National Car Hire
Moncton

The National Car Rental desk is conveniently located inside the main terminal building at Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport. After collecting your bags from the baggage reclaim carousel, look for the prominent "Rental Cars" signage. The desks for all hire companies are grouped together in a dedicated area, making it a short and straightforward walk to the National desk to begin the pickup.

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

When travelling with family and extra luggage, it's sensible 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. This gives you unhurried time to manage luggage trolleys, settle the children and review your hire agreement without feeling rushed. That small time investment helps ensure a calm and organised start to your Moncton trip.

Yes, this is a common and efficient way to coordinate a group arrival. The primary driver named on the hire reservation can go to the National desk to complete the paperwork and collect the vehicle. Once they have the car, they can easily drive round to the passenger arrivals curb at the front of the terminal. This lets the rest of the party wait comfortably with their luggage until their ride is ready.

The drive from YQM to downtown Moncton is quite direct and well signposted, making it easy for first-time visitors. From the airport take Aviation Avenue to join Wheeler Boulevard (NB-15 West). Continue on Wheeler Boulevard for several kilometres and then take the exit for Main Street (Route 106). This route avoids most complex urban junctions and leads you straight into the downtown hotel area.

The drive from Moncton to Hopewell Rocks Park is scenic and straightforward, about 45 minutes mainly on Route 114. The key part of planning is to check the tide schedule online before you set off. To experience walking on the seabed, aim to arrive roughly an hour before the official low tide time. That gives you the maximum window to explore the famous flowerpot rocks and the 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 a substantial part of the day for exploration. You can drive the main parkway, stop at several stunning coastal lookouts and enjoy accessible short walks like the Dickson Falls trail. It's a great way to see 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 motorway that bypasses smaller towns and local traffic for most of the journey. The route is well signed and typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours, offering a comfortable and efficient link between New Brunswick's two largest cities.

Plan for the drive from Moncton to Halifax to take roughly three hours without stops. During the busy summer season it's sensible to allow 3.5 to 4 hours for the trip. That extra time accounts for possible traffic delays as you approach Halifax and allows for a comfortable break in the border town of Amherst or at Masstown Market for fuel and refreshments.

Reaching the well-known beaches in Shediac is a quick and easy drive from Moncton, typically under 30 minutes. Take NB-15 East directly to the Shediac area. For Parlee Beach Provincial Park, the most popular spot, there are large, clearly signed paid car parks located right at the main entrance. These provide convenient access to the beach, boardwalk and facilities.

Access to the Bouctouche Dunes at the Irving Eco-Centre is very straightforward. The route is well signposted from the main highway (NB-11) and local roads, leading you directly to the site. A large free car park is located right at the interpretation centre. From there it's only a short walk 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, 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 car park provides easy access to the long scenic boardwalk and the sandy beach. The park visitor centre is also a good starting point for information and short trails.

The drive to Cape Enrage is famed for its dramatic Fundy coastal scenery. While the main highways are wide and well maintained, the final section on Cape Enrage Road is a more rural, two-lane road. It can feel narrow and winding in places, but it is paved and generally in good condition. Drivers should slow down, be mindful of oncoming traffic and enjoy the spectacular views.

To minimise wait times at the Confederation Bridge, particularly on summer weekends or bank holidays, timing is key. Try to plan your crossing earlier in the morning, ideally before 10am, or later in the afternoon after 4pm. These times are usually outside the peak rush of travellers. Checking the bridge's official website for traffic cameras and updates before you leave Moncton is also a sensible precaution.

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 7:30–9:00am and 4:00–5:30pm, these roads can be congested. Using a sat-nav app with live traffic updates can help you navigate around the worst spots and find the smoothest route into the city centre.

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

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

First-time visitors should be aware of the grid of one-way streets in the downtown core, so having your sat-nav active is helpful. The traffic circle on Wheeler Boulevard can also be tricky if you're not used to them; the key is to give way to traffic already inside and know your exit in advance. Finally, pay attention to merge lanes when joining 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 return lanes and completing the vehicle drop-off without rushing.

There's no need to panic if you miss the turn for hire 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 heading 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 proceed first to the departures curb at the front of the terminal. Here you can unload all passengers and their luggage, allowing them to head inside to check in. After they're safely on their way, the driver can then proceed alone to the nearby hire 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 petrol 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 up the tank before you turn onto Aviation Avenue towards the terminal is a simple, stress-free way to complete your hire 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 gritting. 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 autumn 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 in the early morning, even if daytime temperatures are mild. Always drive at a speed appropriate for conditions.

When driving on rural roads outside Moncton at dawn or dusk, it's important to be vigilant for wildlife. Deer and moose are most active at these times and can unexpectedly cross the road. To reduce risk, lower your speed, use your high beams when appropriate and actively scan ditches and verges for any sign 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 comfort and stability for longer motorway drives to places like PEI or Halifax. It also offers plenty of cargo space for beach gear or luggage and a slightly higher ride height, 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 nothing obstructs the driver's rear view or can shift 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 centres, hotels and public car parks. For day trips to more rural destinations like the Fundy coast or Kouchibouguac, planning is key. Use a reliable EV charging app to map available stations along your route and at your destination, as they will be less frequent outside urban centres.

Mobile signal is generally strong along major transport corridors like the Trans-Canada Highway to PEI or Nova Scotia. However, service can become intermittent or absent in more remote areas, such as within Fundy National Park or along certain stretches of the Acadian coast. It is always wise 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 signposted, guiding you directly to the attractions. There is a large central car park 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, a two-lane road that passes through scenic forested areas. The town of Rogersville, roughly at the halfway point, serves as a convenient place to stop for a break, with petrol stations and small restaurants available.

Moncton's central location makes it an ideal hub for exploring the Maritimes. A good strategy is to dedicate specific days to different regions. For example, spend one full day exploring the Fundy coast of New Brunswick, another day driving to Halifax and back, and use a third day for a trip to Prince Edward Island. This approach minimises 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 verges. It's crucial to rely on a sat-nav and allow plenty of extra travel time. If possible, doing a quick daytime drive of the route can make the night-time trip much more comfortable.

When driving in and around Moncton, it's always best to adhere strictly to posted speed limits. Pay particular attention to speed changes when transitioning from motorways into urban limits, especially on main arteries like Mountain Road and Wheeler Boulevard. Speed enforcement is also common in roadworks on the Trans-Canada Highway, so be sure to slow down and drive with caution in those areas.

If a dashboard warning light comes on or you suspect a tyre 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 hire 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 hire agreement shortly after you've left the airport, act quickly. Pull over to a safe location, such as a nearby car park, and take clear, well-lit photos of the damage from multiple angles with your phone. Then call the National hire office at the airport to report your findings and receive instructions on how to proceed.

The commercial area on Dieppe Boulevard, just a minute's drive from the airport exit, is the perfect place for a reset stop. This area has numerous options for coffee, snacks and a quick meal. You can park easily, take a few minutes to organise your luggage, programme your sat-nav for your next destination and get settled before merging onto the main roads.

During any severe weather it's important 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 hire car return area.