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About renting a van in Gander

Vans at Gander International Airport (YQX) are available from Avis and Enterprise, both confirmed to carry minivans such as the Chrysler Pacifica, though availability is limited enough that booking several weeks ahead is strongly recommended. All rental counters sit in the baggage claim area of the main terminal — no shuttle required — and the process from landing to driving away typically runs 20 to 45 minutes. Counter hours are narrower than most travelers expect: Enterprise, for example, operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on weekends only from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, so a late-arriving flight can mean no staffed counter. After-hours drop-off is available via a secure key box, but the vehicle remains your responsibility until staff inspect it the next business day. Newfoundland has no toll roads, so there are no toll packages to budget for. Fuel, however, runs around CAD 2.07 per litre for regular unleaded — plan to refuel before returning, as the rental company's fuel service charge is substantially higher than pump price. Budget for a deposit hold of roughly CAD 300–500 on a credit card in the primary driver's name; debit cards are not accepted. If your license uses a non-Latin script, an International Driving Permit is required alongside the original license. Winter tires are not mandatory but are advisable between November and April.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my van rental in Gander through Hola Car Rentals include that other companies don't offer?

Hola Car Rentals is a premium partner of the leading car rental companies in Gander, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes extra benefits that no other company can match, even when renting a van:

  • Full vehicle coverage with no deductible (applies only for certain rates and itineraries)
  • Toll cashback: get back up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls charged during your rental
  • Premium travel medical assistance for up to 5 passengers in case of emergency, covering up to CAD 200,000 (pre-existing conditions excluded)
  • No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification

All at no additional cost, ensuring a unique van rental experience with complete protection and peace of mind during your trip in Gander.

Will I face unexpected charges when I rent a van in Gander through Hola Car Rentals?

No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your van booking in Gander are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.

On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee, whether you are renting a van or any other vehicle class. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Gander charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the rental partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.

The only costs outside this guarantee are:

  • Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
  • Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where do I pick up my van rental at Gander Airport?

Your van rental counter in Gander is located inside the main terminal at Gander International Airport (YQX). Enterprise Rent-A-Car is at 211 Airport Blvd and has its counter in the baggage claim area of the terminal. After completing paperwork at the counter, you walk directly to your van, no shuttle is needed.

Avis and Budget operate from 1000 James Blvd (airport), and Hertz is at 460 James Blvd, both in the airport area. Avis Preferred members can proceed directly to the counter to collect documents and keys for their van.

If you booked a van at the Budget Downtown location, that counter is at 15 Roe Ave in Gander and is not accessible from the terminal on foot, you will need to travel there independently after arriving.

Allow roughly 20 to 45 minutes from landing to driving away, assuming standard baggage and counter processing times.

What are the counter hours for van rental locations in Gander?

Van rental counter hours in Gander are limited, so plan your arrival accordingly. Here is a summary by location:

  • Enterprise (211 Airport Blvd): Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 2 PM. After-hours van returns are available, but after-hours pickups are not.
  • Avis Airport (1000 James Blvd): Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM.
  • Budget Airport (1000 James Blvd): Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM.
  • Budget Downtown (15 Roe Ave): Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM, Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM.

If your flight into Gander arrives outside these windows, your van rental booking will generally be held for up to 24 hours from the original pickup time. For delays beyond 24 hours, contact support as soon as possible to avoid forfeiting your reservation.

Are there toll roads to worry about when driving a van in Gander?

No, there are no toll roads anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador, including in and around Gander. Driving your van on the Trans-Canada Highway or any other provincial route costs nothing in tolls.

Because the province has no toll infrastructure, you will not encounter toll booths, cashless gantries, electronic transponders, or any toll-related charges during your van rental in Gander. Rental company toll programs such as e-Toll or TollPass are designed for regions where tolls exist and are simply not relevant here.

There are also no congestion charges or emissions zone fees in Gander or anywhere else in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If your trip takes you to other parts of Canada where tolls do apply, keep your receipts, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which lets you claim up to 5% of your total booking value back for tolls paid during your van rental.

Can I get a Tolls Cashback refund on my van rental from Gander if I drive to other provinces?

Yes, if your van rental from Gander takes you into other parts of Canada where toll roads exist, you can claim Tolls Cashback for any tolls you pay during the rental period.

Newfoundland and Labrador itself has no toll roads, so there are no local toll costs for driving your van around Gander. However, if your itinerary extends to provinces with tolled routes, the cashback benefit applies.

To claim, email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your van with the following:

  • Your booking confirmation
  • A copy of the rental agreement signed at the Gander counter
  • A receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid

The refund covers the lesser of the total tolls paid or up to 5% of your total booking value, and is returned to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.

What documents do I need to pick up a van rental in Gander?

To collect your van rental in Gander, bring the following physical documents, digital copies are not accepted at the counter:

  • Your original, unexpired driver's license in the main driver's name
  • A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card (debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit)
  • Your passport or valid government photo ID
  • Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
  • Round-trip flight tickets or proof of onward travel

If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory alongside your original license. For licenses in English or a Latin alphabet, an IDP is recommended but not strictly required.

Note that Enterprise at Gander Airport will not accept learner's permits, photocopied licenses, or breathalyzer-restricted licenses. All documents must be physical originals presented at the counter.

What credit card do I need for the security deposit on a van rental in Gander?

You must present a physical, major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card at the Gander counter when picking up your van. The card must be in the main driver's name and have sufficient available credit to cover the security hold.

For van rentals in Canada, the typical security hold is approximately CAUS$ 300 to CAUS$ 500, though some Gander locations may authorize up to CAUS$ 750. The hold is a temporary authorization, not a charge, and is released after you return the van, your bank controls how quickly it clears, which can take up to 15 business days.

  • Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit
  • Prepaid or virtual cards are not accepted
  • The card must be physically present, digital wallets alone are not sufficient
  • Avis at Gander Airport also accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club International, and China Union Pay as credit identification

Bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined. Even if you prepaid your van rental online, a physical credit card is still required at pickup.

Can someone under 25 rent a van in Gander?

Yes, drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent a van in Gander, but restrictions and surcharges apply. Avis at Gander Airport will rent to drivers in this age group with a valid driver's license and major credit card, but an underage surcharge is automatically added to the rental.

Importantly, certain vehicle categories are not available to renters under 25 at Avis. Minivans, 12-passenger vans, luxury cars, full-size SUVs, premium SUVs, and specialty vehicles are excluded for this age group. This means the specific van category you want may not be available if you are under 25, so confirm availability when booking.

For other partner brands at Gander, similar young-driver policies apply. The surcharge amount varies by brand and is paid at the counter. There is no way to waive this fee, it is applied automatically based on the driver's age at pickup.

All drivers, regardless of age, must present a valid original driver's license and a major credit card in their own name at the Gander counter.

What driving rules in Newfoundland should I know before renting a van in Gander?

Driving a van in Gander and across Newfoundland and Labrador comes with several rules that may differ from what you are used to at home.

  • Graduated licensing restrictions: Drivers holding a Level 1 (novice) license in Newfoundland are banned from highways where the speed limit exceeds 80 km/h. The Trans-Canada Highway near Gander has higher speed limits, so novice-licensed drivers cannot legally use it in their van rental.
  • Zero blood alcohol tolerance applies to all drivers in the province, not just novice drivers.
  • Winter tires: From 2026, three-peak mountain snowflake tires are required in designated winter zones. Gander experiences significant snowfall, so confirm your van is equipped with compliant tires if renting in winter months.
  • Community safety zones: Speed limits of 30 km/h now apply near seniors' facilities and recreation centers under 2026 provincial updates.
  • Speed enforcement in Newfoundland focuses on roadside checks and demerit points rather than fixed speed cameras common in urban centers elsewhere.

Drive-on-the-right rules apply throughout Canada, the same as in the United States.

What travel assistance is included with a van rental booked through Gander?

Most bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be valuable if something goes wrong during your van rental in Gander or on the road in Newfoundland.

Core benefits typically include:

  • Travel and medical insurance coverage for up to 5 passengers
  • Legal assistance in the event of a road accident
  • Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
  • Flight cancellation insurance

This coverage is particularly relevant for van rentals in Gander given the remote stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway and limited services in rural Newfoundland. If a medical emergency or accident occurs far from town, having legal and medical assistance on call can make a significant difference.

To reach assistance 24 hours a day, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your booking confirmation number ready.

Important: this benefit applies only to non-North American customers. Canadian and US residents do not qualify for this coverage.

What is the fuel policy for a van rental in Gander?

Van rentals in Gander follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the van with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.

At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and gauge before leaving the Gander counter.

Before returning your van, refuel within approximately 15 km of the return location so the tank does not drop below full during the drive back. Keep your fuel receipt as proof in case of any dispute.

  • If you return the van below the recorded starting level, the rental partner will charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refueling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a service fee.
  • For after-hours returns at Gander Airport, leave the fuel receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge on your phone.

Ask the agent at the Gander counter about the nearest fuel station to the return location when you pick up your van.

Can I add an extra driver to my van rental in Gander?

Yes, you can add an additional driver to your van rental in Gander, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter.

Check your booking confirmation for the line "Additional driver free of charge" before arriving at the Gander counter. If it is not included, the fees per brand are:

  • Avis and Budget: CA equivalent of US$13 per rental day, capped at US$65
  • Hertz: CA equivalent of US$13.50 per rental day, capped at US$189
  • Alamo, National, Enterprise: CA equivalent of US$15 per day with no stated cap

The additional driver must be present at the Gander counter at pickup with their own valid original driver's license. Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement. Anyone who drives the van without being listed on the agreement is not covered by the rental protections.

For Avis and Budget at Gander, additional drivers must be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup.

Is there a drop-off fee if I return my van rental to a different city from Gander?

A one-way drop-off fee may apply if you pick up your van in Gander and return it to a different city or location. The fee varies depending on the destination, the rental partner, the vehicle class, and the season.

During the booking process, any applicable drop-off fee for your van rental route will appear on the rate details page under the "To pay at destination" section. Review this before confirming your reservation, as the fee cannot be prepaid and is collected at the Gander counter or the return location.

  • Same-city returns (for example, Gander Airport to Gander Downtown) often carry no drop-off fee
  • Returns to other cities in Newfoundland or other provinces typically do carry a fee
  • Cross-border or remote one-way routes may not be permitted or may carry higher fees

If you need to change your return location after booking, be aware that this will reprice your van rental and may add or increase the drop-off fee. Confirm any changes with the rental partner before making them.

What insurance options should I consider for a van rental in Gander?

When renting a van in Gander, two main types of coverage are worth understanding before you arrive at the counter.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability if the van is damaged or stolen. A deductible may still apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. CDW and LDW do not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.

Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the van. In Canada, provincial law requires every vehicle to carry third-party liability, and this statutory minimum is included by default when you rent in Canada. You can purchase higher supplemental limits at the Gander counter if you want additional protection.

  • CDW/LDW covers the van itself, not third parties
  • LIS/ALI/SLI covers third parties, not the van
  • Neither covers your personal belongings or your own injuries, those require separate add-ons

Review your booking confirmation before arriving at the Gander counter to confirm which coverages are already included in your van rental rate.

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