We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Nanaimo. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Rental in Nanaimo in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Nanaimo and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Nanaimo and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Nanaimo so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Nanaimo?

Renting a car in Nanaimo offers the flexibility to explore the city's diverse attractions at your own pace, from the bustling downtown area to serene natural parks. With a vehicle, you can easily access nearby destinations like Gabriola Island and the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail, enhancing your travel experience.

Car rental tips for Nanaimo

  • Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a single-terminal facility with car rental kiosks conveniently located in the arrivals hall. It's advisable to book your rental vehicle in advance to ensure availability and preferred vehicle type.
  • Driving in Nanaimo is on the right-hand side of the road. At roundabouts, yield to traffic from the left, and be cautious at intersections where pedestrians may have the right of way.
  • While Nanaimo experiences mild winters, occasional snow and ice can occur, particularly in December and January. Drive cautiously, especially on rural roads, and consider renting a vehicle equipped with winter tires during these months.
  • Exploring nearby attractions like Gabriola Island requires ferry travel. Ensure your rental agreement permits ferry use, and be aware of ferry schedules to plan your trips accordingly.

FAQs about renting a car in Nanaimo

What is the recommended car type/category?

A mid-sized sedan or compact SUV is recommended for navigating Nanaimo's urban areas and nearby rural attractions comfortably.

What are the parking options?

Downtown Nanaimo offers metered street parking and public parking lots. Parking is generally available, but it can be busier during peak hours and events.

What's the speed limit?

In British Columbia, the speed limits are typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on rural roads, and up to 110 km/h (68 mph) on highways. Always observe posted signs, as limits can vary.

Popular attractions

  • Saysutshun (Newcastle Island): A marine provincial park accessible by a short ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo, offering hiking trails, beaches, and historical sites.
  • Pipers Lagoon Park: A scenic park featuring walking trails with ocean views, tidal pools, and opportunities for birdwatching.
  • Nanaimo Museum: A museum showcasing the city's history, including exhibits on the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the coal mining era.
  • Port Theatre: A performing arts venue hosting concerts, plays, and cultural events in downtown Nanaimo.
  • Buttertubs Marsh: A bird sanctuary with walking trails and observation decks, ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

More places to visit

  • Gabriola Island: Known for its natural beauty, including the Malaspina Galleries sandstone formations and Sandwell Provincial Park.
  • Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail: A scenic route featuring local farms, artists, and unique shops offering handcrafted goods.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in Nanaimo

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

10 / 10

National Car Rental

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Alamo Car Rental

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Enterprise Car Rental

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Budget Car Rental

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Hertz Car Rental

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Europcar Car Rental

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Keddy Car Rental

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Thrifty Car Rental

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AVIS Car Rental

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Firefly Car Rental

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Nanaimo: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


*Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.