National Car Rental
Moncton

The National Car Rental counter is conveniently located inside the main terminal building at Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport. After you collect your bags from the baggage claim carousel, look for the prominent "Rental Cars" signage. The counters for all rental agencies are grouped together in a dedicated area, making it a quick and easy walk to find the National desk and begin the pickup process.

Navigating to the car pickup area at YQM is straightforward, even after a late-night flight. The rental car counters, including National's, are situated directly within the terminal, just a short, well-lit walk from the baggage claim area. Since the airport is compact, you won't need to take a shuttle or go outside. Simply follow the overhead signs for rental cars to reach the service desks and complete your pickup efficiently.

When traveling with family and extra luggage, it's wise to build a small buffer into your schedule for the car pickup process. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 20 to 30 minutes to your plan. This allows you unhurried time to manage luggage carts, get the kids settled, and review your rental agreement without feeling rushed. This small time investment ensures a calm and organized start to your Moncton adventure.

Yes, this is a very common and efficient way to coordinate a group arrival. The primary driver listed on the rental reservation can proceed to the National counter to complete the paperwork and pick up the vehicle. Once they have the car, they can easily drive around to the passenger arrivals curb at the front of the terminal. This allows the rest of the group to wait comfortably with their luggage until their ride is ready.

The drive from YQM to downtown Moncton is quite direct and well-signed, making it easy for first-time visitors. From the airport, you will take Aviation Avenue to connect with Wheeler Boulevard (NB-15 West). Continue on Wheeler Boulevard for several kilometers and then take the exit for Main Street (Route 106). This route avoids most complex city intersections and leads you directly into the heart of the downtown hotel district.

The drive from Moncton to the Hopewell Rocks Park is a scenic and easy 45-minute journey, primarily on Route 114. The most critical part of your planning is checking the tide schedule online before you depart. To experience walking on the ocean floor, you should aim to arrive about an hour before the official low tide time. This gives you the maximum window to explore the famous flowerpot rocks and coastline.

Absolutely, a day trip to Fundy National Park is one of the most popular excursions from Moncton. The drive is approximately 90 minutes each way, leaving you with a substantial part of the day for exploration. You can easily drive the main parkway, stop at several stunning coastal lookouts, and enjoy accessible short hikes like the Dickson Falls trail. It's a perfect way to experience the park's highlights without feeling rushed.

For a simple and direct drive, the best route is the Trans-Canada Highway (NB-2 West). This is a modern, multi-lane highway that bypasses smaller towns and local traffic for the majority of the trip. The journey is well-signed and typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours, offering a comfortable and efficient connection between New Brunswick's two largest cities.

You should plan for the drive from Moncton to Halifax to take about three hours without stops. During the busy summer season, it's a good idea to budget a total of 3.5 to 4 hours for the journey. This extra time accounts for potential traffic delays as you approach Halifax and allows for a comfortable break at the border town of Amherst or the Masstown Market for fuel and refreshments.

Reaching the famous beaches in Shediac is a quick and easy drive from Moncton, typically under 30 minutes. You'll take NB-15 East directly to the Shediac area. For Parlee Beach Provincial Park, the most popular destination, there are large, clearly marked paid parking lots located right at the main entrance. These lots provide convenient access to the beach, boardwalk, and all related amenities.

Access to the Bouctouche Dunes at the Irving Eco-Centre is very straightforward for visitors. The route is well-signed from the main highway (NB-11) and local roads, leading you directly to the attraction. A large, free parking lot is situated right at the interpretation centre. From there, it's just a few steps to the start of the impressive boardwalk that stretches over the salt marsh to the dunes and beach.

Kouchibouguac National Park is an excellent day trip, located about an hour's drive north of Moncton. For a practical visit, focus on the most accessible and popular areas. The drive to Kellys Beach is highly recommended, as the parking area provides easy access to the long, scenic boardwalk and beautiful sandy beach. The park's visitor centre area is also a great starting point for information and short trails.

The drive to Cape Enrage is renowned for its stunning Fundy coastal scenery. While the main highways are wide and well-maintained, the final portion of the drive on Cape Enrage Road is a more rural, two-lane road. It can feel narrow and winding in spots, but it is paved and generally in good condition. Drivers should simply reduce their speed, be mindful of oncoming traffic, and enjoy the spectacular views.

