Nanaimo car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Nanaimo

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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

Nanaimo car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Nanaimo 
Verified travelerOct 2024
No Uber on the island. Ask for a pick up or car delivery if you are coming with the ferry.
Verified travelerJul 2024
Go to a smaller business like PractiCar; you may pay fractionally more but the staff will actually be willing to help you.
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.
MarkJul 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. 
  • Book your car hire in Nanaimo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact hire cars in Nanaimo are around 21% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about hiring a car in Nanaimo

  • How much is the price of fuel in Nanaimo?

    The average price of fuel in Nanaimo is €4.54 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between €54 and €73, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Nanaimo?

    Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Nanaimo.

  • 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 Compact car hire cost in Nanaimo?

    A Compact car hire in Nanaimo costs €43 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Nanaimo?

    An Intermediate car hire in Nanaimo costs €51 per day, on average.

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

    A Mini car hire in Nanaimo costs €40 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).

See more FAQs

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

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.5

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

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, Jul 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.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
Pleasant and helpful staff. Car good and very clean

1 out of 4

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.5

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

8.1

One location in Nanaimo

Show locations

Locations in Nanaimo

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

Show reviews that mention

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!

10.0 Wonderful

Robertas, Aug 2020

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 3

National

8.2

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.3

Value for money

7.8

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

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

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, Jul 2024

Intermediate

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

8.4 Very Good

Anonymous, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

The Kia really is a horrible car to drive

1 out of 4

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Nanaimo

Show locations

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

Show locations

Locations in Nanaimo

2474 Kenworth Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

60 travellers who hired a car in Nanaimo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.5

Car hire locations in or near Nanaimo

Good to know

Most popular car type

Compact

When to book a car hire in Nanaimo

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

Car hire insurance in Nanaimo

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

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.

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 no-deductible option to your Nanaimo car hire.

Nanaimo car hire information

Pick-up locationNanaimo
Car types
Hire locations10
Airport locations3

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