Car Rental at Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome Airport (ZNA) from $84

Reasons to book a car rental at Nanaimo Airport

Renting a car at Nanaimo Airport provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the stunning attractions around Nanaimo at your own pace. For outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and families, having a vehicle makes it easy to manage luggage and create a personalized travel itinerary. Within a short distance, you can visit Vancouver Island University, located just 2 miles away, or relax at Departure Bay Beach, only 3 miles from the airport. For those seeking a romantic or scenic getaway, Long Lake is a mere 5 miles away, offering beautiful views and outdoor activities. Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture further to nearby destinations such as Ladysmith, 13 miles away, with its marina and parks, or Extension, just 5 miles away, where you can enjoy more of what Vancouver Island has to offer. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the local culture or enjoy the breathtaking scenery, renting a car at Nanaimo Airport is a convenient choice that enhances your travel experience on this beautiful island.

Most popular car rentals near Nanaimo Airport

• Midsize: Midsize cars are a popular choice at Nanaimo airport, comfortably accommodating 5 travelers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for couples and families who appreciate a bit of extra space for their luggage while enjoying the freedom to explore the beautiful surroundings at their own pace.
• Compact: If you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with a small family, the compact car option is perfect for you. These vehicles also fit 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. Compact cars are an excellent choice for those who want to navigate through Nanaimo's scenic routes while maintaining ease of parking and fuel efficiency.
• Fullsize: For families and groups looking for roominess, fullsize cars are a top pick at Nanaimo airport. They can accommodate 5 travelers along with either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes them perfect for those who require additional luggage space while enjoying the flexibility of car travel around Nanaimo's stunning attractions.

Top rated car suppliers near Nanaimo Airport

• National Car Rental: With 2 rental locations just 2 miles away from Nanaimo airport, National Car Rental is a popular choice among travelers. They are known for their friendly service and have an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10. Most booked vehicles with this supplier include Midsize and Compact cars, making it a great option for those seeking comfort and reliability during their travels.
• Enterprise: Located 2 miles from Nanaimo airport, Enterprise is recognized for its exceptional customer service. This supplier has a single rental location and is particularly favored for its Midsize and Compact SUVs. Travelers appreciate the friendly service and the convenience of having a reliable vehicle to explore the beautiful surroundings of Nanaimo.
• Budget: With 5 rental locations, Budget offers a convenient option with the nearest site only 0.2 miles away from Nanaimo airport. This supplier is known for its competitive pricing and has popular vehicles in their fleet, including Midsize and Fullsize cars. Budget's proximity to the airport makes it an ideal choice for travelers looking to hit the road quickly and efficiently.

Where to go near Nanaimo Airport

• Ladysmith: Located 13 miles away from Nanaimo, Ladysmith is a charming city offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Visitors come to enjoy recreational activities, beautiful beaches, and stunning views. Key attractions include the Ladysmith Marina, ideal for beach and outdoor activities, and Transfer Beach Park, a lovely beach for relaxation. The local Vancouver Island University adds a cultural touch, making Ladysmith a great destination for travelers seeking both adventure and educational experiences.
• Extension: Extension is a quaint village situated 5 miles from Nanaimo, known for its family-friendly outdoor activities and skiing opportunities. With a peak visitor season from July to September, this area attracts those looking to enjoy nature and winter sports. Visitors can explore the Vancouver Island University for its modern facilities or visit the historic Bastion and Nanaimo Museum for a taste of local culture and history. Extension provides a peaceful retreat for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
• Departure Bay: Just 3 miles away from Nanaimo, Departure Bay is a vibrant neighborhood popular for its beach and family-friendly atmosphere. Ideal for outdoor lovers, it offers activities such as visiting Departure Bay Beach for sunbathing and swimming. The nearby Long Lake is perfect for romantic outings and scenic views. With a variety of shopping options and recreational areas, Departure Bay is a great spot for families looking to combine relaxation with fun activities.

9 tips to save on your Nanaimo Airport car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for additional luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It's generally advisable to reserve your ZNA car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Booking 1-3 months in advance is optimal, particularly before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might have limited availability. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your reservation.
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 cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals follow a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you are required to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This option is usually the best choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits, as debit cards are not always accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 value period to rent a car from Nanaimo Airport is December, when prices are lower and demand is light. November also offers moderate prices with low demand, making it a good option. January through March typically sees average prices and demand, while summer months like June through August are the busiest and most expensive, with high demand and moderately high prices. August stands out as the peak of this busy season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
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	High	Average
July	64.4°F (18.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	64.8°F (18.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
September	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
December	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low