Hertz Car Hire
Gander

The process at Gander International Airport is designed for traveller convenience, even for late arrivals. After you collect your luggage from baggage claim, the car hire desks are located directly within the main terminal building, just a short walk away. This indoor access means you can complete your paperwork comfortably without heading back outside immediately. Once you have your keys, the hire vehicles are parked in a designated area just outside the terminal, making for a quick and seamless transition from the airport to your car.

A comfortable time budget from landing to driving away would be about 45 to 75 minutes, especially if you have checked luggage. This accounts for the time it takes to deplane, walk to baggage claim and wait for your bags to arrive. It also provides a buffer for completing the rental agreement at the desk and making any necessary adjustments in the vehicle, such as sorting winter coats or setting up your navigation system. Planning for this window helps ensure you start your Newfoundland journey in a relaxed and unhurried manner.

Once you leave the airport car park, there are several safe options to get organised before hitting the main highway. Many travellers find it convenient to drive a minute or two into Gander itself and use the car park of a large retailer or a quiet side street. This allows you to take your time adjusting mirrors, programming your satnav, and securing luggage without the pressure of airport traffic. It's a low-stress way to get fully settled before embarking on a longer drive across the island.

Navigating from Gander's airport to the town centre is very straightforward. As you exit the airport, you will be on Airport Boulevard. Simply follow this road until you reach the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). To get into Gander, turn onto the highway and take the very next exit for the town. The signage is clear and the route is direct, making it an easy drive even for those unfamiliar with the area.

Driving in downtown Gander is generally uncomplicated and visitor-friendly. The town was planned with a logical grid layout, which means most streets are two-way and intersections are standard. Unlike older, larger cities, you won't encounter a confusing maze of one-way streets or complex, multi-lane roundabouts. As long as you follow standard traffic rules and posted speed limits, navigating to your hotel should be a smooth and predictable experience.

Driving within the town of Gander after dark is quite manageable as the main roads are well lit. However, when you venture onto the highways or rural roads outside the town limits, conditions change significantly. These areas have limited to no street lighting, so it's essential to use your main beam when appropriate and drive at a reduced speed. Be particularly mindful of wildlife, as animals like moose are more active and harder to see at night, especially during the dusk hours of the shoulder seasons.

Fog is a characteristic feature of Newfoundland weather and can be quite common around Gander, particularly in spring and early summer. It can roll in quickly and dramatically reduce visibility on the highways. When planning your drives, it's wise to check the local weather forecast specifically for fog advisories. If heavy fog is predicted, consider delaying your departure until it lifts, or be prepared to drive much slower, use your dipped headlights, and allow for significantly more travel time.

The drive from Gander to the Gros Morne National Park area is a substantial one, typically taking around four to five hours without stops. To avoid arriving after dark, it is highly recommended to depart from Gander no later than early afternoon. This allows ample time for the drive itself, plus potential stops for fuel or food in towns like Deer Lake, which is the main service hub before you head north into the park. Driving the final stretch into the park at night can be challenging due to unlit roads and a high presence of wildlife.

For a simple and accessible day trip from Gander, the Eastport Peninsula entrance to Terra Nova National Park is an excellent choice. This route takes you to popular spots like Sandy Pond and Eastport Beach, which have well-marked signs and ample parking areas. The main park entrance off the Trans-Canada Highway near the Marine Interpretation Centre is also very easy to find. Both options are well signed from the TCH and lead directly to visitor facilities and trailheads, making for a stress-free park experience.

To secure a good parking spot at popular locations like Sandy Pond or the Ochre Hill Lookout in Terra Nova, it's best to leave Gander in the morning. Aim to arrive at the park between 9:00 and 10:00 am, especially on sunny weekends during the peak summer season. This timing generally allows you to get ahead of the largest crowds that tend to arrive closer to midday. An early start not only ensures easier parking but also gives you more time to enjoy the trails and scenery in quieter conditions.

The drive from Gander to St. John's on the Trans-Canada Highway is scenic but does have some long, straight stretches that can feel monotonous. The section through Terra Nova National Park is quite winding and engaging, but the leg between the park and the Avalon Peninsula turnoff near Whitbourne can be less varied. This is often where driver fatigue can set in. To combat this, plan a break in a town like Clarenville to refuel and stretch before continuing the final leg of your journey to St. John's.

Yes, while mobile service is generally reliable along the Trans-Canada Highway, there are intermittent patches where it can be weak or non-existent. This is particularly true in the more remote areas, such as the section passing through Terra Nova National Park. It is a very wise precaution to download offline maps for your route before you leave Gander. This ensures you have uninterrupted access to navigation, regardless of cellular connectivity, providing peace of mind throughout your drive.

