Car Rental
Gander

Upon your arrival at Gander International Airport, you will find the car rental service desks conveniently located within the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage from the baggage claim area, proceed to the arrivals hall. The counters for the various rental agencies are typically grouped together in this main public area, making them easy to spot before you exit the building.

The process at Gander Airport is designed for traveler convenience, combining both on-site and near-terminal elements. You will complete all the necessary paperwork and receive your keys at the rental counters located inside the terminal building itself. Once you have your keys, you will be directed to the designated rental car parking lot, which is situated just a short walk from the terminal exit, allowing for a smooth transition from the arrivals hall to your vehicle.

On a standard weekday afternoon, the process from deplaning to getting your rental car keys at Gander Airport is generally efficient. Factoring in the time to walk from the gate, wait for and collect your checked baggage, and complete the rental agreement at the counter, a realistic timeline is typically between 30 to 45 minutes. This can vary slightly depending on the number of passengers on your flight and how many are also renting vehicles, but the compact layout of YQX helps keep the process moving smoothly.

Navigating Gander's terminal late at night is quite straightforward, as it is a smaller and well-signed airport. The car rental counters are situated in the main arrivals hall, a well-lit area you will naturally pass through after baggage claim. Airport signage clearly directs you toward this area. Since the terminal is not large, you can easily locate the rental desks without any complex turns or long walks, ensuring a simple and stress-free pickup experience even after a late flight.

For groups arriving on separate flights, the baggage claim area serves as an excellent and easily identifiable meeting point. It is centrally located and provides seating, allowing members of your party to wait comfortably. Alternatively, the general seating area in the main arrivals hall, near the rental car counters, is another practical option. This allows the designated driver to finalize the rental paperwork while the rest of the group gathers with the luggage nearby.

Finding your specific vehicle in the Gander Airport rental lot is a simple process. When you receive your keys, the rental agent will also provide you with a contract that specifies the vehicle's make, model, color, and, most importantly, its assigned parking stall number. The rental car lot is well-organized with clear signage for rows and numbered stalls. Simply match the number on your rental agreement to the signs in the lot to locate your car quickly and efficiently.

The best place to get organized is before you even leave the rental car parking lot. Find a quiet spot in the lot, away from the main flow of traffic, to adjust your mirrors, seats, and steering wheel. This is also the perfect time to plug in your phone, set up your GPS navigation for your first destination, and ensure your luggage is secure. Taking a few minutes to do this in the lot provides a calm, safe environment before you merge onto the main airport roads.

Driving out of Gander Airport is generally straightforward, as a single main road, Airport Boulevard, leads away from the terminal. The most common point of confusion for newcomers is accessing the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). It's important to know ahead of time whether you need to head east or west. Having your GPS ready before you start driving will help ensure you take the correct on-ramp and avoid having to turn around.

The drive from Gander Airport to the main hotel area in town is very direct and takes only a few minutes. You will follow Airport Boulevard away from the terminal until you reach the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). A short drive on the highway will bring you to the main exits for Gander, such as the one for Elizabeth Drive. Most of the town's hotels, restaurants, and services are located along this main thoroughfare, making it an easy and stress-free first drive.

Reaching the Gander Lake or Cobb's Pond areas from the airport is quite simple. From the terminal, you will take Airport Boulevard to the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) and head west. The turnoffs for these recreational areas are well-signed directly from the highway. The key is to watch for the official road signs indicating Gander Lake and Cobb's Pond Park. The routes are direct, minimizing the chance of getting lost on unfamiliar side roads.

Road signage in Newfoundland and Labrador follows standard Canadian conventions, so it will feel familiar to most North American drivers. The most important route is the Trans-Canada Highway, which is clearly marked as Route 1. Other major routes are also numbered, and signs often include the names of the next major towns or communities, which can be very helpful for navigation. Pay close attention to these town names on signs, as they often provide better context than route numbers alone.

The primary point to be mindful of is selecting the correct on-ramp for your intended direction of travel on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). Signage will clearly indicate which ramp leads to Route 1 East (towards Terra Nova National Park and Clarenville) and which leads to Route 1 West (towards Grand Falls-Windsor and Deer Lake). Deciding on your direction before you leave the airport grounds will prevent any last-minute lane changes or confusion at the interchange.

The Trans-Canada Highway in central Newfoundland is a well-maintained, two-lane highway for the most part. You should be prepared for long stretches with limited services between towns, so it's wise to manage your fuel accordingly. The most significant factor to be aware of is the potential for wildlife, particularly moose, on or near the road, especially during dawn and dusk. Always stay alert and scan the shoulders of the highway as you drive.

