Payless Car Hire
Quebec

The Payless car hire counter at Québec City Jean Lesage Airport is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. Once you’ve collected your bags from baggage reclaim, simply follow the overhead signs for “Car Rental” or “Location de voitures”. These will lead you to the designated rental desks, which are only a short indoor walk away. The process is streamlined to get you from your flight to your vehicle efficiently, without needing to go outside.

For a smooth late-night arrival with a group, it’s often best to designate one driver to head to the rental counter while the others wait with the luggage. After collecting your bags, find a comfortable spot to wait near the baggage reclaim exit. The driver can then complete the rental paperwork and bring the vehicle round to the passenger pick-up area. This minimises the need to move all your luggage through the terminal and allows everyone to get settled in the car at once.

When traffic is light, the most direct route from YQB to Old Québec is typically via Autoroute 40 East (Autoroute Félix-Leclerc). This major motorway offers a straightforward drive towards the city centre. During peak rush-hour periods, however, this route can become congested. A common alternative is to take Autoroute 540 South (Autoroute Duplessis) to Boulevard Laurier, which provides another entry point into the city. Using a real-time navigation app as you leave the airport is the best way to choose the most efficient route based on current conditions.

If your hotel is within the walls of Old Québec, the best approach is to contact the hotel in advance for their specific unloading instructions. Many hotels have small designated pull-in areas or recommend a nearby place for brief stops. Drivers typically pull in as close to the entrance as possible, quickly unload luggage with help from their party, and then proceed immediately to a designated car park. Lingering on the narrow streets is strongly discouraged, as it can quickly cause traffic back-ups.

Driving in Old Québec for the first time requires patience and a slow, deliberate approach. The historic district is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, many of which are one-way, and it includes some surprisingly steep inclines. It’s crucial to use a GPS and plan your route before entering the walled city to avoid confusing turns. Always be especially alert for pedestrians, as they often share the roadway. Many visitors find it less stressful to park their hire car on the periphery and explore the core of Old Québec on foot.

For trips between the airport and areas south of the St Lawrence River, crossing the Québec Bridge or Pierre-Laporte Bridge is easiest during off-peak hours. This generally means mid-morning, roughly between 10:00 and 14:00, and later in the evening after 19:00. The morning and afternoon commuter rush hours can cause significant delays, especially heading into the city in the morning and out in the afternoon. Planning your crossing outside these peak times will almost always result in a more relaxed and predictable drive.

Driving directly within the Place Royale and Petit-Champlain districts is extremely challenging and generally not recommended for visitors. These areas have very narrow, pedestrian-heavy cobbled streets that are often closed to general traffic. The most practical approach is to park your hire car in one of the public car parks in the Old Port (Vieux-Port) or Upper Town. From there, it’s a pleasant and easy walk to explore these historic, picturesque neighbourhoods on foot, which is the best way to experience their charm.

Driving to Montmorency Falls from Québec City is a very straightforward and scenic trip. The main route is Autoroute 40 East, which becomes Boulevard Sainte-Anne (Route 138) as you approach the park. Clear signage will direct you to the falls. There are two primary parking entrances: one at the base of the falls for access to the cable car and lower viewpoints, and another at the top via Avenue Royale, which leads to Manoir Montmorency and the suspension bridge. Both are well signed and easy to find.

Yes, exploring Île d’Orléans by hire car in a half-day is very comfortable and a popular activity. The island’s main road, Chemin Royal, forms a complete loop of about 67 kilometres (42 miles). Most visitors tend to drive the loop anti-clockwise, which keeps the St Lawrence River on their right for better views as they travel. This also makes it easy to pull over at farms, chocolate shops, and scenic lookouts without crossing traffic, for a relaxed and enjoyable tour.

The most straightforward driving route to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica from Québec City is to follow Boulevard Sainte-Anne (Route 138) eastwards along the north shore of the St Lawrence River. This scenic route, also known as Avenue Royale in parts, takes you directly to your destination. The drive is well signed and offers lovely views of the river and countryside along the way. It’s a pleasant, easy trip that avoids major motorway complexity, making it ideal for a relaxed day out.

Reaching Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier from Québec City is quite simple by car. The most direct route is to take Autoroute 73 North (Autoroute Laurentienne) out of the city. You’ll follow this motorway for about 30 minutes until you see clear signs for the park exit. Upon entering the park, your first stop should be the Discovery and Visitors Centre in the Jacques-Cartier Valley sector. Here you can pick up maps, check trail conditions, and get recommendations from park staff before heading out on your hike.

To secure parking at popular hiking destinations such as Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, it’s wise to leave Québec City early, especially at weekends or on public holidays. Aim to arrive at the park entrance before 10:00, as car parks for the most sought-after trails can fill up quickly after that. During peak autumn colours or on a perfect summer Saturday, arriving even earlier, around 9:00, is an even better strategy. This helps ensure a convenient spot and a quieter experience on the trails.

Driving from YQB into Québec City right after a snowfall calls for a cautious and patient approach. While major roads are typically cleared and salted promptly, you should still expect potentially slippery patches and reduced visibility. Allow significantly more travel time than you would in clear conditions. Drive smoothly, increase your following distance, and be gentle with both accelerator and brakes. The city is well equipped for snow, but adapting your driving to conditions is key to arriving safely.

