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Mini |
Economy |
Compact |
Intermediate |
Standard |
Full-size |
Luxury |
People carrier |
Passenger van |
SUV |
Commercial |
Pick-up truck |
The average price of fuel in Nanaimo is €5.02 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between €60 and €80, depending on the car size.
Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Nanaimo.
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
An Intermediate car hire in Nanaimo costs €69 per day, on average.
A Compact car hire in Nanaimo costs €51 per day, on average.
A Standard car hire in Nanaimo costs €76 per day, on average.
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.
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.
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).
4 locations in Nanaimo
Locations in Nanaimo
2393 Hayes Road
+1 250 760 7368
33 Terminal Avenue
+1 250 760 7368
6450 North Island Highway
+1 250 760 7368
90 Front Street
+1 250 760 7368
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
fast and easyCons:
I didn't know that there was a shuttle service from the airport, Kayak should have included this information in the booking confirmation10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2018
Pros:
Very Friendly Helpful Staff. Rental Vehicles was clean and ready when I arrived.Cons:
Nothing9.2 Wonderful
Sep 2017
Pros:
very comfortable Terrain. Handles well on the highway but would not buy oneCons:
Terrain has doors that sound tinny when you close them. Interior finishes averageOne location in Nanaimo
Locations in Nanaimo
3440 Shenton Rd
+1 250 751 1200
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Feb 2024
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
It was first time when rental staff explained everything in such detail way. There was no rush with car inspection. We walked around the car discussing what kind of scratches are under warranty and what to be aware of.Cons:
I have no complaints.10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2018
Pros:
Fastest/friendliest staff I've ever encountered!9.6 Wonderful
Jun 2018
Pros:
Cameron at Nanaimo was very helpful with directions & local knowledge & he was a very pleasant person to deal with.One location in Nanaimo
Locations in Nanaimo
1602 Northfield Rd
+1 250 758 3509
Filters
Reviews
8.4 Very Good
Sep 2020
Cons:
The Kia really is a horrible car to drive8.8 Very Good
Apr 2019
Pros:
Staff was friendly and professionalCons:
NA7.6 Good
Aug 2018
Pros:
Great mileage Friendly staff who were very helpfulCons:
We onlly had 1200 km and Vancouver Island is a big island which we did not realize. We were unable to get more km without paying what would have been an exorbitant amount of money so had to take it back and get another contract. In spite of paying much more for the car why are you penalized if you take it back at a different location?2.8 Poor
May 2018
Pros:
They drove me back to where I needed to be, so I didn't have to call a cab.Cons:
In Canada they charge you .35 cents a kil. after you drive 100 K.. That really adds up when driving from Victoria to Nanaimo! You have to read your contract VERY carefully. Our C$78.00 rental turned out to be almost C$200.00.! Also, when I returned the car I had forgotten to fill it up w/ fuel. The counter guy didn't want to let me fill it up myself and I had to demand that he did! Very poor service. They really rip you off. I will never rent another car from National again!2.0 Poor
Sep 2017
Cons:
I reserved a compact car weeks in advance and when I arrived I was told National does rent to N drivers. Neither the website nor confirmation email indicated this, which is pretty important restriction. The lady said it's corporate policy and there's nothing she can do. Where is the accountability? Had to reserve last minute with another company 20min away at double the price.8.0 Very Good
Jul 2017
Pros:
service & tining eas goodCons:
Extra charge on kilometers ... allowed 100 and went 117 ... extra $6.002 locations in Nanaimo
Locations in Nanaimo
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One location in Nanaimo
Locations in Nanaimo
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No reviews available
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
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Some Nanaimo car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Nanaimo.
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 no-deductible option to your Nanaimo car hire.