Car rental Nanaimo, BC
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Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
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Rental cars in Nanaimo, BC
Rent a car in Nanaimo on Turo
Looking for a car rental in Nanaimo? Whether you're exploring Vancouver Island's stunning coastline or venturing to nearby spots like Gabriola Island, Turo makes renting a vehicle easy and convenient. Skip the rental counter and connect with car owners directly through the Turo app for a tailored rental experience.
Nanaimo car rentals on Turo offer flexibility and variety. Choose from a range of vehicles to suit your plans — from compact SUVs for city driving to standard SUVs equipped for adventure, you’ll find the perfect car for your needs, whether you're a local needing a temporary ride, or a visitor looking to explore beautiful British Columbia.
Nanaimo car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Nanaimo is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Nanaimo, British Columbia and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Nanaimo, BC (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
2. Select a pickup location
Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Nanaimo, BC! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support through the Turo app.
Rent a car and explore Nanaimo, BC
Things to do and places to see in Nanaimo, BC
Nanaimo, nestled on Vancouver Island, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and vibrant attractions. A car rental is the perfect way to explore Nanaimo diverse offerings, from its scenic waterfront to hidden gems just outside downtown Nanaimo. With your own rental car in Nanaimo, you can travel at your own pace, visit iconic landmarks, and venture into surrounding areas like Gabriola Island or beyond. Whether you're travelling for leisure or business, there’s plenty to see and do in this charming British Columbia destination.
Rent the perfect carNanaimo Waterfront and Harbourfront Walkway
Start your adventure along the Harbourfront Walkway. This scenic path offers breathtaking views of the marina and Vancouver Island’s coastline. Stop by the Nanaimo Boat Basin to watch motor vehicles and vessels dock or grab a bite at one of the waterfront cafes. With you rent a car in Nanaimo, finding parking near the Harbourfront Walkway is easy, letting you explore this vibrant area without hassle.
Gabriola Island
A short ferry ride from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is a must-visit for nature lovers. Known for its unique sandstone formations and serene beaches, this island is perfect for a day trip. Renting a car in Nanaimo on Turo makes it simple to reach the ferry terminal and bring your vehicle along, giving you the freedom to explore the island's trails, artisan shops, and stunning coastal views at your leisure.
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Take a ferry or kayak to Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park for an unforgettable outdoor experience. This park is a favourite for hiking, picnicking, and spotting local wildlife. While your rental car won’t cross over, it’s handy for reaching the ferry terminal or exploring nearby downtown Nanaimo attractions afterwards.
Why rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Nanaimo car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Nanaimo, BC and throughout Canada - from the everyday to the extraordinary — complete with a better, more convenient experience versus traditional Nanaimo car rental companies. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Nanaimo car rental pick up options
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Nanaimo, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Relax with support & damage protection
24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.
Top hosts in Nanaimo, BC
Chase B.
Maziar M.
Nanaimo car rentals for any occasion
Formal Events
Planning a special occasion? Arrive in style with a luxury sedan or premium car for an elegant touch.
Weekend Getaways
Heading out for a quick adventure? Choose an intermediate SUV or compact SUV for comfort and convenience on the road.
Long-term
Need a car for an extended period? Enjoy great discounts on long-term rentals, perfect for travellers or locals needing a temporary replacement while their vehicle is in the shop.
Turo vs. Traditional car rental
Turo
App-based experience
No waiting in line
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Contactless pickup and dropoff available
Traditional car rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Get one type of car “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Requires in-person handoff
Rental car pickup locations throughout Nanaimo
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Nanaimo, including Nanaimo airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Nanaimo pickup locations include:
Nanaimo Airport
Nanaimo Airport is one of the most popular car rental locations in Nanaimo. With Turo, you can arrange a seamless pickup without the hassle of waiting at a traditional airport car rental counter. Just land and collect your vehicle near the airport, saving you time and helping you start your trip stress-free. Whether you're here for business or leisure, having a rental car waiting near Nanaimo Airport is the perfect way to get moving quickly.
Downtown Nanaimo
Downtown Nanaimo offers plenty of rental car options for those staying in the heart of the city. This location is ideal for visitors exploring the Harbourfront Walkway, local eateries, or the Old City Quarter. Simply arrange to pick up your vehicle at a central rental location, and you’re ready to explore Nanaimo and beyond.
Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
For travellers arriving by ferry, the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal is another convenient pickup location. Whether you’re heading to Gabriola Island, exploring Vancouver Island, or continuing your journey elsewhere in British Columbia, having a rental car waiting nearby ensures a smooth transition.
Car rental locations near Nanaimo, BC
Top tips for renting a car in Nanaimo
Exploring Nanaimo and the surrounding beauty of Vancouver Island becomes more convenient and enjoyable when you rent a car. To help you get the most out of your trip, here are some tips for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Nanaimo?
