How to find a cheap car hire deal in Vancouver
Pick up a cheap rental car in Vancouver for around $241 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top home companies, so you can easily compare prices and book.
$33 is the cheapest daily price listed for a home in Vancouver.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $227 is the lowest rate for a weekly home.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Vancouver car hire. Try booking around one week before you go.
Get behind the wheel with Routes Car Rentals, Hertz or Sixt. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you book with Routes Car Rentals or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Vancouver car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Vancouver.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Search for homes with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $230 a day.
Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around $233.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly $112 a day for one of their homes.
If you can't decide what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Compact home category. It's the most frequently booked type of vehicle in Vancouver.
Flying to Vancouver? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Vancouver, make tracks sooner by booking a car hire at Vancouver International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 13 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Check out the rental car options at Abbotsford Airport if you're starting your journey here. Central Vancouver is around 72 kilometres away, or about 1 hour 20 minutes in your home from the airport.
Compare car hire types in Vancouver
Small: These cheap rental cars in Vancouver may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Vancouver car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Vancouver handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, versatile, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Vancouver car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These features can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Vancouver.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your home in Canada. Rules can differ, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
If the kids are tagging along, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Vancouver car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Driving in Canada can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
In Canada, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
You'll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Vancouver for drivers
Offering parking, Smithe House takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 0.64 kilometres from central Vancouver and also comes with express check-in and internet access.
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa - Relais & Chateaux is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, along with a ticket office and a beauty salon. Check in here and you'll be roughly 0.16 kilometres from the city centre.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Vancouver. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Vancouver and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to go first. Kick things off with big attractions such as Stanley Park Seawall, Stanley Park and Downtown Vancouver.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Vancouver
Navigate your way to Surrey. Around 32 kilometres southeast of central Vancouver, it's home to must-do sights like Green Timbers Urban Forest and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
You'll be well taken care of at Ramada by Wyndham Surrey/Langley and Best Western King George Inn Suites, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Surrey.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Vancouver and then set off for Victoria. About 97 kilometres south of Vancouver, Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada and St. Andrew's Cathedral are major attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Relax after a big day out in Victoria at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria or Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Vernon, roughly 290 kilometres northeast of Vancouver. First, swing past Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, then spend some time at Kekuli Bay Provincial Park.
Browse the room options at Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre, Vernon, BC or Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Vernon has to offer. They also have parking available.
