Nanaimo car hires from $62

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in Nanaimo with a pick-up date of 31/8 and drop-off date of 3/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Nanaimo

Mitsubishi Mirage car
Mitsubishi Mirage
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
$131/day
Kia Niro car
Kia Niro
or similar Small
4
2
2/4
$85/day
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar Medium
5
3
2/4
$131/day
Chevrolet Malibu car
Chevrolet Malibu
or similar Large
5
2
4-5
$137/day
Dodge Grand Caravan car
Dodge Grand Caravan
or similar Van
5
5
4-5
$89/day
RAM Pickup car
RAM Pickup
or similar Pickup truck
5
5
2/4
$172/day
Jeep Compass car
Jeep Compass
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$62/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
$120/day
Ford Escape car
Ford Escape
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$145/day
Jeep Grand Cherokee car
Jeep Grand Cherokee
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$182/day
Booking Insights

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 7 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 Corolla or similar) are the most popular option in Nanaimo, costing $95/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $59/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 $57/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Nanaimo when prices are $104/day on average, which tends to be 108% above the yearly average hire price for Nanaimo.

Which car hire company in Nanaimo has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National each operate 2 locations in Nanaimo, more than any other car hire company.

Nanaimo car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Nanaimo by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

$47 - $91

All Car Types

$70 - $129

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

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

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

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Nanaimo?

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

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Nanaimo?

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

Small car hire in Nanaimo typically costs around $63 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $47 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 34% cheaper than the average car hire in Nanaimo, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Nanaimo typically costs around $81 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $52 per day, which is about 36% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 15% cheaper than the average car hire in Nanaimo, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Nanaimo typically cost around $91 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $68 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 5% cheaper than the average car hire in Nanaimo, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in Nanaimo typically costs around $110 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $74 per day, which is about 33% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 14% more expensive than the average car hire in Nanaimo but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Nanaimo typically costs around $118 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average $85 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 20% more expensive than the average car hire in Nanaimo but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Nanaimo typically costs around $91 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average $69 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 5% cheaper than the average car hire in Nanaimo, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in Nanaimo typically costs around $102 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $78 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 7% more expensive than the average car hire in Nanaimo but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Turo
Small
$89/day
$76/day

Nanaimo car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Nanaimo 
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.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Nanaimo

  • 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 $76 or less
  • Medium hire cars in Nanaimo are around 32% cheaper than other car types, on average

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 $89 per day.

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

    Car hire companies onsite at Vancouver Intl airport include Europcar, NU Car, Aucomm Car Rental, Final Rentals, America Car Rental and Yoyo Auto.

  • 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 Routes Car & Truck Rentals, Avis, Ace, Hertz, Alamo and Thrifty.

  • 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 Small car hire cost in Nanaimo?

    A Small car hire in Nanaimo costs $95 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Medium car hire cost in Nanaimo?

    A Medium car hire in Nanaimo costs $65 per day, on average.

  • 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).

Nanaimo car rental reviews and directory

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

Budget

8.7

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

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

33 Terminal Avenue

+1 250 760 7368

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

6450 North Island Highway

+1 250 760 7368

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

90 Front Street

+1 250 760 7368

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

ray, Apr 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Great

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Sept 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

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

1 out of 5

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.5

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

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Price

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Supplier choice

KAYAK
The shop was closed when i arrived

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2023

Supplier choice

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

1 out of 3

National

8.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

8.1

One location in Nanaimo

Show locations

Locations in Nanaimo

1602 Northfield Rd

+1 250 758 3509

Monday07:15 - 18:00
Tuesday07:15 - 18:00
Wednesday07:15 - 18:00
Thursday07:15 - 18:00
Friday07:15 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:30
Sunday08:00 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Compact

KAYAK
Loved the ford escape hybrid.

10.0 Wonderful

Linda, Mar 2025

Economy

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
It was all good.

8.0 Very Good

Sumit, July 2024

Intermediate

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

1 out of 4

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

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

Car hire locations in or near Nanaimo

Travelling to a place near Nanaimo?

Hire a car at Nanaimo if you plan to visit one of these locations
Squamish
Harrison Hot Springs
New Westminster
West Vancouver
Hope
White Rock
Delta
Parksville
Coquitlam
Pemberton
Pender Island
Bowen Island

Nanaimo car hire information

Pick-up locationNanaimo
Car typesSUV, Small, Van, Medium, Large, Pickup truck
Hire locations11
Airport locations3
Popular agenciesBudget, Turo, National