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Car rental Nanaimo, BC

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Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

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Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

Free cancellation

Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada

Rental cars in Nanaimo, BC

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Tesla Model 3 Electric car rental in Nanaimo on Turo

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Recent Nanaimo car rental reviews

Renault TWINGO II 2014

Eric and Valerie have made it impossible for me to ever rent from one of the big international car rental companies again. This was my third rental with them and they are everything the big guys are not. They are friendly, efficient, customer focused are most importantly really easy to deal with. Their cars are great as well.

Sally
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Kia K5 2021

The host, the car, and the whole Turo experience was 10/10. The price was fantastic and the whole experience was seamless. We had weird hours we wanted to leave and return the car that would not have worked with a car rental agency, but Angel and Turo made the whole process easy and seamless. I’m a bigger guy so I was worried about how comfortable the car would be and it was perfect. The great ride made our whole vacation possible and comfortable. I really appreciated the vehicles safety features too!

Daniel Alexander
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Nissan Altima 2025

The Nissan Altima was great. Good mpg, clean, lots of power, great response time. The car needed to be picked up at an off site location called, economy car rental at 2367 India street. A proximity 2 1/2 miles from the airport. You will need to find a ride to their location. The price of taxi will be $30, however we took the free shuttle to the car rental center then walked 20 minutes the rest of the way. The team at this location did a great job, fast, friendly, polite, and after returning they able to offer a ride back to the airport. We would rent this Altima again, and I would recommend this vehicle.

Cori
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Megan
Nissan LEAF 2016

Easy pick up and drop off. Car was very clean inside. A/C blows super cold even when it's 100 degrees out!! The windows are not tinted so I suggest bringing your own sun shades if you are going to be parked anywhere but the shade in the summer. Luckily I had those and that made my trip much better. The flip down visors do have the extenders to help block sun while driving thankfully. Charging prices are comparable to current gas prices - about $45 to get 250 miles of charge over a few sessions which is the same as I get from a full tank in my Toyota Yaris. This car DOES have the CHAdeMO fast charge input so it's 30-50 seconds per mile to charge depending on the fast charger & whether you're running the car (AC/radio) or it's fully off. Radio speakers were a little blown out so I had to adjust some settings to listen to my audiobooks but it was easy to do. I had no problem driving from the pickup spot to Kyle, then to the airport, and back into town without needing a charge which was about 90 miles, mostly highway. Just like any Turo rental make sure to take your own photos at pickup and drop off since scratches and such aren't usually documented after every drive by the car owners which seems standard in my experience. Overall a great deal, best price in town especially for a last minute rental. I requested the rental at 9pm on a Tuesday after my personal car died and was able to get this the next morning with no issue. Will definitely keep them in mind when I need a rental near by. Thanks again!

Megan
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Mireille
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2023

I love the rental cars from Mohammed. He and his staff is friendly and helpful. The cars are small and good at gas. I would suggest anyone to rent a car with Mohammed.

Mireille
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Eliasmanuel
Subaru Impreza 2014

I had an excellent experience renting from this host and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and smooth car rental experience. The vehicle was extremely clean, well-maintained, and exactly as described in the listing. Communication was outstanding from start to finish. The host was friendly, professional, responsive, and made both pickup and drop-off incredibly easy and convenient. The car drove perfectly and made my trip stress-free and enjoyable. It’s clear the host takes great care of both their vehicles and their customers. I truly appreciated the attention to detail and overall professionalism throughout the rental process. I would absolutely rent from this host again in the future and highly recommend them to others looking for a top-quality rental experience.

Eliasmanuel
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Hyundai Accent 2017

Rented this last minute because my Mom didn't tell me until the day before my trip that she had no car. Was pretty easy for the most part. Finding the shuttle at the airport for the car rental area, was a little difficult for me. But you can always ask someone at the airport. Then I followed Turo given directions to the car. It's outside of the rental area but still easy to find because the lot is literally labeled "Turo." As for the car, I DID NOT MIND these "problems" with the car at all, but you should be informed that the car: Cons - Smelled INTENSELY LIKE WEED. I tried to spray it with multiple Febreze, etc. It helped but it still stinks a bit. - The car door lock was extremely finicky, you must PRESS AND HOLD the button it seems. - Crumbs in the backseat (no big deal) - Not sure but seems like occasional light scraping sound sometimes when driving around on normal road. - Not a problem per se, but just know the car has quite a bit of scratches compared to other Turo rentals. Just be sure to document as much as you can. Pros - Good Value for the price - ICE COLD A/C. (Although I visited in winter, so idk how it holds up to the Vegas heat, but again better than my childhood cars with zero A/C) - Pretty quiet car overall (I mention the scrape for the owner to consider getting it checked out, but nothing to make you feel embarrassed while driving.) Overall, I grew up poor, and this car was much better than most of the ones of my childhood, so I didn't mind at all. Just tried my best to document them that's all. But anyone renting who these things might bother should be aware of it. Anyways, thank you so much Nick!!! I would definitely rent again!

Natalie
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Joseph
Audi S3 2015

The host was excellent throughout the whole process. Communication was very good, he was friendly and easy to deal with, and he made the whole car rental process simple and stress-free. Everything was straightforward from start to finish, and I would definitely rent from him again.

Joseph
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Ella
Mitsubishi Mirage 2023

Easy pickup and drop off, saved us when the car rental companies ran out of cars at the airport.

