Budget Car Hire
Gander

After you land at Gander International Airport and collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim area, proceed into the main arrivals hall of the terminal building. You will find the car hire counters located conveniently within this area. Look for the Budget signage, where an agent will be ready to assist you with your reservation and direct you to the vehicle pick-up lot just outside.

The most reliable way to handle a late arrival is to include your flight number when you make your reservation. This allows the local staff to track your flight's status and anticipate delays. If you remain concerned, you can check the specific opening hours for the Gander Airport location online. Calling the location directly is also a good option if your flight is significantly delayed while you are in transit.

On a typical afternoon, it's wise to budget approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the moment you pick up your bags to when you're driving away. This timeframe usually accounts for walking to the rental desk, completing the necessary paperwork, and conducting a quick walk-round of your vehicle. During peak travel seasons or if several flights land simultaneously, allowing for a full hour provides a comfortable buffer.

Getting to the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) from Gander's airport is very straightforward. As you exit the airport parking area, you will be on James Boulevard. Simply follow this main road away from the terminal. In a very short distance, you will see clear signs directing you to turn onto the Trans-Canada Highway, with options for heading either east or west.

For a quick overnight stay, it is almost always more convenient to keep the rental car with you and return it to the airport in the morning before your flight. Most hotels and accommodations in Gander offer ample and accessible parking. This approach saves you the time and logistics of making a separate trip back to the airport just to drop off the car, allowing for a more streamlined departure.

The drive to Twillingate during the prime viewing season in late spring and early summer is on paved, two-lane highways. While generally in good shape, be prepared for some uneven surfaces or potholes that can emerge after the winter thaw. The biggest factor is weather, as coastal fog can roll in quickly, reducing visibility, so it's always best to drive with caution and allow extra time.

To ensure a stress-free trip to a morning boat tour in Twillingate, plan to leave Gander at least two and a half to three hours before your tour's departure time. The drive itself typically takes around 90 minutes to two hours. This extra buffer comfortably accounts for potential photo stops along the scenic causeways, finding parking near the wharf, and checking in for your tour without any last-minute panic.

The most direct route for a day trip to Bonavista is to take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) east from Gander. You will then take the exit for Route 230, also known as the Discovery Trail, which leads you all the way up the Bonavista Peninsula. This well-signed route takes you through scenic communities like Trinity and Port Rexton before arriving in Bonavista, making for a beautiful and easy-to-navigate journey.

From Gander, the most convenient way to access Terra Nova National Park is by driving east on the Trans-Canada Highway, which runs directly through the park. The main park entrance and Visitor Centre are located near Saltons, providing easy access to boat tours and the popular Malady Head trail. For shorter hikes, the Newman Sound and Sandy Pond areas also have access points and trailheads right off the highway, making them very accessible.

The drive from Gander to Gros Morne is a significant one, taking about four to five hours without stops. It's wise to add at least two hours to your travel time for breaks and sightseeing. Natural break points include the towns of Grand Falls‑Windsor or Deer Lake for services and a meal. For scenery, consider a short detour to the coast around the Baie Verte Peninsula if time permits, or simply use the designated rest stops along the Trans-Canada Highway.

When planning long drives from Gander, it's a good practice to adopt the half-tank rule: start looking for a petrol station once your gauge drops below half full. Major towns along the Trans-Canada Highway like Grand Falls‑Windsor, Corner Brook, and Clarenville have 24‑hour services. However, on more remote secondary roads, stations can be sparse and may close early, so fuelling up in a larger centre before heading out in the evening is highly recommended.

Yes, it is highly advisable to download offline maps before embarking on drives outside of Gander. While mobile service is generally reliable along the Trans-Canada Highway and within larger towns, it can become patchy or non-existent on secondary routes and within national parks like Terra Nova or Gros Morne. Having offline maps ensures you can navigate confidently without relying on a consistent data connection.

Moose are a serious hazard on all Newfoundland highways, and drivers must be extremely vigilant, especially from dusk until dawn when these animals are most active. They are very large, dark‑coloured, and difficult to see against the carriageway. Always reduce your speed significantly at night, use your high beams when possible, and constantly scan the ditches and verges. Remember that where you see one moose, another may be nearby.

For first‑time winter visitors, the biggest challenges are rapidly changing weather and unpredictable road conditions. Blowing snow can create sudden whiteouts with zero visibility, and roads can become icy, especially on exposed sections of the highway. The Trans-Canada Highway is well maintained, but conditions can still deteriorate quickly. Always check the provincial road report before you leave, drive slowly, and ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter travel.

