How much does it cost to hire a car in Nanaimo?

On average a car hire in Nanaimo costs $139 per day. Search car hire on KAYAK

Which car hire agencies are at Vancouver Intl airport (YVR)?

Car hire companies onsite at Vancouver Intl airport include Europcar, NU Car and Economy Rent a Car. Search car hire on KAYAK

Which car hire companies will pick you up at Vancouver Intl airport (YVR)?

Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Vancouver Intl airport to off-airport locations include Avis, Routes Car & Truck Rentals, National, Alamo, Thrifty, Dollar and Budget. Search car hire on KAYAK

How can I find car hires near me in Nanaimo?

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

How much does a Medium car hire cost in Nanaimo?

A Medium car hire in Nanaimo costs $23 per day, on average. Search car hire on KAYAK

How much does a Small car hire cost in Nanaimo?

A Small car hire in Nanaimo costs $103 per day, on average. Search car hire on KAYAK

What is the most popular car hire location in Nanaimo?

In Nanaimo, cars are most frequently hired at Budget 90 Front Street (1 km from city centre ). Search car hire on KAYAK

What type of car is recommended for driving in Nanaimo?

Nanaimo is nestled on Vancouver Island, which takes around 6 hours to drive across length-wise. Since it’s a relatively small island with safe, easy-to-traverse roads, it’s best to opt for compact car hire in Nanaimo. This will make it easy to park when you’re exploring Nanaimo’s beautiful downtown area. It’ll also give you optimal fuel efficiency if you decide to take a road trip to Port Hardy, Campbell River, or any of the island’s other natural treasures. The only reason to upgrade to a mid-size vehicle, SUV, or minivan would be if you’re travelling in a large group or bringing a lot of gear. Search car hire on KAYAK

What’s the speed limit in Nanaimo?

In Nanaimo and other Vancouver Island cities like Victoria, you’ll find the speed limit is 50 km/h unless otherwise signed. However, over the last few years, Nanaimo has dropped the speed limit in many residential and commercial streets to 40 km/h and 30 km/h. So, it is crucial to keep an eye out for speed signs and err on the side of caution. Take note that Front Street, Museum Way, the Esplanade, and other downtown streets all have a 30 km/h speed limit. Search car hire on KAYAK

Where are the best places to park in Nanaimo?

The city of Nanaimo features metered, unmetered, and disabled parking spots. If you park in a metered spot Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, you can expect to pay around 1.25 CAD an hour (approx 1.40 AUD). Outside of these hours and on weekends, parking is free. Take note, however, that if you park in a 2 hr parking space, that time limit is enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’re looking for cheaper parking options, consider one of the City of Nanaimo Downtown Parkades. In these parking structures, you’ll pay around 0.75 CAD for the first 2 hrs (approx 0.85 AUD). Search car hire on KAYAK

Car Hire in Nanaimo - Search for car rentals on KAYAK

Driver's age: 25-65

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Car Rental Deals

These are the best prices for 18-25 Mar.

Mitsubishi Mirage

or similar Small

4-5

$47/day

View Deal

Nissan Versa

or similar Small

4-5

$47/day

View Deal

Toyota Corolla

or similar Medium

2/4

$68/day

View Deal

Chevrolet Malibu

or similar Large

4-5

$74/day

View Deal

RAM Pickup

or similar Pickup truck

2/4

$90/day

View Deal

Class Special Car

or similar Category

2/4

$68/day

View Deal

Ford Escape

or similar SUV

4-5

$78/day

View Deal

Class Compact SUV

or similar SUV

4-5

$80/day

View Deal

Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Booking Insights

Most popular agency	Most popular car type	Average price	Good deal
Turo	Medium	$139/day	$133/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Nanaimo car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Nanaimo with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Nanaimo?

You should book your car hire in Nanaimo around 8 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Nanaimo?

Hires in the Medium category (Toyota 4Runner or similar) are the most popular option in Nanaimo, costing $60/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $23/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Nanaimo?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Nanaimo is January at an average cost of $56/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Nanaimo when prices are $103/day on average, which tends to be 108% above the yearly average hire price for Nanaimo.

Which rental car company has the most locations in in in?

Budget operates 4 locations in Nanaimo, more than any other car hire company.

Find deals

RobertFeb 2026

Remember to price and book ferry if applicable

Verified travelerOct 2024

No Uber on the island. Ask for a pick up or car delivery if you are coming with the ferry.

Verified travelerOct 2023

Drive from Nanaimo to Tofino is a winding route as you get closer to Tofino, however it was fine in a SUV type vehicle.

MarkJuly 2023

Use small independent rental company, eg. PractiCar.

