Nanaimo Car Rental

Search and Compare from Car Companies in Nanaimo

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car supplier logos

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings

Top Car Deals in Nanaimo

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Standard Commercial Van/Truck

Ford Transit Cargo
  • 2 people
  • 100 free kilometers/total
NANAIMO, CAN
Ford Transit Cargo

CA $60

total
found 2 days ago
Standard Commercial Van/Truck Ford Transit Cargo

Special

Mystery Car May Be Gas Hybrid or EV
  • 4 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Nanaimo, British Columbia, CAN
Mystery Car May Be Gas  Hybrid or EV

CA $71

total
found 1 day ago
Special Mystery Car May Be Gas Hybrid or EV

Economy

Kia Rio
  • 4 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Nanaimo, British Columbia, CAN
Kia Rio

CA $69

total
found 2 days ago
Economy Kia Rio

Compact

Nissan Versa
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
NANAIMO, CAN
Nissan Versa

CA $69

total
found 2 days ago
Compact Nissan Versa

Midsize

Mazda 3
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
NANAIMO, CAN
Mazda 3

CA $69

total
found 2 days ago
Midsize Mazda 3

Full Size

Chevrolet Malibu
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Nanaimo, British Columbia, CAN
Chevrolet Malibu

CA $71

total
found 12 hours ago
Full Size Chevrolet Malibu

Premium

Nissan Maxima
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Nanaimo, British Columbia, CAN
Nissan Maxima

CA $86

total
found 1 day ago
Premium Nissan Maxima

Oversize Pickup Regular Cab

FORD F250 RAM 2500 CHEVY SILVERADO HD
  • 6 people
  • 200 free kilometers/total
NANAIMO, CAN
FORD F250 RAM 2500 CHEVY SILVERADO HD

CA $193

total
found 9 hours ago
Oversize Pickup Regular Cab FORD F250 RAM 2500 CHEVY SILVERADO HD

Premium Elite Pickup Regular Cab

Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Ford F-350
  • 4 people
  • 200 free kilometers/total
Nanaimo, British Columbia, CAN
Chevrolet Silverado 3500  Ford F-350

CA $226

total
found 1 day ago
Premium Elite Pickup Regular Cab Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Ford F-350

Mini Van

Chrysler Pacifica
  • 7 people
  • 200 free kilometers/total
Nanaimo, British Columbia, CAN
Chrysler Pacifica

CA $260

total
found 9 hours ago
Mini Van Chrysler Pacifica

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car rentals in Nanaimo
View all cars
Lowest prices found within the past 2 days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What you need to know for your Nanaimo car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Nanaimo

Renting a car in Nanaimo provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Whether you are travelling with family or carrying luggage, having a rental vehicle makes managing your belongings easy and allows you to create your own travel itinerary. You can visit key attractions such as Departure Bay Beach, known for its beautiful shoreline, and Long Lake, which offers scenic views and outdoor activities. For those interested in culture, the historic Bastion is also conveniently accessible by car.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture to nearby destinations like Gabriola Island, located 10 km away, where you can explore the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve and enjoy the tranquil community parks. The neighborhoods of Departure Bay and Stephenson Point are also within easy reach, featuring the same beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces. With a rental car, you can enjoy a family trip filled with beach experiences and outdoor adventures, all while having the convenience of travelling on your own schedule.

Most popular car rentals in Nanaimo

  • Midsize: The Midsize car is a popular choice for those travelling in and around Nanaimo, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for couples or families looking for a balance of comfort and practicality. With the Midsize car, you have the flexibility to explore the stunning attractions of Nanaimo at your own pace, making it a convenient option for your journey.
  • Compact: If you are travelling solo or with a partner or family, the Compact car is an excellent option. It comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This type offers a great mix of efficiency and manoeuvrability, making it perfect for navigating the streets of Nanaimo while still providing enough space for your luggage. The Compact car allows you to enjoy your trip without feeling cramped.
  • Fullsize: The Fullsize car stands out as a versatile choice, accommodating 5 travellers with the option for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it particularly suitable for families or groups who require extra space for their belongings. By choosing a Fullsize car, you can ensure everyone has room to travel comfortably while taking in the scenic views around Nanaimo, making your road trip experience that much more enjoyable.

Top rated car suppliers in Nanaimo

  • Budget: Budget boasts 4 rental locations in the Nanaimo area, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for its friendly service, Budget has an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10. Customers appreciate the clean vehicles and short wait times, enhancing the overall rental experience. The most booked cars from Budget are Midsize and Compact, catering to various travel needs and preferences.
  • Enterprise: With 1 rental location in Nanaimo, Enterprise is well-regarded for its exceptional customer service. This supplier is noted for its friendly staff who are eager to assist renters. The most popular vehicles booked through Enterprise include Midsize and Compact SUVs, making it an excellent choice for those needing a bit more space during their travels.
  • National Car Rental: National Car Rental has 1 rental location in the Nanaimo area and is recognized for providing reliable service. Customers frequently choose Midsize and Compact vehicles from this supplier, which are ideal for both solo travellers and small groups. National's commitment to quality makes it a solid option for those looking to explore Nanaimo and its surroundings.

Where to stay around Nanaimo

  • North Oyster: Located 17 km away from Nanaimo, North Oyster is ideal for those seeking an outdoor and beach experience. Popular attractions include Yellow Point Park, perfect for eco-friendly adventures, and Blue Heron Park, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the beach and marina, while local dining options feature a selection of wineries and breweries.
  • Gabriola Island: Just 10 km from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. With highlights such as the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve and Departure Bay Beach, it’s a great spot for exploring nature. The island also boasts local wineries and pubs, making it a charming retreat for those looking to relax and enjoy scenic views.
  • Cassidy: Located 13 km away from Nanaimo, Cassidy offers a blend of outdoor experiences and scenic beauty. Key attractions include Roberts Memorial Provincial Park, ideal for adventure seekers, and the Quennell Lake Car Top Boat Launch, perfect for family outings. Visitors can indulge in local breweries and pubs, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of this quaint community.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Nanaimo

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to locate the best fit for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, making it wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to enjoy lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre and park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before finalising your booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most convenient option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which can also work. Just ensure that you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Nanaimo

The best value period to rent a car in Nanaimo is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. October also offers similar pricing and demand characteristics. For those looking at mid-range value months, September and December have average prices with steady demand. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand, making it a busier time for rentals. June through August also see increased demand and pricing during the summer months.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January38.3°F (3.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July64.4°F (18.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December37.2°F (2.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
CA $60
Our second best deal of the day:
CA $69
Our third best deal of the day:
CA $71
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation

Explore a world of travel with Expedia