Car Rental Vancouver - Compare Prices on Road Genius

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Compare hire car prices from leading suppliers in Vancouver with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the Vancouver city centre or suburbs like Richmond and Burnaby and choose all-wheel drive for trips to Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway. Book early for summer and ski season to secure low rates and better availability on car hire in Vancouver.

Map of campervan rental depots near 379822

You can hire a car from several locations in Vancouver. Each has its own pros and cons:

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)	Get your car immediately after arrival All major rental companies are on-site Most companies are open 24/7 Newer models of cars	Airport fees add about 15-20% to the price You may have to wait in line at busy times
Vancouver City Centre	Lower prices (no airport fees) Good if you are staying in the city centre first Multiple locations along Burrard & Georgia St Avoid airport traffic	Shorter opening hours (typically 8am-5pm) Some offices are closed on Sundays You need to travel from the airport Parking at city centre hotels is expensive
Suburban Locations (Burnaby, Richmond)	Often the cheapest prices Easier parking and less traffic Good if you are staying in these areas	Shorter opening hours Fewer cars to choose from Requires travel to reach the office

Additional considerations:

The airport rental offices are on the ground floor (Level 1) of the car park, a short, covered walk from the terminals.
Some city centre locations may deliver the car to your hotel.
It is best to book in advance during busy times like summer and the ski season (December–February).
Some rental companies offer a free shuttle bus from Canada Line train stations to their offices outside the airport.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Vancouver?

On average, car rentals in Vancouver cost around CAD $89 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from CAD $9 per day.

How to pay less?

Compare pick-up locations. Airport convenience comes with ~15-20% in extra fees. The city centre or suburbs like Richmond/Burnaby are often cheaper. Factor the cost of Canada Line or a taxi.
Book early for peak seasons. For summer and ski season, reserve 2-3+ weeks ahead. In fall or spring, watch prices and rebook if they drop.
Mix pick-up and drop-off. Picking up in the city centre and returning at YVR (or vice versa) can reduce fees. Compare both same-location and one-way options within Vancouver.
Check weekly rates. A 7-day rental can be 30-40% less per day. Even for 5-6 days, a weekly deal might win.
Choose a smaller car and cheap fuel stops. Compacts are easier to park in the city centre and sip less petrol. Fuel up in Burnaby or Richmond where prices are usually lower ($1.70-2.00/L in Vancouver).
Skip extras you don’t need. Keep to one named driver and look for unlimited mileage. For short in-city errands, consider car sharing like Evo instead of a full-day rental.

Parking Tips

Navigating Vancouver's parking and driving regulations will help you avoid tickets and frustration:

Area	Parking Notes (Approx. Costs)	Local Driving Rules
Vancouver City Centre	Street spaces are metered Payment via credit card or mobile app Time limits strictly enforced Parkades available	Many one-way streets Watch for extensive bike lanes No right turn on red at many intersections
Vancouver Neighbourhoods	Residential permit areas (watch signs) Free spaces limited to 2-3 hours unless resident Kitsilano Beach paid spaces (in season)	School zones: 30 km/h (8am-5pm) Playground zones: 30 km/h (dawn to dusk) Many traffic-calmed residential streets
North Shore (North/West Vancouver)	Free spaces at most hiking trailheads Paid areas at Grouse Mountain, Capilano City centre areas metered	Steep hills require good braking Winter conditions on mountain roads Lions Gate Bridge rush hour lane changes
Richmond/Surrey/Burnaby	More free spaces available Shopping malls offer free areas Park & Rides at transit stations	Many multi-lane arterial roads Watch for pedestrians at crossings Higher speed limits on highways (80-90 km/h)

Important regulations:

Vancouver has many bike lanes; always check mirrors and blind spots
"No stopping" rules are strictly enforced through immediate towing
Left turn signals often operate on advanced green arrows
HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes require 2+ people during posted hours
Red light and speed cameras are in use throughout the city
Residential street spaces are often restricted to 2-3 hours unless you have a resident permit

Why hire a car in Vancouver

Get a hire car so you can easily:

Sea to Sky Highway – Whistler, Squamish
North Shore – Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lynn Canyon
Vancouver Island – Victoria
Sunshine Coast
Fraser Valley Circle Tour
Bowen Island and Horseshoe Bay

Local Rental Locations

Vancouver

Driving Distances from Vancouver

FAQs

Do I need a car in Vancouver if I'm just staying in the city centre?

You can easily walk around the Vancouver city centre and the public transport is excellent
We recommend a car mainly if you want to explore outside the city centre
If you're staying in the city centre, you could just hire a car for specific day trips

How do I navigate Vancouver's bike lanes?

Vancouver has a lot of separate bike lanes in the city centre
You should always check bike lanes before you make a right turn
You need to give way to cyclists when you cross a bike lane to park
You should be extra careful on Hornby, Richards and Dunsmuir Streets

What should I know about driving to Whistler?

The Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) is well-maintained but it has a lot of turns
You must have winter tyres on your car from 1 October to 30 April
There are many scenic spots to stop at along the way
Petrol is more expensive in Whistler, so you should fill up your tank before you leave Vancouver
For the latest road conditions, check DriveBC before you set off for Whistler

Can I take my hire car on BC Ferries?

Yes, most hire car companies let you take their cars on the ferry
We recommend booking ahead, especially during summer and on weekends
You should get there 30-60 minutes before the ferry leaves
A one-way trip costs about $90-$105 for a car and driver. You'll need to pay more for any extra passengers.

What's the best way to avoid city centre parking fees?

You can park at a SkyTrain station outside the city centre and catch the train in
You could use a Park & Ride carpark, which costs about $3-$4 a day
Some restaurants and attractions will pay for your parking if you go there
You could also try parking on the street in the evening. It's free in many places after 10pm.

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