To minimize wait times at the Confederation Bridge, especially on summer weekends or holidays, timing is key. Try to plan your crossing for earlier in the morning, ideally before 10 AM, or later in the afternoon, after 4 PM. These times are typically outside the peak rush of travelers checking in or out of accommodations. Checking the bridge's official website for traffic cameras and updates before you leave Moncton is also a smart strategy.

The most direct routes between Dieppe and downtown Moncton are major arteries like Champlain Street and Wheeler Boulevard (NB-15). During peak commute times, typically 7:30-9:00 AM and 4:00-5:30 PM, these roads can experience congestion. Using a GPS app with live traffic updates can help you navigate around the heaviest spots and find the smoothest path into the city centre.

For exploring downtown Moncton, you have several convenient parking options. There is metered on-street parking all along Main Street and its side streets, which is great for short stops. For longer visits, there are multiple public parking garages, including one near City Hall, that offer hourly and daily rates. The Moncton Market also has its own dedicated parking lot, though it tends to fill up quickly on busy Saturday mornings.

The best strategy for Avenir Centre events is to arrive early and secure a spot in one of the many public or private lots within a few blocks of the venue. To avoid the post-event traffic jam, consider parking a little farther away, perhaps a 5-10 minute walk, which often allows for a quicker exit onto less congested streets. Alternatively, you can plan to enjoy a post-event drink or dessert at a nearby downtown restaurant until the initial rush subsides.

First-time visitors to Moncton should be aware of the grid of one-way streets in the downtown core, so it's helpful to have your GPS active. The traffic circle on Wheeler Boulevard can also be challenging if you're not used to them; the key is to yield to traffic already inside and know your exit in advance. Finally, pay attention to merge lanes when entering major routes like the Trans-Canada Highway from city streets.

The drive from downtown Moncton to the airport is typically only about 15 minutes in the early morning with no traffic. To be safe, plan to leave downtown at least 30 minutes before you intend to be walking into the terminal. This provides a comfortable cushion for the drive, navigating the rental return lanes, and completing the vehicle drop-off process without any rush.

There's no need to panic if you miss the turn for rental car returns at YQM. The airport's road system is designed as a simple, one-way loop. Just continue following the main road as if you were going to the departures or arrivals curb. This will automatically and safely guide you back around to the main airport entrance, giving you a second chance to follow the clear "Rental Car Return" signs.

The most efficient method is to first proceed to the "Departures" curb at the front of the terminal building. Here, you can unload all your passengers and their luggage, allowing them to head inside to check in. After they are safely on their way, the driver can then proceed alone to the nearby rental car return area, which makes the process much faster and less crowded.

Fuel planning for your return is very convenient at YQM. There are numerous gas stations located along Dieppe Boulevard and Champlain Street, just a few minutes' drive from the airport entrance. Making a quick stop at one of these stations to top off the tank before you turn onto Aviation Avenue towards the terminal is a simple, stress-free way to complete your rental experience.

Driving during a winter storm in Moncton requires caution and extra time. Main arteries like Wheeler Boulevard, Mountain Road, and the Trans-Canada Highway are the highest priority for snow clearing and salting. For drivers unfamiliar with winter conditions, it's best to stick to these major routes, reduce your speed significantly, and avoid secondary roads which may not be cleared as quickly.

During the spring and fall shoulder seasons, road conditions can be unpredictable, especially on the way to the Fundy coast. Be prepared for sudden patches of dense fog, which can greatly reduce visibility. Also, be cautious of potential frost or black ice in shaded areas during the early morning hours, even if the daytime temperature is mild. Always drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions.

When driving on rural roads outside Moncton at dawn or dusk, particularly near parks and wooded areas, it's crucial to be vigilant for wildlife. Deer and moose are most active during these times and can unexpectedly cross the road. To reduce risk, lower your speed, use your high beams when appropriate, and actively scan the ditches and sides of the road for any signs of movement.

A fantastic scenic loop is the Fundy Coastal Drive. From Moncton, drive south on Route 114 to visit Hopewell Rocks, then continue to Fundy National Park and the village of Alma. From Alma, you can loop back towards Moncton via Route 915 for different views or return on Route 114. This route provides a full day of stunning coastal scenery, charming towns, and varied landscapes with minimal backtracking.