To find dark skies for northern lights viewing, you only need to drive a short distance away from the town lights of Gander. Heading out on the Gander Bay Road (Route 330) or toward Benton on the Trans-Canada Highway can provide excellent opportunities. Look for safe places to pull off the road, such as a quiet side road or a designated lookout. The key is to find a spot with an unobstructed view to the north.

A great option for a manageable loop is the 'Road to the Isles.' Drive north from Gander on Route 330 towards Gander Bay, then connect to Route 340 which takes you through scenic communities like Twillingate and Boyd's Cove. You can then loop back towards Gander via Route 340 south to the Trans-Canada Highway. This route offers stunning coastal views, causeways, and small fishing villages, and can be comfortably completed in a day.

Parking in Gander is generally very easy and stress‑free, which is a pleasant contrast to larger tourist hubs. Most hotels, motels, and restaurants offer their own spacious, complimentary parking lots on site. You will rarely have to search for a spot or worry about complex parking regulations, making it very convenient to use your rental car for getting around town and to local attractions.

The drive from Gander to St. John's is straightforward and takes about three and a half hours on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). The highway is well maintained and mostly two lanes in each direction. For a first‑time visitor, the main things to be aware of are the potential for dense fog, especially as you get closer to the Avalon Peninsula, and the constant possibility of moose on the road, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Whether to keep your car in St. John's depends on your plans. If you intend to explore coastal communities like Petty Harbour or Cape Spear, the car is essential. However, if you plan to spend your final days exclusively in the compact, walkable city centre, returning the car early can be a good idea. This saves you the hassle of navigating narrow streets and finding parking, which can be challenging in the historic centre.

Newfoundland's weather is famously unpredictable, so building flexibility into your schedule is key. When driving from Gander to any coastal area, it's wise to add at least 30 to 60 minutes to your expected travel time as a buffer for weather. In cases of very dense fog or torrential rain, you will need to slow down considerably, so having that extra time prevents you from feeling rushed and making unsafe driving decisions.

Leaving Gander airport is quite simple, so major mistakes are rare. The most common oversight is not being sure whether to head east or west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). To avoid this, simply confirm your first destination's direction before you start driving. For example, St. John's and Terra Nova are east, while Grand Falls‑Windsor and Gros Morne are west. Having your GPS or offline map ready will prevent any confusion.

For a multi‑week trip with substantial luggage, an intermediate or full‑size saloon is a good choice for two travellers, offering ample boot space and a comfortable ride. If you are a family or a group with outdoor gear, upgrading to a standard or full‑size SUV is highly recommended. The additional cargo capacity and interior room make a significant difference in comfort during the long drives between destinations across the island.

When planning a family road trip, prioritise a vehicle with generous rear-seat legroom and sufficient cargo space for everyone's luggage plus any extras like cool boxes or daypacks. An SUV or a people carrier is often the best choice, as they provide more space for passengers to stretch out and prevent the cabin from feeling cramped. Also consider features like rear USB ports to keep devices charged, which can be a lifesaver on long drives.

For travellers with bulky kit, hiring an SUV is the most practical option due to its flexible cargo space. When loading, place longer items like fishing rods in first, and pack softer bags around them to prevent shifting. Always use the vehicle's luggage cover to keep your equipment out of sight when you're parked. For added security during overnight stops at hotels, it's good practice to take valuable items into your room.

During your walk‑around, check for any pre‑existing scratches or dents and ensure they are noted on your rental agreement. Take a moment to adjust your mirrors, seat, and steering wheel for comfort. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basic controls, such as the headlights, windscreen wipers, and hazard lights, so you aren't trying to figure them out for the first time while driving in unfamiliar conditions.

If you encounter an issue immediately after leaving the airport, do not stop on the main road. The safest option is to turn back and return directly to the rental car lot at the airport, where staff can assist you. If you are already on the Trans-Canada Highway, look for the next exit or a designated rest area with a wide hard shoulder to pull over safely before contacting the roadside assistance number provided with your rental documents.

To avoid backtracking, plan your route as a loop. For example, you could explore the Kittiwake Coast by driving up one side of a bay and down the other. A great example is the Road to the Isles, where you can drive north to Twillingate and then return via a slightly different route through communities like Boyd's Cove. Using a map to trace a circular path before you leave is the best way to maximise your sightseeing time.