When travelling on the TCH from Gander, especially in winter or late at night, a conservative approach to fuel is best. A good rule of thumb is to never let your tank go below half-full before looking for a petrol station. Major towns like Grand Falls-Windsor, Clarenville and Goobies are reliable service centres with 24-hour stations. Planning your journey around these key stops ensures you won't be caught in a remote area with limited options, as smaller, off-highway stations may have reduced hours.

Vigilance for moose is a constant requirement when driving anywhere on Newfoundland roads outside of town centres. You should always be scanning the sides of the road for movement. Moose are most active and pose the greatest risk during the hours of dawn and dusk, but they can appear at any time of day or night. Be especially cautious in areas with dense forest close to the road and where you see official moose warning signs, as these are placed in high-incident corridors.

When driving on rural Newfoundland highways, the most helpful habits are maintaining a safe following distance and moderating your speed, especially on winding sections. Always be prepared for sudden stops, whether for wildlife or a vehicle turning unexpectedly. It's also crucial to be aware of the road shoulders, which can be soft or gravelly. Avoid aggressive passing manoeuvres; it's better to wait for a designated passing lane, as oncoming traffic can appear quickly on hills and curves.

The Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland is well signed, but it has a more rural character than major interstates in the US or 400-series highways in Ontario. Exits for towns and services are spaced further apart, so it's important to be mindful of your fuel level and plan your stops accordingly. Signage for upcoming exits is typically clear, but you won't see the same density of signs listing food, fuel and lodging miles in advance. Pay close attention to the signs that are present to avoid missing your turn.

Leaving Gander to head west on the Trans-Canada Highway toward Grand Falls-Windsor and Deer Lake is very straightforward. The on-ramps to the TCH (Route 1) are clearly marked from the main roads in town. The highway itself is the primary east-west artery across the island, so once you are on it, there are no confusing junctions or required turns until you reach the exit for your destination town. Simply follow the signs for Route 1 West.

A great way to explore from Gander is to plan your days in loops or directional trips. For example, dedicate one full day to driving north to the Twillingate and New World Island area. On another day, head east to explore Terra Nova National Park and the Bonavista Peninsula. A third day could be a trip west to visit Grand Falls-Windsor and the Exploits River Valley. This approach minimises backtracking and allows you to immerse yourself in a different region each day.

When exploring the scenic outport communities, be prepared for roads that are much narrower and more winding than the main highways. In many places, the road may not have a painted centre line or a shoulder. It's customary for the driver with more room on their side to pull over slightly to allow oncoming traffic to pass safely. Always drive at a slow, cautious speed, be mindful of blind corners, and use designated pull-offs to stop for photos rather than stopping in the lane of traffic.

In construction zones on Newfoundland highways, you'll often encounter gravel surfaces and loose stones. It's important to reduce your speed significantly to prevent stones from being kicked up by your tyres or those of other vehicles, which can damage windscreens. Maintain a much larger following distance from lorries and other cars to stay out of the direct path of flying debris. Keeping your windscreen washer fluid topped up is also essential for quickly clearing away the dust and grime that can accumulate.

Road construction is common during the short summer season, and delays can vary from a few minutes for lane closures to 15–20 minutes for pilot-car-led convoys. When planning your return trip to Gander International Airport, it's a smart strategy to add an extra 30 minutes to your expected travel time as a buffer. This accounts for any potential construction delays and ensures you arrive for your flight with plenty of time to spare, avoiding any last-minute stress.

When driving in heavy rain, the most important adjustments are to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. This gives you more time to react and helps minimise the blinding spray from vehicles ahead. Use your dipped headlights to make yourself more visible to others. Be cautious of aquaplaning in areas where water pools on the road; if you feel the car start to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go without making sudden movements.

All three winter conditions present serious challenges, but sudden whiteouts and black ice are often the most dangerous for drivers. Whiteouts can occur in open areas with little warning, instantly reducing visibility to near zero. Black ice is treacherous because it's invisible on the surface, often forming on bridges and in shaded areas. While drifting snow can make roads difficult to navigate, the sudden and unexpected nature of whiteouts and black ice requires the most caution and defensive driving skills.

The night before an early departure, it's crucial to check the weather and road-condition forecasts. Look specifically for reports of overnight freezing, fog, or snowfall that could impact your drive. It's also a good idea to ensure your vehicle's windscreen is clean inside and out and that the washer fluid is full. Having a general idea of your route and confirming your flight status can also help make the morning go more smoothly, allowing you to leave with confidence.

Parking at hotels in Gander is typically straightforward and convenient. Most accommodations offer ample, complimentary on-site parking, making it easy to come and go for early-morning day trips. You generally won't have to worry about finding on-street parking or paying for overnight garages. This accessibility allows you to load your vehicle with supplies for the day right outside your room and get on the road quickly without any hassle.