In Nanaimo, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with British Columbia’s licensing laws and road rules. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license for the entire rental period, and international travellers should ensure their home country license meets the requirements — the Canadian authorities take driver's license requirements seriously. In some cases, an international driver’s permit or a type-written translation of your license may be necessary for translation purposes.
Speed limits in all city streets are 50 km/h unless posted, but be wary of school zones and playgrounds where limits go down to 30 km/h. Road conditions are generally well-maintained, with clear signage for all motor vehicles, but always drive cautiously during the rainy season (typically October to April).
What is parking like in Nanaimo?
Parking in Nanaimo is straightforward, with options ranging from street parking in downtown Nanaimo to designated lots near major attractions. Popular parking locations include the Bastion Street Parkade and the Harbourfront Parkade, both of which provide convenient access to the city centre and waterfront.
Free parking is available at Bowen Park and other community parks, though availability may vary during peak hours. Be mindful of signage to avoid fines, and if you’re visiting busy spots like the Nanaimo waterfront or Maffeo Sutton Park, arriving early ensures better parking availability.
Are there toll roads in Nanaimo?
Good news for drivers — there are no toll roads in Nanaimo! You can freely explore the city and surrounding areas without worrying about extra fees. For smooth travel across Vancouver Island, a rental car is a cost-effective option compared to other transportation methods.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Nanaimo?
Yes, there are plenty of gas stations and EV charging stations throughout Nanaimo, making it easy to refuel or recharge. For petrol, you’ll find stations such as Petro-Canada on 330 Nicol Street, Esso on 1050 Terminal Avenue, and Shell on 1702 Bowen Road conveniently located throughout the city.
For those driving an electric vehicle, charging stations are available at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, and near Diana Krall Plaza downtown. Whether your vehicle is gas-powered or electric, you’ll have no trouble keeping it running while exploring Nanaimo.
Do I need to rent a car in Nanaimo?
In Nanaimo, a rental isn’t a vehicle solely meant for practicality — it’s your backstage pass to every maple-dipped adventure Vancouver Island has to offer.
Renting a car in Nanaimo is highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city centre. Public transportation is available but limited, making it less convenient to visit attractions like Gabriola Island or Newcastle Island. Whether you're here for a short stay or a long-term visit, a rental car gives you the freedom to see the sights on your own schedule.
Frequently asked questions about Nanaimo car rentals
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in Canada, you must create a Turo account, be 23 years old or older with a valid driver’s license, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for future road trips, business trips, and family vacations!
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in Canada, you must be 23 or older.
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
You don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo. If you do have your own auto insurance policy, the protection plan you select — purchased from Economical Insurance Company in Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, and Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) in British Columbia — will supplement your existing coverage.*
What insurance and protection plan options does Turo offer?
What insurance and protection plan options does Turo offer?
When booking a car on Turo, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of coverage that’s right for you. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance purchased from Economical Insurance Company in Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, and Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) in British Columbia — $2,000,000 for all plans.
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car rental.
Is there long term car rental on Turo?
Is there long term car rental on Turo?
Yes, there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
Apprendre comment fonctionnent les rabaisIs there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
Vous pouvez annuler et obtenir un remboursement intégral jusqu'à 24 heures avant le début de votre voyage, à moins que vous ne choisissiez de recevoir un rabais pour un voyage non remboursable lors de la réservation. Si vous réservez moins de 24 heures avant le début du voyage, vous disposez d'une heure, après la réservation pour annuler sans frais. Au-delà de cette période d'annulation gratuite, des frais d'annulation vous seront facturés.
Dans le cas rare où un hôte annule votre voyage, vous en serez immédiatement informé afin que vous puissiez réserver une autre voiture ou que nous vous aidions à en trouver une. Votre remboursement peut être temporairement retenu pour faciliter la location d'une nouvelle voiture ou les fonds peuvent être renvoyés sur votre compte bancaire. C'est vous qui choisissez.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Nanaimo?
How much does it cost to rent a car in Nanaimo?
The cost of car rental in Nanaimo can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For a cheap car rental in Nanaimo, look out for Turo hosts offering discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
What rental car types are there in Nanaimo?
What rental car types are there in Nanaimo?
When it comes to car rental in Nanaimo, we’ve got you covered — whether you’re cruising for sights or chasing the perfect poutine spot. Turo provides a variety of rental car options from locals to meet your needs. Types of rental cars in Nanaimo include compact SUVs, intermediate SUVs, luxury SUVs, premium cars, sports cars, and standard sedans. Popular models like the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Sienna, and Tesla Model 3 ensure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, you’ll find vehicles equipped with the features you need for a comfortable trip.
* Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.