While most Gander‑based road trips focus on the island itself, some travellers incorporate the ferry to Fogo Island and Change Islands into their itinerary. This requires careful planning, as you must drive to the ferry terminal at Farewell and adhere to the ferry schedule, which can be affected by weather. It's essential to check the timetable in advance and book your passage if possible, as this trip will consume the better part of a day.

If your trip includes Labrador, you must account for vast distances and limited services. The drive from Gander to the ferry terminal at St. Barbe (for Labrador) is a full day itself. Once in Labrador, petrol stations and accommodation can be hundreds of kilometres apart. It's crucial to plan your fuel stops meticulously, carry emergency supplies, and understand that this part of your journey requires a much more self‑sufficient and cautious approach to travel.

To accommodate spontaneous stops, plan your driving days around shorter distances. Instead of aiming for a four‑hour drive, target a two‑hour leg between destinations. This gives you a large window of time to pull over at scenic lookouts, take a 30‑minute walk on a coastal trail, or spend extra time in a picturesque village. This relaxed pace is the best way to truly experience the beauty of Newfoundland's landscape without feeling rushed.

Gander has several major grocery stores and retailers conveniently located right on the Trans-Canada Highway or just off it on main roads like Roe Avenue. After picking up your car, it's very easy to make a quick stop to stock up on snacks, water, and any other supplies you need for your road trip. This is much more convenient than trying to find a large store in a smaller outport community later on.

Gander's airport is compact and easy to navigate, which helps when managing luggage on your own. Baggage trolleys are typically available in the arrivals area. You can use a trolley to transport all your luggage from the carousel directly to the rental car counters located in the same hall. After completing your paperwork, you can then take the trolley with you right out to the vehicle pick‑up area just outside the terminal.

A fantastic and simple scenic drive is to head north on Route 330 along Gander Bay, known as the Kittiwake Coast. This route quickly takes you out of the inland woods and into coastal scenery with small fishing communities, rocky shores, and views of the Atlantic. It's less travelled than some of the more famous tourist routes but offers an authentic and beautiful taste of outport Newfoundland without requiring a full day of driving.

For the best photographic light, plan your coastal drives for the early morning or late afternoon. The 'golden hour'—the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset—provides soft, warm light that makes landscapes glow. Driving east from Gander in the morning will have the sun at your back, while driving west in the late afternoon is ideal. Midday sun can be harsh, so use that time for travel between locations.

For the most part, GPS navigation is accurate, but it's good to be aware of local naming conventions. Some communities may be known locally by a name that differs slightly from the official one on maps. Additionally, road signs often use route numbers (e.g., Route 330), while your GPS might use the road's name (e.g., Gander Bay Road). It's helpful to be familiar with both to avoid confusion at junctions.

While Newfoundland is generally very safe, it's always sensible to practise good security habits. Always lock your car doors, even if you're just stepping out for a quick photo. Keep valuables like cameras, wallets, and phones out of sight by storing them in the glovebox or boot. When parking for a walk, choose a well‑trafficked trailhead if possible and never leave luggage visible inside the vehicle.

For a stress‑free early morning return, prepare the night before. Pack your bags, and if possible, refuel the vehicle so you don't have to stop on the way. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight's departure time. This provides a comfortable cushion to return the car, complete the final paperwork, and walk to the check‑in counter without feeling rushed.

There are several petrol stations conveniently located just minutes from Gander's airport. You'll find them along the Trans-Canada Highway near the airport exit, as well as on Roe Avenue, one of the main commercial streets in Gander. Refuelling at any of these locations is quick and easy, ensuring you can return the car with the correct amount of fuel without any significant detour or delay.

If your arrival is delayed by weather, it's crucial to prioritise safety over your original itinerary. It's best to shorten or postpone your planned drive for that day, especially if it means you'll be driving on unfamiliar roads in the dark or in poor conditions. Check into your accommodation first, and then consider a shorter, local drive if time and weather permit. It's always better to start fresh the next morning than to drive tired and rushed.

To efficiently visit multiple sites, group them geographically. Use an online map to plot all your points of interest, such as the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander, the Beothuk Interpretation Centre, and sites in Twillingate. Look for a logical loop or a linear route that connects them without excessive backtracking. This allows you to see more in a single day and spend less time driving back and forth over the same roads.