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Nanaimo car rentals from C$ 40/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Nanaimo with a pick-up date of 1/9 and drop-off date of 8/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 26-65
Thu 1/8
Thu 8/8

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Cheap car rentals in Nanaimo

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Chevrolet Spark car
Chevrolet Spark
or similar SMALL
2
2
2/4
C$ 40/day
Nissan Versa car
Nissan Versa
or similar SMALL
4
2
2/4
C$ 43/day
Kia Forte car
Kia Forte
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
2/4
C$ 43/day
Chrysler 200 car
Chrysler 200
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
C$ 92/day
Toyota Camry car
Toyota Camry
or similar LARGE
5
2
2/4
C$ 59/day
Tesla Model 3 car
Tesla Model 3
or similar LUXURY
5
5
4-5
C$ 88/day
Chevrolet Silverado car
Chevrolet Silverado
or similar PICKUPTRUCK
5
5
2/4
C$ 92/day
Toyota C-HR car
Toyota C-HR
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
C$ 58/day
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
C$ 91/day
Ford Edge car
Ford Edge
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
C$ 92/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Nanaimo

  • If you want to do an extensive tour of the Vancouver Island city of Nanaimo, it would be smart to rent a vehicle from one of the top car rentals in Nanaimo. This is because you will enjoy the comfort and convenience of driving around the city instead of relying on public transportation. You can also move swiftly from one destination to another as you can travel on your own schedule. Moreover, if you so decide, you can easily take a road trip to neighboring towns such as Ladysmith, Cedar, Lantzville, and Qualicum Beach.
  • The nearest airport to Nanaimo is the Nanaimo Airport (YCD), as it is 11 miles south of downtown Nanaimo. When you land at YCD, you can easily rent a car from one of the top Nanaimo car rentals available, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Thrifty, and Budget. The counters of the car rentals are conveniently located in the Arrivals near the baggage claim area, so you will not struggle to find them. It is wise to reserve in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Driving in Nanaimo is generally a stress-free experience, as the roads are well-maintained, and most drivers adhere to traffic rules. Moreover, the city has a network of major roads and highways that provide access to different parts. Even so, it is imperative to exercise caution and drive defensively, as some drivers may be ignorant of traffic rules or exhibit aggressive driving behaviors. Also, you should be on the lookout for pedestrians who may cross the road absent-mindedly to avoid accidents. Overall, you should be able to easily navigate Nanaimo roads if you are a confident and experienced driver.
  • In Nanaimo, traffic is experienced in two main waves; early mornings as people commute for work and late afternoons as people travel back home. The first wave is usually from about 7:00 am to 9:00 am, and the second wave is usually from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Roads that are most affected by these waves include Highway 19, Departure Bay Road, and the Nanaimo Parkway. Other roads affected by traffic in Nanaimo are those that offer main routes to the city, such as the Terminal Avenue corridor, because of its commercial activity.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Nanaimo for C$ 82 or less
  • Book your rental car in Nanaimo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Off-airport rental car locations in Nanaimo are around 26% cheaper than airport locations on average
  • Premium rental cars in Nanaimo are around 30% more expensive than other car types, on average

Nanaimo car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Nanaimo 
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.

FAQs about renting a car in Nanaimo

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Nanaimo?

    On average a rental car in Nanaimo costs C$ 98 per day.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Nanaimo?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at National (C$ 40/day), Budget (C$ 68/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (C$ 91/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at National 1602 Northfield Rd V9S 3A7 (4 kilometers from city center).

  • How much is gas price in Nanaimo?

    The average gas price in Nanaimo is C$ 7.15 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 86 and C$ 114, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Nanaimo?

    Premium (Dodge Durango or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Nanaimo.

  • Which car rental companies are at Harbour airport (ZNA)?

    The only car rental company onsite at Harbour airport is Budget.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Harbour airport (ZNA)?

    The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Harbour airport to off-airport locations is Budget.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Nanaimo?

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

  • How much does a Premium car rental cost in Nanaimo?

    A Premium car rental in Nanaimo costs C$ 154 per day, on average.

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

    An Intermediate car rental in Nanaimo costs C$ 66 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Nanaimo?

