Car hire Vancouver airport

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Cheap Car Hire Vancouver airport

Cheap Car Hire Vancouver airport

About Car Hire at Vancouver Airport

Vancouver is the best of both worlds. It’s a bustling city with a vibrant culture, arts, music, nightlife, theatre, food, and cafe scenes, while being surrounded by breathtaking mountains and natural beauty. Spend days hiking along the Fraser River and nights at theatres and buzzing bars. To get out to these beautiful places around the city, hiring a car will allow you to see everything you want to see and move at your own pace. Vancouver is well connected to the rest of British Columbia, a state known for its glorious wide spanning roads, incredible vistas, and endless road trip opportunities.

To experience some of the best roads and views that Canada has to offer, you won’t regret hiring a car. Plus, it couldn’t be easier. Vancouver International Airport has plenty of choice when it comes to car hire. You’ll probably instantly recognise the international, big-name brands like Hertz, Avid, Enterprise, known for being reputable car hire firms. There are also firms that are more wallet-friendly, but still trustworthy and reputable, like Budget and Thrifty. But sometimes, the local, independent car firms are even cheaper, like Routes, Evo, and ALIGO. We recommend shopping around to find the right deal and car for you.

Hiring a car in Vancouver

Although hiring a car at the airport is convenient, it comes with additional fees and charges. If you’re travelling on a budget, these fees can add up. In that case, you also have options deeper into the city, where you can hire a car without the extra charges. You’ll find them dotted all over the city, but there are a collection of car hire firms in the West End area. There’s the typical big name brands like Rent A Car, Enterprise, and Avis, but there are also a healthy selection of local, independent brands. Look out for the aptly named Independent Rent A Car, Bayshore Easy Drive, and more. These local brands tend to be a bit cheaper, so it’s worth taking a look around if you’re on a budget.

Driving in Vancouver

Like another major city, driving through Downtown Vancouver can be busy and prone to traffic jams. If you’re staying in the city, you will find it easier to have a car to get around, but it’s not strictly necessary. However, if you want to go on hikes, explore the beautiful British Columbia, and take on exhilarating adventures, you’ll want a car for that. Driving in British Columbia is a joy, zipping down the wide, smooth roads with the sprawling mountain ranges in view. There's no better way to explore it.

Tips for driving in Vancouver

Top road trips in Vancouver

We can’t talk about road trips in Vancouver without mentioning the famous Sea-to-Sky Highway. It’s a long old stretch of 254 miles, but the windy coastal rides, dramatic scenery of snowcapped mountains, the deep blue lakes, and the many waterfalls along the route make it worth it. It starts off from Horseshoe Bay, which is just a twenty-minute drive from Vancouver. The area is also known for being home to Whistler, a town known for its adventure sports. For thrill seekers, who also love incredible scenery, this is the road trip of a lifetime. If a big undertaking like the Sea-to-Sky Highway isn’t for you, then we still highly recommend taking the hour-and-a-half journey to Whistler. It’s worth making the trip for the drive alone, but the Sea-to-Sky gondola is a must, taking you through beautiful alpine vistas in the sky. Fraser Valley also makes a great day trip, it’s just under two hours away and is the iconic birthplace of British Columbia. Step back in time at the Fort Langley National Historic Site and try out the region’s fresh produce. You might end up staying over, as the Valley is famous for its boutique wineries and wine tasting.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Vancouver airport

What is the best area to stay in Vancouver?
Vancouver is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada, and this reflects on the restaurants and food. For the very best of that, Gastown has an eclectic mix of eateries, as well as fantastic bars. It’s buzzing with young professionals and lined with cobbled streets, there’s very much a ‘cool’ feeling to this neighbourhood. For more of a laidback vibe, while still offering diverse dining and nightlife, West End is the way to go. It’s the gateway to the beautiful Stanley Park, so nature lovers will
What is the cheapest time to go to Vancouver?
You can visit Vancouver for a reasonable price during March, April, and September to early November. Overall, the cheapest is considered to be October.
What is the best time to go to Vancouver?
We think the best time to visit Vancouver is between March and April. That’s when the temperature is mild and you can still find a good deal.
Can you get around Vancouver without a car?
Yes, the city has good public transport links. It’s a large city, but most of the attractions and tourists hotpots are downtown. Downtown Vancouver is compact, so you’ll find it walkable. However, for exploring the rest of British Columbia, hiring a car is a no-brainer. It’s an extremely vast region, and public transport can only take you so far. One of the joys of visiting these natural wonders is the incredible drives and the freedom that comes with it. Relying on timetables, especially in the remote coun