Ella
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Jennifer M.
Subaru Outback 2013

Andre was great, the car was somewhat still dirty, dust, dirt, what appeared to be cigarette ashes, animal hair, sticky spills around the cup holders in the center console and the door panels. Crumbs and dust/dirt left in the door handles and cubby's. In the center console cup holders and cubbys. On the top of the dashboard, around the steering column and gauges. Sticky dusty windows and stereo buttons. Rear view mirror had sticky smudges on it. All the windows inside were dusty and dirty with smudges and idk what really.. the car had a bad smell of animals like dogs, and faint cigarette smell.. however as I got further into my trip I got used to it and wasn't bothered by it anymore. A lot of these issues honestly didn't bother me very much. I was more worried of being blamed for them when I returned the car. Unfortunately I was put behind schedule due to a passenger side headlight and passenger side tail light being burned out. However upon informing andre, he was very quick with a solution to take the car to valvoline where they were able to repair the lights before I left for my trip. If I wasn't already running late It wouldn't of bothered me. Andre was also very quick to reimburse me the whole price of the repairs immediately upon me sending him the receipt of the work.. I very much appreciated that! I also appreciate that instead of canceling my trip Andre worked out a way to have the lights fixed with no trouble of my own. He was always quick to respond to all of my very long messages full of questions. This is my first time using turo and I did not know the ins and outs of the rental process. He was able to guide me threw every step all while being polite and keeping his patience with me! Hah. I ended up running behind schedule on my way back as well and was surprised how simple and easy it was to change the return time from noon to after 9 p.m. all without adding any fees to my bill! That was very helpful of andre to allow me to do. I also ended up being a little passed my return time due to vacuuming the car and dusting everything to my best ability. So that andre wouldn't have to deal with someone else's mess and the next person who rents the vehicle will not have to worry about it either. I had no issues with doing that for him after he was so helpful with me! The vehicle was a little different then what im used to. But in no time I settled in with the car and had a very enjoyable trip! I would forsure rent another vehicle from andre in the future due to how well he accommodated me on this trip. Even tho the car had the mess, that was not andre, But left over from previous renters. He even made sure to have a snow brush and ice scraper in the car for me. But unfortunately the previous renters also took that with them. Im sure there will be a new one for the next person who rents the car because thats how much andre cares about his customers !! 5 stars for andre !!! Whoever returned his vehicle like that should be ashamed and think about how it would feel if someone treated your things the same way! Once again THANK YOU andre! I will reach out to you next time I need to rent a car.. I appreciate all your help thru the process! I appreciate your professionalism and quick responses to all my questions and thank you for making sure the vehicle was 100% good to go for me before I left and wouldn't of been able to fix it. 5 of 5 stars for andre !!

Jennifer M.
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Azeema
Toyota Yaris 2012

My credit card wasn’t working for some odd reason and rental companies wouldn’t let me rent a car so I booked this Turo last minute and it was a reasonable price for five days. I will do it again when I come back to Vancouver in August.

Azeema
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Chevrolet Cruze Limited 2016

Excellent 1st experience using Turo. The host was very responsive and timely. The vehicle was in great condition and rode very well. The price was a good deal and would definitely use this again as opposed to a major car rental facility. It was a simple process overall and very straightforward.

Jaretta
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Toyota Camry 2018

Kiara had great communication throughout the rental process , the car was amazing , clean and comfortable. Rental was a great price as well. I'll be happy to rent from Kiara again in the future.

Timothy
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Trieu-Chung
Honda Civic 2025

The host, Tadeh was exceptional. The very best in customer service. I had the best experience with renting from Tadeh. Everything was so easy; Tadeh was super accommodating, very kind, he went way above and beyond what I reasonably expected. Tadeh is a thousand times better than AVIS, HERTZ, Enterprise, Thrifty, Budget, Dollar, and all the major car rental. Tadeh gave me the best deal; the major car rentals do not come close; I saved a lot of money. The car was great, very good on the gas mileage; and very clean. Tadeh made sure pick-up location was very convenient for me, Tadeh drove the car to where I was; it’s the best. Tadeh also picked up the car when I was done and again made sure it was convenient for me. I am very grateful for this. Once I return from my deployment, absolutely renting from Tadeh again; will be telling all my friends and colleagues. This is just amazing customer service. I am very appreciative for everything. THANK YOU

Trieu-Chung
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Jose
Ford Fusion 2016

Good Morning 🌞 Yall! This Car was Amazing! I was able to go see my older Son's College Graduation during the week. The Car rental process was amazing and an easy process. I would definitely rent this Car again!!

Jose
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Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2026

“10/10 experience. I rented the car for a week and the total came out to around $400, which was an amazing price for a brand new 2026 vehicle. The entire process was incredibly easy from start to finish. Pickup and drop-off were smooth and convenient, and I loved that I didn’t have to physically meet or talk to anyone. The key was waiting in a lockbox by the window, which honestly made the experience even better for me. The car itself was spotless, smelled clean, and drove perfectly. It was also amazing on gas — I drove all the way through Saturday and the tank was only halfway. The host responded quickly to messages and was super helpful the entire time. Overall, this was one of the easiest and best rental experiences I’ve had. I would absolutely rent from them again and honestly would choose this over Enterprise or Hertz any day

julissa
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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 car
Nanaimo, BC

Nanaimo 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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

Nanaimo car rentals for any occasion

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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:

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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.

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Airport pickup made easy

Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.

Convenient pickup & return

Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.

No lines, no paperwork

Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.

Free cancellation

Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.

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Pickup near or at Airports

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?

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?

To rent a car on Turo in Canada, you must be 23 or older.

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 and Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) in British Columbia — will supplement your existing coverage.*

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 and Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) in British Columbia — $2,000,000 for all plans.

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?

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.

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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?

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?

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? 

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?

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.