Since it’s an island-bound city, booking your car hire in Nanaimo is the best way to ensure you have a hassle-free trip. This way, you can travel via a passenger plane, helicopter, or even a seaplane. Once you’ve picked up your rental car in Nanaimo, you’ll have the freedom to explore the city fully without having to fit your schedule around public transport times. You can also venture out to Victoria, the Pacific Marine Circle Route, and all the beautiful beaches, fishing villages, and mountains that surround Nanaimo.
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a single-terminal facility, and you will find the Nanaimo car hire kiosks conveniently located in the arrivals hall, just outside of customs. Since YCD is a small but busy airport, it’s advisable to book your rental vehicle in advance. You can pre-book your car hire in Nanaimo through KAYAK, and this is the best way to ensure you get the vehicle type and transmission you need for your trip.
You’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road in Nanaimo, so you’ll need to travel counterclockwise around roundabouts. This means you’ll also need to yield to any traffic to your left that’s already in the roundabout. At traffic lights in Nanaimo and all throughout British Columbia, pedestrians often get a green light at the same time as turning vehicles, so always check and give way to any pedestrians before proceeding.
Though Nanaimo is nestled on Vancouver Island, which locals jokingly refer to as “the tropics of Canada,” you can still expect some snow and ice on the roads in winter, particularly in December and January. This can make driving more difficult, particularly if you brake suddenly or while turning your vehicle. So, it’s crucial to drive with caution, be gentle with the brakes, and slow down for turns well in advance.
25% of our users found a car hire in Nanaimo for $133 or less
Medium hire cars in Nanaimo are around 78% cheaper than other car types, on average

How much does it cost to hire a car in Nanaimo?
On average a car hire in Nanaimo costs $139 per day.
Which car hire agencies are at Vancouver Intl airport (YVR)?
Car hire companies onsite at Vancouver Intl airport include Europcar, NU Car and Economy Rent a Car.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Vancouver Intl airport (YVR)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Vancouver Intl airport to off-airport locations include Avis, Routes Car & Truck Rentals, National, Alamo, Thrifty, Dollar and Budget.
How can I find car hires near me in Nanaimo?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Medium car hire cost in Nanaimo?
A Medium car hire in Nanaimo costs $23 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car hire cost in Nanaimo?
A Small car hire in Nanaimo costs $103 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Nanaimo?
In Nanaimo, cars are most frequently hired at Budget 90 Front Street (1 km from city centre ).
What type of car is recommended for driving in Nanaimo?
Nanaimo is nestled on Vancouver Island, which takes around 6 hours to drive across length-wise. Since it’s a relatively small island with safe, easy-to-traverse roads, it’s best to opt for compact car hire in Nanaimo. This will make it easy to park when you’re exploring Nanaimo’s beautiful downtown area. It’ll also give you optimal fuel efficiency if you decide to take a road trip to Port Hardy, Campbell River, or any of the island’s other natural treasures. The only reason to upgrade to a mid-size vehicle, SUV, or minivan would be if you’re travelling in a large group or bringing a lot of gear.
What’s the speed limit in Nanaimo?
In Nanaimo and other Vancouver Island cities like Victoria, you’ll find the speed limit is 50 km/h unless otherwise signed. However, over the last few years, Nanaimo has dropped the speed limit in many residential and commercial streets to 40 km/h and 30 km/h. So, it is crucial to keep an eye out for speed signs and err on the side of caution. Take note that Front Street, Museum Way, the Esplanade, and other downtown streets all have a 30 km/h speed limit.
Where are the best places to park in Nanaimo?
The city of Nanaimo features metered, unmetered, and disabled parking spots. If you park in a metered spot Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, you can expect to pay around 1.25 CAD an hour (approx 1.40 AUD). Outside of these hours and on weekends, parking is free. Take note, however, that if you park in a 2 hr parking space, that time limit is enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’re looking for cheaper parking options, consider one of the City of Nanaimo Downtown Parkades. In these parking structures, you’ll pay around 0.75 CAD for the first 2 hrs (approx 0.85 AUD).

Budget

8.7

Very Good

Read 13 reviews

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.8

Value for money

8.7

4 locations in Nanaimo

Show locations

Locations in Nanaimo

2393 Hayes Road

+1 250 760 7368

Monday	08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:30
Thursday	08:00 - 17:30
Friday	08:00 - 17:30
Saturday	08:00 - 17:30
Sunday	09:00 - 17:00

33 Terminal Avenue

+1 250 760 7368

Monday	08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:30
Thursday	08:00 - 17:30
Friday	08:00 - 17:30
Saturday	08:00 - 17:30
Sunday	09:00 - 17:00

6450 North Island Highway

+1 250 760 7368

Monday	08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:30
Thursday	08:00 - 17:30
Friday	08:00 - 17:30
Saturday	08:00 - 17:30
Sunday	09:00 - 17:00

90 Front Street

+1 250 760 7368

Monday	08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:30
Thursday	08:00 - 17:30
Friday	08:00 - 17:30
Saturday	08:00 - 17:30
Sunday	09:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

ray, Apr 2025

Intermediate

My trip was canceled. The people at budget were great about the cancellation, but when I made the resrervation,frly Hy bÿov.I was forced to pay for the insurance right then and there. When I called to cancel the policy, it took me 45 minutes s ×9*×'Zzaa

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Pick-up truck

Great

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Sept 2024

Intermediate

Good car to get around in. Didn’t like the fact the maintenance light came on due for oil change