Yes, Gander is very convenient for running errands. The town has several shopping centres and plazas with large, open car parks that are free to use. You can easily find a spot at a major grocery store or retailer to pick up snacks, drinks, and any other supplies for your road trip. Parking is rarely a challenge, which makes stocking up for your adventures a quick and stress-free task.

A practical way to manage wet and muddy gear is to bring along a few large plastic tubs or heavy-duty rubbish bags. You can place muddy hiking boots in a tub in the boot to contain dirt and moisture. A collapsible laundry hamper can also be useful for storing wet rain jackets and trousers, allowing them to air out slightly. Keeping a few old towels on hand is also great for wiping down gear or protecting the seats.

The safest way to take photos is to use designated scenic lookouts, rest areas, or the car parks of trailheads. These spots are designed for vehicles to pull completely off the highway. Avoid the temptation to stop on the hard shoulder of the Trans-Canada Highway, as it can be narrow and dangerous with traffic moving at high speeds. If you see a beautiful scene, it's better to find the next safe, designated pull-off area and walk back if necessary, rather than making an abrupt stop.

A simple and effective meeting point is the arrivals area of the Gander International Airport terminal. The driving party can park in the short-term lot and wait inside the terminal, which is small and easy to navigate. Alternatively, a nearby café or restaurant in Gander serves as a great landmark. Coordinating via text message upon the flight's landing allows the drivers to time their arrival perfectly for a smooth and easy meetup.

If a significant flight delay means you'll be starting your drive late at night, seriously consider your fatigue level and the local driving conditions. Driving long distances in the dark on unfamiliar rural roads, with the added risk of moose encounters, can be very challenging. It is often much safer to book a hotel in Gander for the night and start your journey fresh and in daylight the next morning. Prioritising safety over sticking to a rigid schedule is always the best choice.

If Gander's hotels are booked, several nearby towns offer good lodging alternatives. Glenwood is about a 20-minute drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway. Heading east, the town of Gambo is approximately 30 minutes away. For a wider range of options, Grand Falls-Windsor is a larger centre located about an hour's drive to the west. These are all straightforward drives from the airport, primarily on the TCH.

For a stress-free early morning return, plan to arrive in the vicinity of the airport about two hours before your flight's departure time. Allocate 15 minutes to refuel the vehicle at a nearby petrol station. The car return process itself is typically quick, but allow another 15–20 minutes to park, gather your belongings, and complete any final paperwork. This timeline leaves you with plenty of time to check in for your flight and go through security without feeling rushed.

There are several petrol stations conveniently located on the main routes in Gander, just a few minutes' drive from the airport. You will find them along the Trans-Canada Highway exit and on Roe Avenue, one of the primary roads in town. These stations are easy to access whether you are heading into Gander or getting back on the highway to return your vehicle. You won't need to make a significant detour to find a place to refuel.

During winter months, rental vehicles are equipped with tyres appropriate for the season's conditions. Before leaving the airport, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the car's defrost and heating controls, as you will use them frequently. Keeping the windscreen washer fluid reservoir full is critical for maintaining visibility against road salt and slush. It's a good habit to top it up whenever you stop for fuel to ensure you're prepared for any weather.

A common mistake is underestimating driving times on the island. While distances on a map may seem manageable, factors like winding roads, potential construction and necessary breaks can add significant time. For a ferry connection, such as in Port aux Basques, it's crucial to build a generous buffer into your schedule. Always plan to arrive at the ferry terminal well ahead of the recommended check-in time, accounting for unexpected delays along your route from Gander.

Driving the TCH at night requires heightened concentration as large portions are unlit, increasing the challenge of spotting wildlife. The long, straight stretches can contribute to driver fatigue. To stay alert, ensure you are well rested before you start, take regular breaks every 90 minutes or so to stretch, and keep the cabin temperature cool. Listening to engaging music or a podcast can also help maintain focus during monotonous sections of the drive.

To efficiently visit multiple trailheads, plan your route in a logical sequence before you leave. Use a park map to group together trails that are in the same geographic area to avoid backtracking. Starting your day early is the best way to ensure parking availability at the most popular spots. When you arrive at a trailhead, be decisive about parking and have your gear ready to go so you can get onto the trail quickly, maximising your time for hiking.

When driving long distances from Gander, be aware that services can be far apart. It's important to know the major towns along your route, such as Clarenville or Deer Lake, as these are the most reliable places for fuel, food and other amenities. Mobile service can be patchy in remote areas, so it's wise to have a plan for what to do in an emergency. Rest areas are available but may be basic, so planning your breaks around the larger service centres is often the most comfortable option.