Explore Ontario with a car rental from Thunder Bay Airport
Located just six kilometers west of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Thunder Bay International Airport welcomes around 700,000 passengers every year. With Airport Rentals, you can compare and book rental cars at Thunder Bay Airport quickly and securely. Simply enter your travel details into our search and sit back as we find affordable car rental deals from a wide range of car hire companies.
Once you’ve found the ideal vehicle, book instantly and securely online without the hassle of hidden booking fees. A customer service team is ready to take your call should you have any questions about the process of renting a car at Thunder Bay Airport.
Navigating Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) car rentals
Car rental companies at the airport
The Thunder Bay Airport (YQT) terminal is split into two floors. To find the car rental counters, head to baggage claim in the arrivals area. These rental companies are located inside the airport terminal building:
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Enterprise
National
Collecting your rental car
Once you have checked in at the car rental counter and gotten the keys, your hire car will be conveniently parked outside the terminal. Make sure to document the condition of the car before you leave by taking photos of any visible dents or scratches.
If the car rental counter is closed, call the phone number you have been provided in your rental agreement for assistance.
Returning your rental car to Thunder Bay Airport
When you are ready to return your vehicle to the airport, simply follow the sings to the rental car facility. This will either be the same parking area you picked it up from or nearby. You can then return your car keys to the counter inside the terminal.
If you are returning your vehicle after hours, you can place your completed contract and keys in the drop box in the car park. Not all rental companies allow after hours returns, so make sure you check with your chosen provider before you leave the airport.
Driving your rental car in Thunder Bay
Driving from Thunder Bay International Airport to the city
After picking up your rental car, drive to the city in less than 15 minutes. For the quickest route, turn left onto Highway 61 N from Princess Street and continue on until taking a right onto Arthur Street which will bring you to downtown Thunder Bay near the Kaministiquia River.
Traffic
Thunder Bay is a relatively small city with a population of just under 150,000. City traffic is minimal, with congestion the result mainly of winter conditions or roadworks. Watch out, however - the city’s position in the midst of Canadian wilderness can make wildlife in the area (moose, deer, etc.) a danger on the roads.
Parking at the airport and in the city
If you need to park at the airport, both short and long-term options are available. The short-term lot charges $3 per hour with a daily maximum of $25.49. The long-term lot is paid per day at $12.75 or $89.25 for the week. Both garages are within a short walk to the front of the terminal.
When you head to the city in your hire car, you can choose from on-street parking, surfaced lots and garages.
Enforced metered parking is from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and costs $.25 per 15 minutes or $1 per hour.
Some areas have a two hour limit.
If you’re visiting from any time in November through April, take note of winter restrictions.
Crossing the US border in your rental car
In most cases, you will be able to drive your rental car across the Canada/US border. It is a good idea to thoroughly read your rental agreement to understand if there are any restrictions around this. You should also understand any implications this may have on your car rental protection. Sometimes, a renter's existing coverage may be sufficient, however we always recommend have coverage in place to avoid any unesseccary costs at the end of your trip.
Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) car rental FAQs
Which vehicle rental companies are available on-site at Thunder Bay International Airport?
Major car rental companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National have counters at Thunder Bay Intl Airport.
Can I book a Thunder Bay airport car rental in advance?
Yes, it's recommended to book your car rental in advance online to secure the best rates and ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
What types of cars are available for rent?
Most car rental companies offer a variety of vehicles including economy cars, sedans, SUVs, and sometimes specialty vehicles like minivans or trucks.
Is there a minimum age requirement for renting a car?
Typically, the minimum age to book and drive rental cars in Canada is 21 years old, but it can vary by the rental cars Thunder Bay Airport company, and drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
What documents do I need to rent a car?
Generally you will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the driver's name for payment and security deposit, and most of the time it is helpful to always bring an additional form of identification like a passport or ID card. If your home country driver's license is not in English, you may be required to present an International Driver's Permit.
Can I drop off the rental car at a different location?
Some rental companies offer one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up the car at Thunder Bay Airport and drop it off at a different location for an additional fee.
Can I return the car after hours?
Many companies offering car rentals at Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) allow after-hours drop-off options. Be sure to inquire about the procedure and any additional fees associated with returning the car outside of regular business hours.
A quick guide to Thunder Bay
Find accommodation in Thunder Bay
Stay five minutes away from Thunder Bay Airport at one of the following.
Travelling during Canada Day? Check out which cities are throwing the biggest celebration.
People and land of Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay’s 100,000+ residents originate from mostly Canada, Great Britain and France. Kaministiquia River is fed through the city and flows out to great Lake Superior. The city is surrounded by forests with many near national parks and beaches.
Thunder Bay is the largest city on Lake Superior and as the world’s largest freshwater lake, a favourite tourist spot all year long. You can hang at the beach, partake in any number of watersports and camp at one of many local campsites during the summer. In the winter, you can go cross-country skiing, skating or ice fishing. Be sure to head up Mt. McKay for a scenic view of Thunder Bay and drive your rental car along the lake to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, great for hiking, cycling and canoeing.
Thunder Bay’s best attractions
The city’s tagline boasts that it’s ‘Superior by Nature’. See why when you explore Thunder Bay in a hired car.