An excellent and straightforward day trip from Gander is a visit to the coastal communities of Lewisporte or Twillingate. The drive to Lewisporte is simple, following the Trans-Canada Highway west for a short distance before turning onto Route 340. For a slightly longer but still manageable trip, continuing on to Twillingate along the scenic 'Road to the Isles' offers stunning coastal views without complex navigation. Both options provide a great taste of Newfoundland scenery with minimal driving stress.

The most direct and scenic route to Twillingate is known as the 'Road to the Isles.' From Gander, you'll take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) west to Notre Dame Junction, then head north on Route 340. The route is well-signed, guiding you through several small communities. A great place to take a break is the town of Lewisporte, which has services like gas stations and restaurants, making it a convenient halfway point to stretch your legs before continuing the beautiful drive to Twillingate.

The drive to Bonavista from Gander is a beautiful journey along the Discovery Trail. Your route will take you east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) towards Clarenville. Clarenville is the perfect place to stop as it's a major service town located directly on the highway, offering numerous restaurants and shops without requiring a significant detour. After your break, you'll continue from Clarenville by taking Route 230, which leads you directly up the Bonavista Peninsula.

Driving to Terra Nova National Park from Gander is exceptionally easy. Simply take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) eastbound for about an hour, and the park entrances will be directly off the highway. For a great introduction to the park, plan your first stop at the main Visitor Centre, located near Saltons. Here you can pick up maps, get recommendations from park staff on trails and activities that match your interests, and enjoy the stunning views of Newman Sound.

Accessing popular sites within Terra Nova National Park by car is very convenient. All major trailheads, viewpoints, and visitor facilities have designated parking lots that are clearly marked. During the peak summer season, popular spots like the Ochre Hill Lookout or Sandy Pond can get busy. It's a good idea to arrive earlier in the day to ensure you get a parking spot without any hassle, allowing you to fully enjoy the park's natural beauty.

The drive from Gander to Grand Falls-Windsor is a straight shot west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). The road is well-maintained and the journey is typically smooth and uneventful. Upon arriving in Grand Falls-Windsor, you'll find it to be a very car-friendly town. The layout is logical, and there is ample free parking available at most attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants, making it easy to explore the town at your own pace.

After a flight, it's wise to plan a shorter first drive to get accustomed to your rental car and the local roads. A manageable first leg would be driving to a nearby town like Glenwood, just west of Gander, or heading east towards Gambo. Both are less than an hour away and located directly on the Trans-Canada Highway. This allows you to settle in for the night without feeling rushed or fatigued from a long drive immediately after your arrival.

While the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) is the main artery, it's important to adjust your expectations for driving times. The highway is primarily two lanes, and speed limits are generally lower than on major multi-lane highways elsewhere in Canada. It's best to plan for a more relaxed pace and add extra time to your GPS estimates. This allows for unhurried travel and accounts for potential slowdowns or scenic stops you'll want to make along the way.

While cell service is reliable in Gander and other larger towns, you should anticipate significant gaps in coverage once you are on the highways between communities and especially within national parks. It is highly recommended that you download offline maps of the entire region to your phone's navigation app before you leave the airport. This ensures you'll have reliable turn-by-turn directions even when you don't have a cellular signal, providing peace of mind throughout your road trip.

The most significant wildlife concern for drivers in Newfoundland is moose. These large animals are most active at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night, and they can be very difficult to see. It is crucial to reduce your speed during these times and constantly scan the sides of the road for any movement. While other animals like caribou or foxes may be present, moose pose the greatest risk, so maintaining a high level of awareness is essential for safe driving.

Fog in Newfoundland can be surprisingly dense and can roll in very quickly, drastically reducing visibility to just a few car lengths. This is common both along the coast and in inland areas. Visitors are often caught off guard by how suddenly conditions can change. If you encounter thick fog, the safest course of action is to slow down significantly, use your low-beam headlights, and if visibility becomes dangerously poor, find a safe place to pull completely off the road and wait for it to clear.

Winter driving in central Newfoundland presents unique challenges. Out-of-province drivers are often surprised by the potential for sudden whiteout conditions caused by blowing snow, especially on open stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway. Another major concern is black ice, which can form quickly even when roads appear clear. It's essential to drive at a reduced speed, maintain a large following distance, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather and road conditions.

If the forecast includes severe weather like freezing rain or high winds, safety should be your top priority. Freezing rain can make roads extremely treacherous, and it may be wise to delay your travel until conditions improve. High winds are also a serious consideration on the open highways and can make driving difficult, especially for larger vehicles. Always check the official road conditions report and be prepared to adjust your travel plans for your own safety.

