Frequently voted ‘Canada’s most walkable city’, Vancouver’s neighbourhoods can easily be explored on foot, by bike or by public transport. But if you’re hoping to discover areas further afield, hiring a car in Vancouver will give you all the flexibility you need for your dream trip, whilst helping you to make the most of your time in Canada. Book your car hire in Vancouver today with Canadian Affair!
Why hire a car in Vancouver?
If you’re planning a holiday to Vancouver, finding a hire car for your trip from a trusted car rental company ensures you’ll get to see the best of what the city has to offer! We only work with the most reputable car hire companies, like Avis, so you know you’re booking a high-quality rental car.
There’s so much to do in Vancouver, and it is one of Canada's most beautiful cities. The cultural hub of British Columbia offers a thriving art scene, colourful communities and an unforgettable backdrop - which includes the overlooking North Shore Mountains - that is sure to make your holiday to Canada one that you’ll never forget.
One of the major benefits of booking a car rental in Vancouver is the freedom and flexibility you get. Not only does hiring a car provide you with the option to explore the city of Vancouver at your own pace, but it also presents you with the opportunity to venture further afield.
An image description goes here.
Vancouver car hire information
| Pick-up locations | Multiple Vancouver locations, including Vancouver International Airport |
| Car types available | Compact, Intermediate, Full-size, Premium, Mid-size SUV, Standard SUV, Minivan |
| Popular car hire companies | Avis, Hertz Dollar & Thrifty |
| Best time to book | 1 month before |
Frequently Asked Questions on Car Hire in Vancouver
Yes, you can take your car anywhere in Canada and even across the border into the USA. We also offer one-way drop-offs to other Canadian cities (some may incur an additional charge, so please enquire for details.
50 km/hour (31 mph) in urban areas and 80 km/hour (50 mph) in rural areas unless otherwise stated. There are some lower speed limits of 30 km/h for areas around schools, playground zones, street bikeways, and lanes.
You’ll find many public parking lots (car parks) in Downtown Vancouver (including one at the Vancouver Public Library). It’s also worth noting that there is free parking for visitors at Granville Island.
Around $1.60 per litre, although this will vary.
To drive in Vancouver and the wider British Columbia area, you must be a driver aged 16 years and over. However, you do need to be aged 21 to hire a car in Canada.
Vancouver can be explored easily on foot or by public transport, but a car hire allows you the freedom to travel further afield and discover more of what Canada has to offer.
Yes, you can take a hire car on the Vancouver Island Ferry, but you must confirm with your specific rental company that taking a car on a ferry is permitted under your rental agreement.
You can pick up a rental car at Vancouver International Airport and drop it off at a different location, but this might incur an additional charge. If you speak to one of our expert advisors, we can let you know what options are available to you.
Picking up your hire car in Vancouver
How long you wish to stay in the downtown area and where else you want to travel on your Western Canada road trip will determine the best pick-up location for your car hire in Vancouver. Popular car hire locations in Vancouver are:
- Vancouver International Airport, 3880 Grant McConachie Way, Vancouver, V7B 1V7 - Avis, Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty all have locations at the airport.
- Avis Vancouver Downtown: 757 Hornby Street, Vancouver, V6Z 1S2
- Hertz Vancouver Downtown: 1270 Granville Street, Vancouver, V6Z1M4
- Dollar & Thrifty Vancouver Downtown: 413 Seymour Street, Vancouver, V6B 3H5
After you have booked your flight to Vancouver, renting a car at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a popular option. The downtown depots are very conveniently located in Vancouver, so if you are already staying in the city, this is also a great option.
An image description goes here.
Top tips for hiring a car in Vancouver
- Book in advance – unlike flights to Canada, you don’t necessarily need to book your Vancouver car hire well in advance. If you have a particular vehicle class in mind, we recommend booking your rental at least one month in advance to secure the best Vancouver car hire deals and prices.
- Go compact – if you have two or fewer passengers and don’t have much luggage, we recommend hiring a compact car. Prices for hiring compact cars in Vancouver are cheaper.
- Plan your route – your hire car might offer a sat nav package, but apps like Waze and Google Maps will help you to plan your route.
- Go in low season – to get the best prices on Vancouver car hire, you could visit during a slower tourist season, such as November.
An image description goes here.
Top tips for driving in Vancouver
- Avoid rush hour - just like driving in any major city, we recommend avoiding Vancouver city centre at rush hour (between 5pm and 7pm). Traffic can get very congested and frustrating, especially if you hire a car to explore beyond Vancouver’s roads.
- Flashing green means ‘go’ – if you see a flashing green light at an intersection, you have the right to go, but make sure to approach cautiously and look out for any pedestrians. If a pedestrian is crossing, you must stop and wait for them as they have the right of way.
- Look out for cyclists – cycling is very popular in Vancouver, so be extra vigilant and cautious of your two-wheeled road companions!
- U-turns are illegal – on most intersections in Vancouver, it is illegal to make a U-turn. If you find you are travelling in the wrong direction, come off the intersection and find a safe place to turn. Many of Vancouver’s roads are policed with CCTV, so you will likely get caught!
- Check your hire car has snow tyres – if you are travelling on the BC-99 route to Whistler during winter, you legally need to have snow tyres. Make sure to mention this when booking your Vancouver car hire.
Car rental Vancouver – Book today!
Booking a car rental in Vancouver is a wonderful way to experience all that this amazing west coast city has to offer and the beautiful scenery of its surrounding areas. Whether you are after convenience or the freedom to explore more of Canada’s epic attractions on a leisurely road trip, a car hire in Vancouver will make it happen.
So, what are you waiting for? Discover Canada in comfort by getting in touch with us today for the latest Vancouver car rental deals.
Are you open to exploring other incredible locations in Canada? You might be interested in learning more by visiting our car hire in Canada page.
If you want to book a car hire in Vancouver, please contact us, or search & book online.
Related articles
Top Tips for Driving in Canada
Janet Irons
01/12/2024
Driving in Canada is a spectacular experience and is the most popular way to see this magnificent country.
Discovering the best coastal towns in British Columbia
James Dart
22/02/2023
If you are visiting Canada's west coast, you will inevitably be heading to British Columbia, and one of the best ways to explore this beautiful province is to drive around it.
What is Vancouver famous for?
Janet Irons
08/02/2023
Aerial view of Vancouver Vancouver is a bustling seaport on the west coast of Canada, located in the beautiful and epic province of British Columbia.
Top places to visit on Vancouver Island
James Dart
20/11/2017
There is more to Vancouver Island than you may have realised. In all likelihood, a LOT more. Not many people know that this island off British Columbia is the size of Scotland.