Airports near Vancouver airport

Tips and experiences for Vancouver airport

Our customers rated Vancouver airport with an average of 9.0 based on 60 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

21-10-2021
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Enjoy your life while you are traveling
14-09-2021
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My only complaint with them really is their construction going on right outside the airport. signage could be beefed up. oh and if you only need to park for 5 min to pick up luggage. it will cost you $5.00
10-09-2021
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Make sure you double-check the rental car store hours immediately before your trip, as they might randomly change without warning.
01-09-2021
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-Do your research: know the political as well as the local weather climate in order to save yourself from a ruined or unsafe trip. -Hunt for deals: if you can invest the time, you could be rewarded with deeply discounted fares/costs. -Book just pre-season, when resorts and hotels are cleaned up and ready to receive the throngs of tourists but they haven't yet arrived. -Try different styles of accommodations: condos, private villas, home exchanges. You don't know what you're missing until you've tried it. -Book with renowned companies/vendors that are accountable to avoid disappointment and/or hefty surcharges and fees. -Be open minded and flexible; the best travel memories often come from the roads less travelled
20-07-2021
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You can drive through Vancouver and go to Capilano Suspension Bridge. White Rock for the sunset. Steveston Harbour with the good Pho’s. Stanley Park have a very release afternoon. Tsawwassen Mills can have a crazy shopping. At 4th Ave, Vancouver, you can pick different food as you like.
11-07-2021
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Don't use Routes. Don't use Routes. Don't use Routes. Don't use Routes. Don't use Routes. Don't use Routes.
09-07-2021
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One tip is to use maps AND GPS. I few times GPS took us the longest way. But we would not have found the beautiful Lynn Canyon Park without it. We LOVED the drive to Squamish on Rte. 99. A stop at Shannon Falls is a must for everyone. And of course Stanley Park was beautiful, especially the Prospect Point Trail up by the Lions Gate Bridge. Huge trees and few people. Without a car we would have missed a lot. So thank you for great service and prices!
17-06-2021
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Take your time to enjoy the scenery. Research places to visit. Book ahead not to be disappointed. Take your time and relax. Know the road rules . Use Google maps to get around and find places ,
17-06-2021
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It is no easy to find the pickup point at the airport. Signs do available after the customs to direct you to the "Rental Car Pick-up". You could follow these signs and cross the road but don't go into the parking stall. The Shuttle bus pick-up is just located in front of the parking building. You could find a small pick-up booth on your right hand side there. This share with both hotels and rental cars companies and no specific names on it.. But don't worry, most of the pick-up shuttle has company names/logo printed on doors. Just wait for the one you have reservation and ask the driver.
29-05-2021
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It's a good airport. if you are coming with a family and if you are booking a rental car, please make sure that the rental company is actually in airport.
23-05-2021
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The airport is great. Much better than any airport in the US. The workers and security people are all helpful and friendly. There was no trouble getting in and out quickly
17-05-2021
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I highly recommend going to Vancouver Island and taking a kayaktrip to see orca's and whales. Dont take one of the bigger boats. They make so much noise it scares away the animals. Also, the Jasper and Banff are fun places to stay and the environment is beautiful. And definitely take a wine tour in the Okanagan Valley, so much fun!
16-05-2021
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Make sure to arrange for car parking before you rent. Look for the best deal for cheap parking; for me I found this deal with the hotel where I stayed. Another advice is to buy the option to return with empty tank since the gas prices in Vancouver are very high. Check for the credit card insurance coverage; this will save a lot when selecting the insurance coverage from car rental agency.
15-05-2021
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The Vancouver airport is wonderful but it is not attached to Routes office which is several miles away
13-05-2021
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Very straight forward and quick checking in and collecting luggage. Good food outlets and stores. A neat chess set to play with while we were waiting.
04-05-2021
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Vancouver is a lovely city to visit. It has an interesting city centre on a picturesque waterfront location. There are lots of activities available from and in the city centre. These include whale watching, and water bikes. There are good restaurants and shops near the waterfront and in Gas Town. There are interesting places to visit within a couple of hours of Vancouver, including Vancouver Island and Whistler.