If you’re new to driving on packed snow, the most challenging spots around Québec City are often bridge decks, overpasses, and steep hills. Bridges freeze faster than roadways, so they can be unexpectedly icy even when the road seems fine. The city’s hills, particularly in and around Old Québec, require very slow, steady momentum to ascend and descend safely. Also be cautious on shaded roads or in tunnels, where ice can linger long after it has melted in sunny areas.

Sudden whiteout conditions caused by blowing snow can occur on exposed stretches of motorway near Québec City during winter storms. While not a daily occurrence, it’s something travellers should be prepared for. If visibility drops dramatically, the safest course is to slow down significantly, switch on your dipped headlights, and increase your following distance. If conditions become too severe, take the next exit and get off the motorway to wait for the squall to pass somewhere safe, such as a petrol station or rest area.

Across the province of Québec, turning right on a red light is generally permitted after coming to a complete stop and ensuring the way is clear. However, there is a major exception: it is strictly prohibited on the entire Island of Montreal. In Québec City, right turns on red are often restricted at certain junctions, particularly in the city centre and Old Québec, for pedestrian safety. Always look for a sign with a red circle and a right-turn arrow crossed out, which indicates the turn is not allowed.

While road signs in Québec are in French, most use internationally recognised symbols that are easy to understand. Key words to know include “Arrêt” (Stop), “Sortie” (Exit), “Est” (East), and “Ouest” (West). Many signs, such as speed limits, are purely numerical. For navigation, using a GPS app set to your preferred language is the best approach, as it provides spoken directions and reduces the need to read every sign. A quick look-up of common Québec sign translations before your trip can also boost confidence.

US drivers should be aware that speed limits in Québec are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles per hour. The typical motorway speed limit is 100 km/h, which is about 62 mph. Speed enforcement is common on major routes such as Autoroute 40 and 73, so it’s important to stick to posted limits. Pay close attention to your speedometer to avoid accidentally exceeding the limit. Driving at or slightly below the posted speed is the best way to keep the trip smooth and uneventful.

GPS is invaluable in Québec City, but it can sometimes be confusing in a few specific areas. The complex network of slip roads and flyovers near the bridges can trigger last-second lane-change instructions. Within the narrow one-way streets of Old Québec, GPS signals can occasionally be weak, and the app may not fully account for tight turns. It’s a good idea to review your route briefly before setting off and to have a passenger help with navigation through these more intricate parts of the city.

A sensible first stop after leaving the YQB hire-car area is a nearby large car park, such as at a supermarket or shopping centre along Route de l'Aéroport or Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel. Pulling into a quiet corner gives you a safe, low-pressure place to programme your GPS for your final destination. It also provides space to adjust mirrors and seat, organise luggage in the boot, and put on any necessary winter layers before joining city traffic.

Using a hire car for a combined Old Québec and Montmorency Falls day is very practical and efficient. The key is a smart parking strategy. Start by driving straight to Montmorency Falls, where parking is plentiful and easy. After your visit, drive back towards the city and leave the car for the rest of the day in one of the large, convenient car parks on the edge of Old Québec. This lets you explore the historic district entirely on foot, avoiding the stress of driving and parking on narrow streets.

The simplest plan is to drive to the area and park once, as the two attractions are adjacent. Head towards the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), which has its own underground car park accessed from Avenue Wolfe-Montcalm. Alternatively, there are numerous on-street bays and surface lots along Grande Allée, which borders the park. Once you’ve parked, it’s an easy walk between the museum and the wide-open Plains of Abraham, without needing to move your car.

The most stress-free approach is to drive towards Old Québec via Boulevard Laurier, which becomes Grande Allée. Rather than trying to park within the narrow streets of the old city, aim for one of the large, well signed underground car parks near the Parliament Building or Place D'Youville, right on the edge of the historic district. Parking there gives you a short, pleasant walk to most restaurants, while avoiding the most challenging driving areas and keeping you close to where you want to be.

When checking into a hotel with limited kerb space, the usual approach is a quick, coordinated stop. It’s best for one person to go inside to let reception know you’ve arrived while the driver stays with the car. Staff can then give instructions, which often involve unloading luggage quickly at the kerb before the driver heads to a recommended long-stay car park. Calling the hotel just before you arrive can also help streamline the process.

During peak tourist season, especially in summer and during Winter Carnival, drivers need to be extra vigilant. Look out for temporary road closures and diversions around major event sites such as the Plains of Abraham and the Old Port. Pedestrian traffic increases dramatically, so drive slowly and be prepared for people to cross unexpectedly, particularly in Old Québec. Some streets, such as Rue Saint-Jean, may become pedestrian-only at certain times, so always pay close attention to signs indicating restrictions.

Visitors most commonly enter restricted lanes in the city centre, where dedicated bus corridors are widespread. Key areas to watch include Boulevard Charest and parts of Grande Allée, where certain lanes are marked with painted diamonds and signs indicating they’re reserved for buses, taxis, or carpools. It’s also worth being cautious around the Parliament Building and Place D'Youville, where traffic patterns can be complex. Always check overhead and kerbside signs to avoid inadvertently entering a restricted lane.