    A Compact car rental in Nanaimo costs C$ 64 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Nanaimo?

    On average a rental car in Nanaimo costs C$ 684 per week (C$ 98 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Nanaimo?

    On average a rental car in Nanaimo costs C$ 2,933 per month (C$ 98 per day).

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Nanaimo?

    Car rentals in Nanaimo provide you with an option of vehicles for your traveling needs. You can rent an Economy rental, Compact, Intermediate, Standard, Full-size, Pickup truck, or SUV, depending on the number of passengers and the nature of the road. For instance, if you are traveling solo, an Economy rental will suit you just fine. If there are 4 to 5 of you, you should rent an Intermediate or Full-size so you can travel comfortably. Suppose you want to take an off-road trip. If that is the case, an SUV would be the perfect traveling companion.

  • What’s the speed limit in Nanaimo?

    Speed limits in Nanaimo vary with location and road conditions. In residential areas, the speed limit is typically 30 km/h (19 mph) to prioritize pedestrian safety and reduce the risk of accidents. On most city streets and arterial roads, you can drive up to speeds of 50 km/h (31 mph). When driving on a highway such as Highway 19, you are allowed to drive at 80 km/h (50 mph) to 90 km/h (56 mph). Observing posted speed limits is important as they vary from road to road.

  • Where are the best places to park in Nanaimo?

    While renting a car from any of the car rentals in Nanaimo, you can rest assured that there are enough parking options in the city. The safest is street parking, and there are several in downtown Nanaimo. Good examples of street parking lots in the city include Terminal Avenue Parking, Commercial Street Parking, and Downtown Parking Meters, all of which charge between CA$1.30 (about $1) and CA$2.60 ($2) per hour. Besides street parking lots, there are also parking garages in the city.  

Nanaimo car rental reviews and directory

Budget

8.7

Very good

19 reviews
Best rated
Most popular

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

8.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

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

2.0 Poor

Jul. 2024

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

Oct. 2023

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

Oct. 2023

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

10.0 Wonderful

Oct. 2022

KAYAK
Pleasant and helpful staff. Car good and very clean

10.0 Wonderful

Sep. 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

fast and easy

Cons:

I didn't know that there was a shuttle service from the airport, Kayak should have included this information in the booking confirmation

10.0 Wonderful

Jul. 2023

KAYAK
Great

1 out of 4

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.4

Very good

13 reviews
Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

7.9

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

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Feb. 2024

KAYAK
Price

2.0 Poor

Oct. 2023

KAYAK
The shop was closed when i arrived

10.0 Wonderful

Sep. 2023

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

10.0 Wonderful

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.

2.0 Poor

Jul. 2023

KAYAK
Reservation taken. No car available at time of collection. Canada rental prices are ridiculously high.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec. 2022

KAYAK
The agents were super. the only thing better would be my choice of larger vehicle. Thanks for everything

1 out of 3

National

8.0

Very good

16 reviews

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.6

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

8.4 Very good

Sep. 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

The Kia really is a horrible car to drive

10.0 Wonderful

Aug. 2023

KAYAK
Nothing that we can think of.

6.0 Okay

Aug. 2022

KAYAK
Booked and was charged an extra fee because they had to bring a car over from there in town branch to the airport and it was booked for me coming in from another country so it seemed like a tlike it was there issue that I ended up having to pay for. Totally unreasonable and will not use them again when I fly next month to naniamo.

8.0 Very good

May 2022

KAYAK
Very smooth car rental and shuttle to/from ferry in Nanaimo.

10.0 Wonderful

Feb. 2022

KAYAK
I really liked the friendly staff, they gave me a comfortable car en they were helpful. When I returned the car the man who's helping me offered to bring me to the terminal which was very nice and friendly, especially given that I had a very heavy suitcase with me.

10.0 Wonderful

Nov. 2021

KAYAK
Elantra..Car was in amazing condition..loved it

1 out of 3

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

48 travellers who rented a car in Nanaimo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.4

Car rental locations in or near Nanaimo

Good to know

Most popular agency

Budget

Most popular car type

Premium

Average price

C$ 98/day

Good deal

C$ 82/day

When to book a rental car in Nanaimo

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Nanaimo