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Nanaimo car rentals from C$ 41/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Nanaimo with a pick-up date of 25/4 and drop-off date of 5/5. 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

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Cheap car rentals in Nanaimo

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Choose your dates
Kia Rio car
Kia Rio
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
C$ 41/day
View Deal
Nissan Versa car
Nissan Versa
or similar Small
4
2
2/4
C$ 42/day
View Deal
Kia Forte car
Kia Forte
or similar Medium
5
3
2/4
C$ 46/day
View Deal
Chevrolet Malibu car
Chevrolet Malibu
or similar Large
5
2
4-5
C$ 49/day
View Deal
Chrysler Pacifica car
Chrysler Pacifica
or similar Van
5
5
4-5
C$ 115/day
View Deal
RAM Pickup car
RAM Pickup
or similar Pickup Truck
5
5
2/4
C$ 53/day
View Deal
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
C$ 42/day
View Deal
Hyundai Venue car
Hyundai Venue
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
C$ 48/day
View Deal
Ford Escape car
Ford Escape
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
C$ 64/day
View Deal
Ford Edge car
Ford Edge
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
C$ 71/day
View Deal
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Nanaimo car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Nanaimo 
Learn how KAYAK collects reviews and tips from users.
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 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$ 65 or less
  • Book your rental car in Nanaimo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in Nanaimo are around 36% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

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$ 79 per day.

  • How much is gas price in Nanaimo?

    The average gas price in Nanaimo is C$ 6.52 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 78 and C$ 104, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Nanaimo?

    Standard (Toyota 4Runner or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Nanaimo.

  • Which car rental companies are at Vancouver Intl airport (YVR)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Vancouver Intl airport include Economy Rent a Car, NU Car, ACO Rent A Car and America Car Rental.

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

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

  • 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 Standard car rental cost in Nanaimo?

    A Standard car rental in Nanaimo costs C$ 109 per day, on average.

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

    An Intermediate car rental in Nanaimo costs C$ 79 per day, on average.

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

    A Compact car rental in Nanaimo costs C$ 54 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Nanaimo?

    In Nanaimo, cars are most frequently rented at National 1602 Northfield Rd (4 km from city centre ).

  • 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.  

See more FAQs

Nanaimo car rental reviews and directory

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

Budget

8.5

Very good

Read 13 reviews

Cleanliness

8.9

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

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, Sep 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 sedan

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

Very good

Read 8 reviews

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, Sep 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

8.3

Very good

Read 12 reviews

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

7.9

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

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, 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, Sep 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

62 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

Go to map view

Travelling to a place near Nanaimo?

Rent a car at Nanaimo if you plan to visit one of these locations
Harrison Hot Springs
Hope
Sechelt
Ladysmith
Pemberton
Bowen Island
Pender Island
Mayne Island
Egmont

Good to know

Most popular agency

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

C$ 79/day

Good deal

C$ 65/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

Nanaimo car rental information

Pick-up locationNanaimo
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Pick-up truck, Standard SUV, Supplier choice
Rental locations10
Airport locations3
Popular agenciesEnterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Turo

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