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, July 2024

Intermediate

Budget makes it unnecessarily hard for young people to rent a vehicle. If you’re under 25 not only do you have to pay much more, you also have to purchase your own third party insurance, and the staff will wait until after you’ve done so to inform you you can only pay with a credit card, and it has to be under your name. Very frustrated with the lack of information provided online/in advance about all of these conditions.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Supplier choice saloon

Great experience, staff very friendly and helpful. Price reasonable and included unexpected shuttle to get us to and from car hire.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate

Great friendly staff and super quick, pick up and drop off.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.5

Very Good

Read 7 reviews

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

8.1

2 locations in Nanaimo

Show locations

Locations in Nanaimo

1481 Bowen Rd

+1 519 681 8500

Opening times not available

3440 Shenton Rd

+1 250 751 1200

Monday	08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:30
Thursday	08:00 - 17:30
Friday	08:00 - 17:30
Saturday	00:00 - 00:00
Sunday	00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2024

Standard SUV

The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Pointing out various options that would be available to us on our journey.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Pick-up truck

Price

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Supplier choice

The shop was closed when i arrived

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Supplier choice

Had a great and easy experience, needed a rental car urgently and staff was helpful and quick!

National

8.4

Very Good

Read 12 reviews

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

8.0

One location in Nanaimo

Show locations

Locations in Nanaimo

1602 Northfield Rd

+1 250 758 3509

Monday	07:15 - 18:00
Tuesday	07:15 - 18:00
Wednesday	07:15 - 18:00
Thursday	07:15 - 18:00
Friday	07:15 - 18:00
Saturday	08:00 - 17:30
Sunday	08:00 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Compact

Loved the ford escape hybrid.

10.0 Wonderful

Linda, Mar 2025

Economy

Everything worked out as planned, very nice people to deal with, the car was great on gas. Thanks.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Economy

The staff was really friendly and the check in was very fast. We also liked the free drop off at the ferry terminal so we didn’t need to pay for a cab. They also do free pickups or car delivery to the ferry station which we didn’t know before.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Compact

It was all good.

8.0 Very Good

Sumit, July 2024

Intermediate

It was very comfortable and thanks to the courteous staff who offered us complementary drop off at the ferry terminal.

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Nanaimo

Locations in Nanaimo

1602 Northfield Road

Opening times not available

3350 Spitfire Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Discount Car & Truck Rentals

No score available yet

One location in Nanaimo

Locations in Nanaimo

2474 Kenworth Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

65 travellers who hired a car in Nanaimo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.6

Squamish

Harrison Hot Springs

New Westminster

Hope

West Vancouver

Pemberton

White Rock

Coquitlam

Parksville

Pender Island

Bowen Island

Everything you need to know for your car hire in Nanaimo

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Car types

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Car rental at airports serving Nanaimo

Car hire near Vancouver Intl Airport

Car hire near Nanaimo Arpt Airport

Car hire near Nanaimo Harbour Airport

Pick-up location	Nanaimo
Car types	Small, Medium, Large, SUV, Pickup truck
Hire locations	11
Airport locations	3
Popular agencies	Budget

Nanaimo car hires from $47

Cheap car hire in Nanaimo

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Nanaimo car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Nanaimo with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Nanaimo?

You should book your car hire in Nanaimo around 8 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Nanaimo?

Hires in the Medium category (Toyota 4Runner or similar) are the most popular option in Nanaimo, costing $60/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $23/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Nanaimo?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Nanaimo is January at an average cost of $56/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Nanaimo when prices are $103/day on average, which tends to be 108% above the yearly average hire price for Nanaimo.

Which rental car company has the most locations in in in?

Budget operates 4 locations in Nanaimo, more than any other car hire company.

Nanaimo car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Nanaimo

FAQs about hiring a car in Nanaimo

How much does it cost to hire a car in Nanaimo?

On average a car hire in Nanaimo costs $139 per day.

Which car hire agencies are at Vancouver Intl airport (YVR)?

Car hire companies onsite at Vancouver Intl airport include Europcar, NU Car and Economy Rent a Car.

Which car hire companies will pick you up at Vancouver Intl airport (YVR)?

Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Vancouver Intl airport to off-airport locations include Avis, Routes Car & Truck Rentals, National, Alamo, Thrifty, Dollar and Budget.

How can I find car hires near me in Nanaimo?

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

How much does a Medium car hire cost in Nanaimo?

A Medium car hire in Nanaimo costs $23 per day, on average.

How much does a Small car hire cost in Nanaimo?

A Small car hire in Nanaimo costs $103 per day, on average.

What is the most popular car hire location in Nanaimo?

In Nanaimo, cars are most frequently hired at Budget 90 Front Street (1 km from city centre ).

What type of car is recommended for driving in Nanaimo?

What’s the speed limit in Nanaimo?

Where are the best places to park in Nanaimo?

Nanaimo car rental reviews and directory

Car hire locations in or near Nanaimo

Travelling to a place near Nanaimo?

Everything you need to know for your car hire in Nanaimo

Car rental at airports serving Nanaimo

Popular hire types in Nanaimo

Complete your trip to Nanaimo

Large capacity hire in Nanaimo

Car hire in other popular destinations

Nanaimo car hire information