Nanaimo car hire
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Cheap car hire in Nanaimo
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Nanaimo
- Since it’s an island-bound city, booking your car hire in Nanaimo is the best way to ensure you have a hassle-free trip. This way, you can travel via a passenger plane, helicopter, or even a seaplane. Once you’ve picked up your rental car in Nanaimo, you’ll have the freedom to explore the city fully without having to fit your schedule around public transport times. You can also venture out to Victoria, the Pacific Marine Circle Route, and all the beautiful beaches, fishing villages, and mountains that surround Nanaimo.
- Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a single-terminal facility, and you will find the Nanaimo car hire kiosks conveniently located in the arrivals hall, just outside of customs. Since YCD is a small but busy airport, it’s advisable to book your rental vehicle in advance. You can pre-book your car hire in Nanaimo through KAYAK, and this is the best way to ensure you get the vehicle type and transmission you need for your trip.
- You’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road in Nanaimo, so you’ll need to travel counterclockwise around roundabouts. This means you’ll also need to yield to any traffic to your left that’s already in the roundabout. At traffic lights in Nanaimo and all throughout British Columbia, pedestrians often get a green light at the same time as turning vehicles, so always check and give way to any pedestrians before proceeding.
- Though Nanaimo is nestled on Vancouver Island, which locals jokingly refer to as “the tropics of Canada,” you can still expect some snow and ice on the roads in winter, particularly in December and January. This can make driving more difficult, particularly if you brake suddenly or while turning your vehicle. So, it’s crucial to drive with caution, be gentle with the brakes, and slow down for turns well in advance.
- Book your car hire in Nanaimo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini car hire in Nanaimo are around -112% cheaper than other car types, on average
Nanaimo car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in Nanaimo
How much is the price of fuel in Nanaimo?
The average price of fuel in Nanaimo is R89,22 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R1 071 and R1 427, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Nanaimo?
Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Nanaimo.
How can I find car hires near me in Nanaimo?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Nanaimo?
A Mini car hire in Nanaimo costs R2 119 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Nanaimo?
An Economy car hire in Nanaimo costs R861 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Nanaimo?
An Intermediate car hire in Nanaimo costs R935 per day, on average.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Nanaimo?
Nanaimo is nestled on Vancouver Island, which takes around 6 hours to drive across length-wise. Since it’s a relatively small island with safe, easy-to-traverse roads, it’s best to opt for compact car hire in Nanaimo. This will make it easy to park when you’re exploring Nanaimo’s beautiful downtown area. It’ll also give you optimal fuel efficiency if you decide to take a road trip to Port Hardy, Campbell River, or any of the island’s other natural treasures. The only reason to upgrade to a mid-size vehicle, SUV, or minivan would be if you’re travelling in a large group or bringing a lot of gear.
What’s the speed limit in Nanaimo?
In Nanaimo and other Vancouver Island cities like Victoria, you’ll find the speed limit is 50 km/h unless otherwise signed. However, over the last few years, Nanaimo has dropped the speed limit in many residential and commercial streets to 40 km/h and 30 km/h. So, it is crucial to keep an eye out for speed signs and err on the side of caution. Take note that Front Street, Museum Way, the Esplanade, and other downtown streets all have a 30 km/h speed limit.
Where are the best places to park in Nanaimo?
The city of Nanaimo features metered, unmetered, and disabled parking spots. If you park in a metered spot Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, you can expect to pay around 1.25 CAD an hour (approx 1.40 AUD). Outside of these hours and on weekends, parking is free. Take note, however, that if you park in a 2 hr parking space, that time limit is enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’re looking for cheaper parking options, consider one of the City of Nanaimo Downtown Parkades. In these parking structures, you’ll pay around 0.75 CAD for the first 2 hrs (approx 0.85 AUD).
Nanaimo car rental reviews and directory
Budget
9,0
Wonderful
23 reviewsCleanliness
9.2
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
8.8
4 locations in Nanaimo
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
fast and easyCons:
I didn't know that there was a shuttle service from the airport, Kayak should have included this information in the booking confirmation10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2018
Pros:
Very Friendly Helpful Staff. Rental Vehicles was clean and ready when I arrived.Cons:
Nothing9,2 Wonderful
Sep 2017
Pros:
very comfortable Terrain. Handles well on the highway but would not buy oneCons:
Terrain has doors that sound tinny when you close them. Interior finishes averageEnterprise Rent-A-Car
8,5
Very Good
28 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
7.9
One location in Nanaimo
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2020
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.10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2018
Pros:
Fastest/friendliest staff I've ever encountered!9,6 Wonderful
Jun 2018
Pros:
Cameron at Nanaimo was very helpful with directions & local knowledge & he was a very pleasant person to deal with.10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2017
Pros:
The staff at both pickup and drop off locations were friendly, efficient and helpfull. We will be back!!National
7,7
Good
28 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.4
One location in Nanaimo
Filters
Reviews
8,4 Very Good
Sep 2020
Cons:
The Kia really is a horrible car to drive8,8 Very Good
Apr 2019
Pros:
Staff was friendly and professionalCons:
NA7,6 Good
Aug 2018
Pros:
Great mileage Friendly staff who were very helpfulCons:
We onlly had 1200 km and Vancouver Island is a big island which we did not realize. We were unable to get more km without paying what would have been an exorbitant amount of money so had to take it back and get another contract. In spite of paying much more for the car why are you penalized if you take it back at a different location?2,8 Poor
May 2018
Pros:
They drove me back to where I needed to be, so I didn't have to call a cab.Cons:
In Canada they charge you .35 cents a kil. after you drive 100 K.. That really adds up when driving from Victoria to Nanaimo! You have to read your contract VERY carefully. Our C$78.00 rental turned out to be almost C$200.00.! Also, when I returned the car I had forgotten to fill it up w/ fuel. The counter guy didn't want to let me fill it up myself and I had to demand that he did! Very poor service. They really rip you off. I will never rent another car from National again!2,0 Poor
Sep 2017
Cons:
I reserved a compact car weeks in advance and when I arrived I was told National does rent to N drivers. Neither the website nor confirmation email indicated this, which is pretty important restriction. The lady said it's corporate policy and there's nothing she can do. Where is the accountability? Had to reserve last minute with another company 20min away at double the price.8,0 Very Good
Jul 2017
Pros:
service & tining eas goodCons:
Extra charge on kilometers ... allowed 100 and went 117 ... extra $6.00Sunnycars
No score available yet
2 locations in Nanaimo
Discount Car & Truck Rentals
No score available yet
One location in Nanaimo
Car hire locations in or near Nanaimo
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
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