Car Rental Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome Airport (ZNA)

Reasons to book a car rental at Nanaimo Airport

Renting a car at Nanaimo Airport is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the beautiful attractions in and around Nanaimo. With the flexibility that a rental car offers, you can easily visit key sites at your own pace, ensuring a convenient experience for managing your luggage and travel plans. For beach enthusiasts, Departure Bay Beach is just 5 km away, providing a perfect spot for relaxation. If you're interested in culture, the historic Bastion and the Nanaimo Museum are both less than 1 km from the airport, making them easily accessible.

A rental car also allows you to venture further to popular destinations like Newcastle Island, located 3 km from the airport, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty and outdoor activities. The city of Nanaimo itself has much to offer, including Long Lake and various local attractions. Whether you are travelling solo, with family, or a group of friends, having a rental car enhances your ability to experience the friendly atmosphere and stunning scenery that Nanaimo has to offer. This freedom and flexibility make renting a car at Nanaimo Airport a practical and enjoyable option for your trip.

Most popular car rentals near Nanaimo Airport

• Midsize: The Midsize car is a popular choice among travellers at Nanaimo airport, accommodating up to 5 people and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for couples or families who need space for both passengers and luggage while enjoying the freedom to explore the surrounding area at their own pace.
• Compact: The Compact car is another well-booked option that also accommodates up to 5 travellers, along with up to 3 medium suitcases. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, this choice offers a balance of comfort and practicality, making it a great choice for those looking to navigate the streets of Nanaimo and beyond with ease.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car stands out as an excellent option for families or groups, as it can carry up to 5 travellers and handle either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This versatility makes it ideal for those needing extra room for passengers and gear while exploring the attractions around Nanaimo airport comfortably.

Top rated car suppliers near Nanaimo Airport

• Budget: With 5 rental locations, Budget is a top choice for travellers at Nanaimo Airport, with the nearest location less than 1 km away. Known for its friendly service, short wait times, and clean vehicles, Budget has an impressive overall rating of 7.8 out of 10. The most booked cars with this supplier are Midsize and Compact, making it a great option for those looking for convenience and reliability during their trip.
• National Car Rental: Offering 2 rental locations, National Car Rental is conveniently located about 4 km from Nanaimo Airport. This supplier is known for its excellent selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Compact cars being the most popular choices among travellers. National Car Rental is a reliable option for those who value quality service and a seamless rental experience.
• Enterprise: With a single rental location situated 3 km away from Nanaimo Airport, Enterprise is a solid option for car rentals. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize and Compact SUVs, catering to those who prefer a bit more space while travelling. Known for its attentive service, Enterprise ensures a pleasant rental experience for its customers.

Where to stay near Nanaimo Airport

• Nanaimo: Located at the heart of the city, Nanaimo offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Close to landmarks like Departure Bay Beach and the Bastion, it provides a family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to shopping and recreational areas. Enjoy the local dining scene with pubs and wineries nearby, making it a convenient base for exploring the beautiful scenery and beaches around.
• Gabriola Island: Situated 10 km away from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Highlights include the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve, ideal for eco-friendly and outdoor holidays. The island is known for its stunning beaches and scenic views, complemented by local wineries and pubs that offer a taste of the region. A stay here allows for a tranquil retreat while still being close to Nanaimo.
• Cassidy: Just 13 km from Nanaimo, Cassidy offers a peaceful escape with plenty of outdoor recreation. Key attractions like Roberts Memorial Provincial Park and Quennell Lake Car Top Boat Launch provide scenic spots for family outings and adventures. This area also features local breweries and pubs, making it a great option for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration.

9 tips to save on your Airport car rental near Nanaimo

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for extra luggage capacity, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It’s usually advisable to secure your ZNA car rental as early as possible to benefit from lower rates and a wider selection. Booking 1 to 3 months ahead is ideal, especially before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and availability for certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be restricted. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles like economy or compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are fine as well—just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name to cover security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking with Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car from Nanaimo Airport

The best time to rent a car from Nanaimo Airport is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January and February also offer quieter times with slightly low prices and lower demand. From March to May, prices and demand are generally average. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. August continues this trend, as demand peaks during the summer months.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	64.4°F (18.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	64.8°F (18.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low