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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Nanaimo
Nanaimo
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Nanaimo
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Nanaimo
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Nanaimo
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Nanaimo?
Nanaimo, a vibrant city on Vancouver Island, offers stunning coastal views, lush forests, and numerous outdoor activities. While public transport is available, hiring a car provides the freedom to explore Nanaimo and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. Discover hidden gems such as Englishman River Falls Provincial Park or Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, which are easily accessible by car.
Convenience and Flexibility. A rental car offers the flexibility to visit multiple attractions in a single day without being constrained by bus schedules or taxi availability.
Ideal for Outdoor Adventures. Nanaimo is a gateway to outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and camping, making a car essential for transporting equipment and accessing remote locations.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Nanaimo
Before hiring a car in Nanaimo, it's important to understand the local rental terms and conditions. These typically cover age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposits, mileage, and potential extra fees.
Area
91.3 km² (35.3 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 100,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PST/PDT)
Ideal for
Exploring Vancouver Island
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during weekday mornings (7 AM – 9 AM) and afternoons (4 PM – 6 PM)
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Nanaimo require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card until the vehicle is returned in good condition.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional extras such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, or additional drivers.
Car Hire Prices in Nanaimo – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Nanaimo?
To book a car in Nanaimo, compare prices from various rental companies, select a vehicle that suits your needs, carefully review the rental terms, book well in advance, and ensure you have all the necessary documentation for pickup.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental providers.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that meets your size and performance requirements.
3. Check Rental Terms - Understand the mileage limits, insurance options, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Nanaimo
Nanaimo is a picturesque city known for its stunning waterfront, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant arts scene. Exploring Nanaimo and Vancouver Island is best done with a car, allowing you to discover hidden gems and scenic routes at your own pace.
As the 'Harbour City,' Nanaimo offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. While the city centre is easily walkable, a car is beneficial for exploring the surrounding areas. Before driving, it's essential to be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel availability to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Nanaimo Museum
Explore the history and culture of Nanaimo and its surrounding areas.
Harbourfront Walkway
Enjoy scenic views of the harbour and waterfront activities.
Newcastle Island
Take a short ferry ride to explore this beautiful island with hiking trails and beaches.
Where to Find Parking
Downtown Parkades
Use the parkades in the downtown area for convenient and secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available on many streets, but time limits may apply.
Metered Parking
Check the meter rates and time limits before parking on metered streets.
Gas Stations in Nanaimo
Major Brands Available
Find petrol stations from major brands like Petro-Canada, Shell, and Chevron throughout the city.
Convenient Locations
Petrol stations are conveniently located along major routes and highways.
Plan Ahead
Especially when travelling to more remote areas, ensure you have enough fuel.
Useful Tips for Visiting Nanaimo
Check Traffic Conditions
Stay updated on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.
Respect Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in downtown areas.
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of wildlife, especially when driving in rural areas.
Plan Your Route
Use navigation apps to plan your route and avoid getting lost.
Key Transportation Hubs in Nanaimo
Ferry Terminals
Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
Provides ferry services to and from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay).
Duke Point Ferry Terminal
Offers ferry services to and from Vancouver (Tsawwassen).
Airport
Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
Located approximately 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Nanaimo, offering flights to Vancouver, Calgary, and other destinations.
Bus Terminal
Nanaimo Regional Transit System
Operates local bus services throughout Nanaimo and the surrounding region.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Nanaimo?
Hiring a car in Nanaimo requires a valid driver's licence, proof of insurance, and a credit card for the security deposit. Some rental companies may have additional requirements, such as a minimum age.
You'll need a valid driver's licence from your country of residence.
Provide proof of insurance coverage.
A credit card is typically required for the security deposit.
Ensure you meet the minimum age requirement, usually 21 or 25 years old.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Nanaimo as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Okay, but kinda pricey
Devon Lee
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
Quick Nanaimo trip with friends; charming, but the ferry was a bit slow.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 17.04.2025
Busy business trip, but Nanaimo was a breeze! Having a car made getting around so convenient. I explored the waterfront and enjoyed the local coffee shops. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Absolutely loved Nanaimo! Having a car made exploring the charming downtown and scenic coastal drives so easy. The summer weather was perfect for exploring.
Benjamin Davis
Reviewed: 16.01.2025
Meh. Food scene underwhelming.
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 11.10.2024
Nanaimo was a delightful surprise! Getting around with a rental car was effortless, allowing me to fully explore this beautiful city.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Nanaimo lived up to the hype! Renting a car was a breeze, making exploring easy. The waterfront was lovely, although the museum was a bit underwhelming.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Exploring Nanaimo during the summer was a dream! Having a car made it easy to visit all the charming shops and breathtaking beaches. Highly recommend!
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 27.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Nanaimo in the summer was fantastic! Exploring the city and surrounding areas with a car was so easy and convenient. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 29.07.2025