28-04-2021
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For flights to the USA, Customs screening takes place at the Vancouver airport. Allow for extra time.
17-04-2021
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Richmond night market is a must. Top of Vancouver restaurant is also a must. Lamplighter is one stop shop for dinner, drinks, and dancing. Yaletown is great for high end restaurants and bars. Grouse mountain and Capilano Bridge are great daytime trips. Stanley Park and Kitsilano beach are also great day trips. Vancity in the summer is amazing!
14-04-2021
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These are a few of my favourite things: Watching seaplanes in Vancouver harbor with an ice cream in hand. Cycling around Stanley park and taking a dip in the ocean when I feel like it. Hiking up Cypress Mountain for spectacular views across the city and sound. Coming back down to consume mountains of cheap sushi. Driving out east to Okanagan valley to sample cherries and wine. Stumbling across bears in the process.
13-04-2021
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The vancouver airport is very nice, easy to navigate and clean. The immigration process is very streamlined and fast. Very enjoyable!
02-04-2021
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Compact airport, good signposted. In direct area Richmond (Chinatown) and Granville Island are highlights. Queen Elizabeth park is nice to look around, good view on the city.
17-02-2021
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Identify ahead of time what is the process for your shuttle services. If your shuttle requires a call first. I would call as soon as you land as this will help save time when you get to the shuttle area. The shuttle area is outside and across the street. If you see the JAPADOG stand on your left side. Then the shuttle pickup up area will be under the green canopy on your right side.
26-12-2020
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The airport experience is nice, but the rental location is NOT located at the actual airport itself.
22-12-2020
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If you have an early morning flight, the Fairmount Hotel attached to the airport is super nice and couldn't be more convenient - an elevator ride and two minute walk to international gates.
19-11-2020
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Flying domestic so easy transit through the airport
15-11-2020
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For Vancouver it was so nice to have a smaller car because the city is so congested. The pick up and drop off was so convenient and easy. The price was excellent with no hidden fees. The customer service was excellent!
09-11-2020
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Know that in returning the US, customs clearance is *before* you board your flight. You should arrive with plenty of time to check bags go through security, and go through customs.
07-11-2020
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I love this airport. It is very easy to get around and find things, except for Routes Rental Cars. I recommend to rent from the main companies as they are located in the bottom of the parking garage. Customs was very easy to use and lines were short. Have your passport and id in hand when start through the process. When you are exiting the airport you will need to hand the Customs Officer your receipt, so keep it handy.
03-11-2020
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It was a nice airport, it is used hard and could benefit from some updates to the interior to make it feel new and modern.
21-10-2020
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Do not rent from Routes. Although, more expensive, rent from an onsite rental agency.
19-10-2020
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says:
Instructions to meet the shuttle at the YVR airport on the Routes paperwork were incorrect, the place to meet the shuttle was directly outside the arrival doors of the terminal to your right (upon exiting the terminal).
15-10-2020
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be sure to leave ample time in between because of the fact that the shuttles arent always on time, and that they are usually short on staff
30-09-2020
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I really don't travel into and out of airports a lot and rent cars infrequently. I would, however, suggest becoming very familiar with the car's controls before setting off, especially if you rent at night. (mirrors etc.)
25-09-2020
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Make sure the car rental company you choose is actually located at the airport for fast service. They are located on the ground floor of the parkade.
23-09-2020
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Vancouver is lovely...go to Capilano Bridge and up to Whistler...Routes cars have the right tyres for your trip! Next time I would like to visit the Rockies but the coast around Steevnton is lovely, great for whale watching. Have dinner at the Catctus Club at Canada Place..it overlooks the seaplane terminal. Canada is very expensive but Roiutes ffered excellent value. Always best to hre . acr to get around easily, although the sky train is also excellent. My favourite place to vsiit?..Granville Island for arts and crafts!
