather.

Gander offers several large, modern grocery stores that are very convenient to access right after leaving the airport. As you drive from the airport into town along Elizabeth Drive, you will pass major supermarkets like Dominion and Sobeys. These stores are perfect for stocking up on supplies, snacks and drinks for your road trip before you head out to explore the rest of the island. They are located on the main thoroughfare, so you won't need to navigate any complicated side streets.

Instead of trying to coordinate a pickup at the busy arrivals kerb, a much easier meeting point is the Gander Mall on Elizabeth Drive, just a few minutes from the airport. It has a large, easy-to-navigate car park where you can wait comfortably. Alternatively, you could suggest meeting at a coffee shop like Tim Hortons, which is also located on the main road. Both options provide a low-stress environment to connect with your family before starting your journey together.

Gander's central location makes it an ideal pivot point for a split itinerary. The key is to plan your route as a logical loop to avoid unnecessary backtracking. For example, you could drive east from Gander to explore the Bonavista Peninsula first, then loop back through Gander to refuel and resupply before heading west towards Gros Morne National Park. This approach treats Gander as your central hub, making your multi-day trip more efficient and enjoyable.

For a short trip of three to four days, using Gander as a home base is an excellent strategy if your interests lie in central Newfoundland. It allows you to do day trips to places like Twillingate and Terra Nova National Park without the hassle of packing and unpacking each day. However, if your goal is to see destinations on opposite ends of the island, like St. John's and Gros Morne, you would be better off moving hotels to minimise your daily driving time.

Parking in the town of Gander is typically very easy and convenient for visitors. Most restaurants, shops and attractions like the North Atlantic Aviation Museum have their own dedicated car parks with ample free spaces. You will also find plenty of on-street parking available throughout the town's commercial areas. Unlike in a large city, you won't have to worry about complex parking rules or searching for a spot, making it simple to park your car and explore on foot.

Driving in Newfoundland is very similar to driving in the U.S., with a few minor differences to keep in mind. All speeds and distances are posted in kilometres, so be mindful of your speedometer. On divided sections of the Trans-Canada Highway, it is common and legal for slower traffic to keep left and for faster traffic to overtake on the right. Most importantly, never stop in a live traffic lane on the highway to view scenery or wildlife; always pull over completely in a safe location.

To explore the Bonavista Peninsula efficiently from Gander, plan your route as a scenic loop. Drive east on the Trans-Canada Highway through Terra Nova National Park, then take Route 230 towards Bonavista and Elliston. After exploring the sights there, you can return via Route 235, which loops around the other side of the peninsula. This creates a fantastic circular tour, allowing you to see new coastal scenery on your way back before rejoining the TCH.

A day trip to Terra Nova National Park from Gander is very manageable and rewarding. Plan to leave in the morning for the one-hour drive east to the park entrance. A great first stop is the Visitor Centre to get oriented and enjoy the views over Newman Sound. From there, you can drive to the Ochre Hill Lookout for a panoramic vista, followed by a short, easy walk on a coastal trail like the one at Saltons Brook before heading back to Gander in the late afternoon.

If rain or fog disrupts your outdoor plans, Gander offers excellent indoor alternatives. The North Atlantic Aviation Museum is a must-see and can easily fill several hours. You could also visit the Gander Arts and Culture Centre to see if there is a local exhibition or performance. For a short drive, you can explore the shops and cafés in town or take a quick trip to the nearby community of Appleton for a change of scenery while you wait for the weather to clear.

If a warning light illuminates on your dashboard, the first step is to find a safe place to pull over, such as a designated rest stop or a wide hard shoulder, well away from traffic. Consult the vehicle's owner's manual, often found in the glove compartment, to identify what the specific light means. For any concerns, especially if the light is red or flashing, you should call the 24/7 roadside assistance number provided with your rental agreement for professional guidance on how to proceed.

To avoid leaving personal belongings behind, do a thorough sweep of the car before you exit. First, check all the common spots: the glove compartment, centre console, and any door pockets. Next, look under both front seats and in the seatback pockets. Don't forget to unplug any phone chargers or cables from the USB ports. Finally, open the boot and lift the floor panel if there is one to ensure nothing has slipped underneath.