A compact or mid-size SUV is often the ideal choice for a versatile Moncton-based trip. This type of vehicle provides ample comfort and stability for longer highway drives to places like PEI or Halifax. It also offers plenty of cargo space for beach gear or luggage and a slightly higher clearance, which can be reassuring on smaller rural roads leading to coastal viewpoints or lighthouses.

Before you drive away from the rental lot, it's important to do a quick check to ensure all your oversized gear and luggage fits properly. Make sure everything can be stowed safely without obstructing the driver's rear view or shifting during transit. Confirming that your assigned vehicle has adequate space for your specific needs will prevent any issues as you begin your journey.

Moncton has a solid and growing network of EV charging stations, with many located at shopping centers, hotels, and public parking areas. For day trips to more rural destinations like the Fundy coast or Kouchibouguac, planning is key. Use a reliable EV charging app to map out available stations along your route and at your destination, as they will be less frequent outside of urban centers.

Cell service is generally strong along major transportation corridors like the Trans-Canada Highway to PEI or Nova Scotia. However, service can become intermittent or completely unavailable in more remote areas, such as within Fundy National Park or along certain stretches of the Acadian coast. It is always a wise precaution to download offline maps of the region to your phone before you begin your day trips.

Magnetic Hill is very easy to access, located just off the Trans-Canada Highway at Exit 450 on the northwest side of Moncton. The area is well-signed, guiding you directly to the attractions. There is a large, central parking lot that serves the Magnetic Hill Zoo, Magic Mountain water park, and the Magnetic Hill phenomenon itself, making parking simple and convenient for visitors.

The drive from Moncton to Miramichi is straightforward and typically takes about 90 minutes. The most direct route is via NB-126 North, which is a two-lane highway that passes through scenic forested areas. The town of Rogersville, located roughly at the halfway point, serves as a convenient place to stop for a break, with gas stations and small restaurants available.

Moncton's central location makes it an ideal hub for exploring the Maritimes. A great strategy is to dedicate specific days to different regions. For example, spend one full day exploring the Fundy coast of New Brunswick. On another day, take the drive to Halifax and back, and use a third day for a trip to Prince Edward Island. This approach minimizes packing and unpacking and prevents overly long, tiring days behind the wheel.

When driving to a rural venue outside Moncton, especially at night, be prepared for different road conditions. Smaller country roads may be narrower, have less lighting, and might not have shoulders. It's crucial to rely on a GPS and allow plenty of extra travel time. If possible, doing a quick drive of the route during daylight hours can make the nighttime trip much more comfortable and stress-free.

While driving in and around Moncton, it's always best to adhere strictly to posted speed limits. Pay special attention to speed changes when transitioning from highways into city limits, particularly on major arteries like Mountain Road and Wheeler Boulevard. Speed enforcement is also common in construction zones on the Trans-Canada Highway, so be sure to slow down and drive with caution in these areas.

If a dashboard warning light comes on or you suspect a tire issue, the first and most important step is to find a safe place to pull over, completely off the road. Once you are safely stopped, consult the rental agreement paperwork, which contains the 24/7 roadside assistance contact number. They will provide instructions and dispatch help to your location, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

If you notice any damage that wasn't marked on your rental agreement shortly after you've left the airport, it's important to act quickly. Pull over to a safe location, like a nearby parking lot, and take clear, well-lit photos of the damage from multiple angles with your smartphone. Then, immediately call the National rental office at the airport to report your findings and receive instructions on how to proceed.

The commercial district on Dieppe Boulevard, located just a minute's drive from the airport exit, is the perfect place for a reset stop. This area has numerous options for grabbing coffee, snacks, or a quick meal. You can park easily, take a few minutes to organize your luggage, program your GPS for your next destination, and get settled before merging onto the main highways.

During any kind of severe weather, it's crucial to build a significant time buffer into your airport return plan. For heavy rain or snow, add at least 30 extra minutes to your usual travel time from your location. This accounts for much slower traffic speeds, reduced visibility that can make spotting signs more difficult, and the need to drive cautiously as you navigate the rental return area.