Vancouver car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Vancouver
The best car rental companies in Vancouver are Hertz, Avis, Enterprise. Prices start from CAD 55/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 12%.
โ Free cancellation optionsโ No booking feeโ Full-to-full suppliersโ You book direct
Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Vancouver
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Hertz
Editorโs pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 670Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCAD 61/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#2
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 670Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCAD 59/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#3
Enterprise
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 590Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCAD 58/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 590Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
FromCAD 56/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 620Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCAD 64/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#6
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 590Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
FromCAD 59/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#7
Sixt
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 680Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCAD 68/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#8
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 560Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
FromCAD 55/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
#9
Discount Car and Truck Rental
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CAD 520Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCAD 52/day
base rate
View Discount Car and Truck Rental deal
Prices are indicative market estimates ยท Last checked 2026-07-22 ยท 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Vancouver
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | CAD 55 | Hyundai Accent | 5 |
| Compact | CAD 64 | Honda Civic | 5 |
| SUV | CAD 101 | Honda CR-V | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | CAD 145 | Dodge Grand Caravan | 7 |
| Luxury | CAD 178 | BMW 3 Series | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Vancouver
Airport โ Vancouver International Airport
YVR sits on Sea Island, about 12km south of downtown Vancouver, roughly a 25-minute drive or a direct Canada Line train ride. Most agencies operate from a centralized rental car facility near the terminal. Canada drives on the right.
Downtown โ Downtown Vancouver
Downtown desks suit travelers who want to explore the city core on foot or by transit before picking up a car for the Sea-to-Sky Highway or the ferry to Vancouver Island.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain / winter tire surcharge | 12โ22 CAD/day | Driving to Whistler between October and April |
| Airport surcharge | ~12% of base rate | YVR airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21โ24) | 18โ30 CAD/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | 9โ15 CAD/day | Per extra driver |
| Cross-border to USA | Advance notice required, some companies charge extra | Driving into Washington State (e.g., Seattle) |
| Refundable deposit | 520โ680 CAD | Standard credit-card hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Vancouver
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) sits on Sea Island about 12km south of downtown, with most rental agencies grouped in a centralized facility near the terminal.
- Canada drives on the right, the same side as the US.
- Prices are displayed in CAD, the local currency.
- The scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler can see snow and ice between October and April โ winter tires are often fitted by default or available as an add-on.
- BC Ferries connects Vancouver to Vancouver Island (Victoria, Nanaimo) โ most rental agreements allow ferry travel, but confirm before booking.
- Crossing into the United States (e.g., to Seattle, about 3 hours south) is usually allowed but should be confirmed with the rental company in advance.
- Downtown Vancouver street parking and bridge tolls are limited today, but some parkades charge premium daily rates โ check your hotel's parking policy before booking a car for the whole stay.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Vancouver
Do you need a car in Vancouver?
Downtown Vancouver is walkable and well served by transit, but a car is genuinely useful for trips to Whistler, Vancouver Island, or the Okanagan wine region.
How far is Vancouver International Airport (YVR) from downtown?
About 12km, roughly a 25-minute drive or a direct ride on the Canada Line train, with most rental counters in a centralized facility near the terminal.
What currency are prices shown in for Vancouver?
Prices are displayed in CAD, the local currency.
Do I need winter tires to drive to Whistler?
Many agencies fit winter tires by default between October and April for the Sea-to-Sky Highway, sometimes with a small surcharge.
Can I take a Vancouver rental car onto BC Ferries?
Most rental agreements allow it for trips to Vancouver Island, but confirm with your rental company before booking the ferry.
What is the cheapest car type in Vancouver?
Economy cars like a Hyundai Accent start around 55 CAD/day. An SUV starts around 101 CAD/day.
Can I drive a Vancouver rental car into the United States?
Usually yes for trips like Seattle, but confirm cross-border coverage with the rental company before you leave.