Gare du Palais has a designated passenger drop-off and pick-up lane directly in front of the main entrance. It’s intended for active loading and unloading only, so you can’t park and wait there for long. For a brief wait, use the short-stay paid car park located right next to the station. This allows you to park safely and walk over to meet your party as their train arrives, avoiding congestion and stress.

The easiest way to do a grocery run after leaving YQB is to stop at one of the large supermarkets in the Sainte-Foy area, which sits between the airport and the city centre. Major routes such as Boulevard Laurier and Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel are lined with shopping centres featuring large, easy-access supermarkets with ample parking. This lets you stock up without navigating the more complex and congested streets downtown, making your first errand much more relaxed.

The smoothest plan is to pull your hire car into a marked parking bay within the airport hire-car area before you exit. This gives you a safe, stationary space away from moving traffic. Take your time to fit the child seat correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring straps are tight and the seat is secure. Doing this before you leave the lot removes the pressure of trying to do it at the kerb or during a busy first stop.

With oversized items such as ski bags, it’s best to assess the vehicle’s space before you start loading. Open the boot and fold down any rear seats you need first to maximise room. Load the largest and longest items first, placing them lengthways in the vehicle. Then fit smaller suitcases and bags into the remaining spaces around them. This methodical approach helps avoid the frustration of unloading and repacking everything to make it fit.

The drive to Baie-Saint-Paul in Charlevoix along Route 138 is generally well maintained and offers spectacular scenery, but it can be hilly and winding in places. During the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, the weather can be unpredictable. You might find clear roads, but you could also encounter rain, fog, or even late- or early-season snow at higher elevations. It’s a good idea to check the forecast specifically for the Charlevoix region before you set off and be prepared for changing conditions.

Route 138 is a beautiful drive with varying levels of difficulty. The section from Québec City towards Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is relatively flat and straight, making it ideal for relaxed sightseeing. As you continue east into the Charlevoix region, particularly after Baie-Saint-Paul, the road becomes more demanding, with steep hills, sharp bends, and dramatic elevation changes. While this section delivers the most stunning views, it requires more driver focus, whereas the earlier stretch suits casual cruising.

A day trip from Québec City to Tadoussac is ambitious but doable if you start very early. The drive is about three hours each way, not including stops. The key timing factor is the free ferry across the Saguenay River at Baie-Sainte-Catherine, which runs frequently, 24/7. In peak season you may need to wait for one or two ferry loads, which can add 20–40 minutes to your travel time. To maximise time in Tadoussac for activities such as whale watching, plan to leave Québec City before sunrise.

In Tadoussac, most visitors park in the large municipal car park at the top of the hill as you enter the village. From there it’s a short walk down to the marina and the various whale-watching operators. To avoid last-minute stress, it’s strongly recommended to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you time to park, use the facilities, and check in with your tour company without feeling rushed.

For driving in Québec City on an icy winter night, reduce your speed dramatically and increase your following distance to at least double what you’d use in clear conditions. Use dipped headlights to reduce glare from falling or blowing snow. Keep all inputs—steering, braking, and accelerating—as smooth and gentle as possible to avoid losing traction. If you’re not comfortable with the conditions, the safest option is to postpone your trip or take a taxi.

To avoid wrong turns when returning your car to YQB—especially in the dark for an early flight—keep to the right-hand lanes as you approach the airport. Look for large, clear signs saying “Rental Car Return” or “Retour des voitures de location”. These will direct you away from passenger drop-off lanes and into the dedicated return area. Following these specific signs, rather than only general airport signage, is the key to a simple, direct return.

If you’re short on time, plan a few key steps before you reach YQB. First, find a petrol station near the airport to top up the fuel as required by your rental agreement. Second, gather and remove all personal belongings and any rubbish from the vehicle. Finally, keep your rental paperwork easily accessible. Completing these tasks before entering the return lane makes the final drop-off much faster and less stressful.

In poor lighting or snowy conditions, it’s important to be thorough when inspecting your hire car. Use your phone’s torch to walk around the entire vehicle. Take photos or a video of all four sides, paying close attention to bumpers, doors, and the windscreen for any pre-existing scratches, dents, or chips. If there’s snow on the car, brush it off the main panels so you don’t miss damage hidden underneath. Documenting the vehicle’s condition before you leave is an important step.

To minimise driving, organise your day around a single parking spot. For example, park for the day in a garage between Old Québec’s Upper and Lower Towns. From this central point, you can explore the historic district, the Old Port, and even walk up to the Plains of Abraham. This “park once, explore all day” approach lets you see multiple iconic areas without repeatedly searching for parking, making the day far more enjoyable.

During Carnaval de Québec, driving and parking become significantly more difficult around main event areas such as the Plains of Abraham and Grande Allée. Expect numerous road closures, diversions, and parking restrictions to accommodate parades, outdoor activities, and large crowds. The best strategy is to leave your hire car at your hotel or in a car park well away from the main festival zone. Use public transport or walk to event sites to avoid inevitable congestion and parking challenges.