Thunder Bay car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Thunder Bay

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M

Thunder Bay car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Thunder Bay 
RickMay 2024
Important to have some sort of vehicle when visiting Thunder Bay because city is spread out.
Verified travelerJul 2023
Careful crossing divided highway, be prepared to stop

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Thunder Bay

  • Booking car hire in Thunder Bay will make it much easier to explore the stunning nature around the city. You can even take multi-day road trips to major cities like Montreal or Toronto. Along the way, you could stop at Pukaskwa National Park (around 4 h from Thunder Bay). There are also a number of shorter trips like Kakabeka Falls (roughly 30 minutes from Thunder Bay), and Pigeon River Provincial Park (about 50 minutes from Thunder Bay). Thunder Bay is also on the Trans-Canada Highway making it easy to travel across the country.
  • At Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT), you'll find several companies offering car hire in Thunder Bay. You'll usually find the offices in the Baggage Claim area and most vehicles are located just outside here, so you can be on your way in no time. Make sure you have all your documentation ready, including your driving licence, passport and booking information. Thunder Bay International Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive from the centre of Thunder Bay.
  • If you're taking longer trips on rural roads and highways outside of Thunder Bay, you'll want to keep an eye out for animals. This is particularly true during dusk and dawn. Moose are one of the most important animals to be aware of. If you spot a moose up ahead, slow down and come to a stop if necessary, giving it plenty of space to get across the road. They're most active from April to November. Otherwise, you'll generally find driving in Thunder Bay similar to driving in the UK, with the notable exception that you'll need to drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • If you book car hire in Thunder Bay during the winter months, be prepared for snow. Winter tyres are mandatory in Canada from December 1st to March 15th, and your Thunder Bay car hire company will be able to provide winter tyres for your vehicle. Ontario 511 usually has very up-to-date information about road conditions, so it's a good idea to check your planned route on their app or website before leaving. Additionally, although it may be warm in the car, make sure you have warm clothes including gloves and a beanie easily accessible just in case.
  • 25% of our users found a car hire in Thunder Bay for £42 or less
  • Book your car hire in Thunder Bay at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact hire cars in Thunder Bay are around 27% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about car hire in Thunder Bay

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in Thunder Bay?

    On average a car hire in Thunder Bay costs £51 per day.

  • How much is the price of fuel in Thunder Bay?

    The average price of fuel in Thunder Bay is £3.75 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £45 and £60, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Thunder Bay?

    Compact (Hyundai Venue or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Thunder Bay.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Thunder Bay airport (YQT)?

    The only car hire company onsite at Thunder Bay airport is Avis.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at Thunder Bay airport (YQT)?

    The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Thunder Bay airport to off-airport locations is Avis.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Thunder Bay?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Thunder Bay?

    A Compact car hire in Thunder Bay costs £34 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Thunder Bay?

    An Intermediate car hire in Thunder Bay costs £52 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Thunder Bay?

    An Economy car hire in Thunder Bay costs £28 per day, on average.

  • How much does a car hire in Thunder Bay cost for a week?

    On average a car hire in Thunder Bay costs £355 per week (£51 per day).

  • How much does a car hire in Thunder Bay cost for a month?

    On average a car hire in Thunder Bay costs £1,520 per month (£51 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Thunder Bay?

    Most car hire providers in Thunder Bay offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Thunder Bay, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Thunder Bay?

    The car you choose for your trip to Thunder Bay will mostly depend on how you plan to use it. Standard vehicles will suit most travellers and economy or compact cars can be a great way to save money, if you don't have too much luggage. A 4x4 may be useful if you plan on driving in alpine areas, as they can also be helpful for general driving in particularly snowy conditions.

  • What's the speed limit in Thunder Bay?

    While driving in built-up areas of Thunder Bay, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h (roughly 30 mph). School zones are often 40 km/h (about 25 mph). When you're on motorways, the limit is generally either 100 km/h (around 62 mph) or 110 km/h (approximately 68 mph). On other roads outside the city, you can usually drive up to 80 km/h (roughly 50 mph). Bear in mind that if you drive into other Canadian provinces, the maximum speed limits may change.

  • Where are the best places to park in Thunder Bay?

    Most metered parking in Thunder Bay costs around 1.50 CAD (roughly 0.90 GBP) per hour. If you want to park at the Waterfront or Victoriaville multi-storey car parks, you'll pay about 2.50 CAD (approximately 1.45 GBP) for the first two hours, and around 1.25 CAD (roughly 0.70 GBP) for every hour after that. It can be handy to head to the Victoriaville Civic Centre at the start of your trip and pick up a meter card, so you don't need to carry change around for the meters.