Planning is key when driving in rural Newfoundland, as services can be spaced far apart. Before setting out from Gander, look at your map and identify the towns along your route. Plan to stop for fuel, food, and breaks in these communities, even if you don't feel you need to yet. This proactive approach ensures you won't get caught with a low tank or a need for a rest stop in the middle of a long, unserviced stretch of highway.

For a trip that combines long highway drives with exploring small towns, a compact or mid-size SUV is often an excellent choice. These vehicles provide good comfort and stability for highway travel, which is important for the long distances you might cover. At the same time, they are maneuverable enough to navigate the narrower streets and find parking easily in the charming coastal communities you'll be visiting. A standard sedan is also a perfectly suitable and economical option for most travelers.

Before you drive away from the rental lot, take a moment to assess the vehicle's cargo space. Open the trunk or rear hatch to ensure all your bulky items, like coolers and hiking packs, will fit comfortably. If you need more space, check how the rear seats fold down and make sure the mechanism is easy to use. It's also important to arrange your gear so that it doesn't obstruct your view out of the rear window, ensuring a safe start to your journey.

The most convenient and safest place to get children settled is right in your assigned parking spot in the rental car lot. This location is off the main roads and away from active traffic, giving you the time and space you need without feeling rushed. You can install car seats, buckle everyone in, and make sure snacks and activities are within reach before you even start the engine. This ensures a calm and organized beginning to your family's Newfoundland adventure.

Your designated parking stall in the rental car lot is the most practical and stress-free place to install a child car seat. The area is generally low-traffic, allowing you to take your time and focus on securing the seat correctly according to its instructions. You'll have ample space to open the vehicle's doors fully and work without the pressure of other cars waiting. It's much safer and easier than trying to do it at the terminal curb or a busy gas station.

Given the long distances and variable weather in Newfoundland, a quick vehicle check is a smart idea. Before leaving the lot, turn on the car and check that all exterior lights, including headlights and brake lights, are working. Test the windshield wipers and ensure the washer fluid sprays properly. Finally, glance at the dashboard to make sure there are no warning lights illuminated, particularly the tire pressure monitoring system, to ensure a safe and trouble-free journey.

To ensure your phone can serve as a reliable navigation tool, take a minute before leaving the rental lot to check the car's tech features. Confirm that the USB ports are working to keep your device charged throughout your trip. It's also a good idea to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth system for hands-free calls and audio directions. Look for a convenient spot on the dashboard or console where you can safely place a phone mount for easy viewing while driving.

Gander has several major grocery stores that are very easy to access shortly after leaving the airport. Once you drive into town from Airport Boulevard, you will find large, well-known supermarkets located along the main commercial street, Elizabeth Drive. These stores have large parking lots and offer everything you need to stock up on snacks, drinks, and supplies for your road trip before you head out to explore the rest of the island.

You'll find several convenient gas stations in Gander, making it easy to start your trip with a full tank. Many are located directly on or just off the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) as it passes through town. There are also stations along Elizabeth Drive, the main commercial road. These locations are designed for easy entry and exit, allowing you to fuel up quickly and get on your way without navigating complicated side streets.

Returning your rental car to Gander Airport is a very straightforward process. As you approach the airport on Airport Boulevard, begin looking for overhead and roadside signs that specifically say 'Rental Car Return.' These signs will direct you to a dedicated lane or entrance for the rental facilities, which is separate from the main passenger drop-off area. Following these specific signs is the key to avoiding any confusion and reaching the correct lot smoothly.

The smoothest sequence is to first follow the airport signs for 'Departures.' This will lead you to the upper-level curb right in front of the terminal doors, where you can safely drop off your passengers and all the luggage. After they are on their way to check-in, simply drive away from the curb and follow the airport road as it loops around. You will then see the signs for 'Rental Car Return,' which will guide you directly to the correct lot.

The Gander Airport terminal is compact and easy to navigate. After you have parked the car and dropped off the keys at the return kiosk, you will find that the rental lot is just a very short walk from the main terminal building. There are clear pedestrian walkways and signs that point you directly toward the 'Departures' entrance. Once inside, the airline check-in counters are immediately visible in the main hall.

Rental car companies at airports are accustomed to flight delays and typically monitor arrival times. The best approach is to remain calm and follow the standard procedure, as the staff will be prepared for your arrival. Once you have your keys, don't feel pressured to drive off immediately. Take a few moments inside the car in the parking lot to adjust your settings, review your route on your phone, and get comfortable before beginning your drive.