See more FAQs

Thunder Bay car hire reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.4

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.8

Value for money

8.3

3 locations in Thunder Bay

Show locations

Locations in Thunder Bay

100 Princess St.

+1 807 473 5222

Monday20:45 - 23:5908:00 - 19:00
Tuesday08:00 - 19:0020:45 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 19:0020:45 - 23:59
Thursday20:45 - 23:5900:00 - 01:0008:00 - 19:00
Friday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 19:0020:45 - 23:59
Saturday09:00 - 17:0000:00 - 01:00
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

1100 Arthur St. W

+1 807 622 1222

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:00

727 Memorial Ave.

+1 807 344 2800

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Compact

KAYAK
It’s great! I love it!

10.0 Wonderful

Rick, May 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Good value, good price, efficient pickup/drop-off

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Economy

KAYAK
I was happy with everything so far

10.0 Wonderful

Cheryl, Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very friendly - transaction was quick and painless!

1 out of 6

Budget

8.7

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

8.5

2 locations in Thunder Bay

Show locations

Locations in Thunder Bay

100 Princess Street

+1 807 473 5040

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

230 Waterloo Street South

+1 807 622 3366

Monday08:00 - 19:00
Tuesday08:00 - 19:00
Wednesday08:00 - 19:00
Thursday08:00 - 19:00
Friday08:00 - 19:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Very friendly ask us how our day was going

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Communication of terms

1 out of 3

Avis

8.6

Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.6

One location in Thunder Bay

Show locations

Locations in Thunder Bay

100 Princess Street

+1 807 473 5040

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Very good. Seamless process and excellent vehicle.

1 out of 1

National

8.4

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.5

2 locations in Thunder Bay

Show locations

Locations in Thunder Bay

450 Sifton Ave

+1 807 577 5783

Monday08:00 - 19:00
Tuesday08:00 - 19:00
Wednesday08:00 - 19:00
Thursday08:00 - 19:00
Friday08:00 - 19:00
Saturday08:00 - 19:00
Sunday08:00 - 19:00

Thunder Bay Airport

+1 807 577 5783

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Excellent!

1 out of 4

Driving Force

Cleanliness

2.0

Comfort

2.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

2.0

3 locations in Thunder Bay

Show locations

Locations in Thunder Bay

100 Princess Street

+1 807 789 4522

Opening times not available

1170b Waterford Street

+1 807 789 4522

Opening times not available

1475 W Walsh Street

+1 807 789 4522

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Sept 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Issue was with Kayak and Driving Force. Kayak confirmed we had a Honda civic with unlimited milage. Driving Force does not even carry civics in Thunder Bay and although there was on truck available that day, the manager wanted to charge me $120. a day with a 100 km limit for the day. The original confirmed civic would have cost $61. I believe that as a customer with a confirmed reservation, the truck should have been rented to me for the same conditions as the civic - $61 with unlimited milage. As a result I was without a vehicle for the entire business trip. Thanks Kayak and thanks Driving Force....

1 out of 1

Alamo

8.5

Very Good

One location in Thunder Bay

Show locations

Locations in Thunder Bay

100 Princess St

+1 807 344 3331

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

7.2

Good

3 locations in Thunder Bay

Locations in Thunder Bay

100 Princess Street

+1 807 473 8111

Monday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 19:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 19:00
Wednesday08:00 - 19:0000:00 - 01:00
Thursday08:00 - 19:0000:00 - 01:00
Friday00:00 - 01:0008:00 - 19:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0010:00 - 23:59
Sunday10:00 - 23:59

1142 Alloy Drive

Monday08:00 - 19:00
Tuesday08:00 - 19:00
Wednesday08:00 - 19:00
Thursday08:00 - 19:00
Friday08:00 - 19:00

951 Memorial Ave

+1 807 475 3334

Monday08:00 - 19:00
Tuesday08:00 - 19:00
Wednesday08:00 - 19:00
Thursday08:00 - 19:00
Friday08:00 - 19:00

Filters

No reviews available

73 travellers who hired a car in Thunder Bay gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.7

Car hire locations in or near Thunder Bay

Good to know

Most popular agency

Avis

Most popular car type

Compact

Average price

£51/day

Good deal

£42/day

When to book a car hire in Thunder Bay

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Car hire insurance in Thunder Bay

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some Thunder Bay car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Thunder Bay.

Deductible

Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Thunder Bay car hire.

Everything you need to know for your car hire in Thunder Bay

Car rental at airports serving Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay car hire information

Pick-up locationThunder Bay
Car types
Hire locations16
Airport locations8

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