18-09-2020
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Book in advance, if you require pick up from airport make sure you have their number handy. It took them about 15 minutes to come and pick me up from the airport to the car rental. After that all went quickly.
17-09-2020
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If you have a long layover at the Vancouver airport, I would definitely recommend checking out the McArthurGlen Designer Shopping Outlet that is a free train ride from the airport. It's a much better location to while away the time especially if you are a family with young children. There are several food options and a large covered playground and some great shopping deals to be had. The train station is easily accesible from the airport and it's about a 5 minute walk from Templeton Station to the outlet. They close at 9pm everyday so it's open loger than most stores in the airport itself. The train ride doesn't take more than 10 minutes.
08-09-2020
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Easy to navigate through. Clean. Decent food choices on the concourse. Very helpful information staff. Location is the only downside if you're travelling out of the greater Vancouver area.
08-09-2020
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Everything was great, the pick up from terminal was taking such a long time. The weather was cold too ao me and my kids had to wait outside by the curve
22-08-2020
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says:
Do not Rent a car from Dollar?Thrifty. DO use Budget car rental.
11-08-2020
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says:
I would recommend not renting from Routes Vancouver airport unless you come prepared with documentation and are ready for a less-than-seamless experience.
14-07-2020
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Booking in advance made exit from the airport very easy. Leave yourself enough time to fill up the tank before returning the car. Husky Service had gas 2 cents cheaper than anywhere and it is pretty much the last gas station before the airport on Marine Drive. I took pictures of the damage stated on the sheet provided just to be sure but there was really no need. The attendant was great upon return. Be ready to provide a credit card upon pickup of the car. The drop off is easy and takes no time at all.
10-07-2020
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says:
Car rental location adjacent to airport, sky train to city within walking distant and only costs 3$/cab downtown is $35/great variety of restaurants in terminal
02-07-2020
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says:
Easy access to city... and close to US border.
27-06-2020
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says:
Be sure you have the correct clothing for the weather. Gas up before the gauge gets to 1/4 tank. Have a checklist available to use when checking out of somewhere so I don’t forget anything. Know all the rules surrounding car rentals. Be sure you have the necessary Maps and it GPS with u.
10-06-2020
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Be prepared with ID and Credit card at airport.
09-06-2020
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Be on time. Leave travel partner and kids down the hall Have driver's license out of wallet Have reservation information and codes available Be polite even if you are kept waiting
13-05-2020
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Very nice and cozy airport. Very efficient customs and border control.
22-10-2019
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says:
I was surprised to learn that the Vancouver airport respects TSA pre-check/Global Entry. This is true even for domestic flights. This helped save time going through security. On that note, security here was MUCH friendlier and less stressful than going through most airports I've been through in the U.S., especially in NYC. Overall, this is a very nice, clean airport. I can't comment on food options as I didn't buy anything.
17-10-2019
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The staff at the airport were very friendly and extremely helpful.
21-03-2019
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1. Stanley Park is a must seem place! 2. Gastown is nice to take a walk. 3. If you come in winter, must go ski in whistler mountain. 4. Take a nice easy morning in Granville Island. 5. Enjoy your afternoon shopping at Robson St. 6. Have yourself a nice sunshine at English Bay!
07-09-2018
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Google map your way around..
06-09-2018
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Deffinatly have to go to stanley park see the hollow tree and the 360 viewing tower.
23-04-2018
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Beautiful city. Easy and relax driving.
13-04-2018
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Hike up to Grouse Mountain, spend a few days in Whistler, check out Victoria, and walk along Vancouver's Seawall!
28-03-2018
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Make sure you have a GPS. Look up for major street signs (names) as they are above the intersection. After Stanley Park in Vancouver take a Ferry ride to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and drive across the Island to the West Coast (Ucluelet/Tofino). Spectacular Scenery- Lakes, Forests, Bears, Deer, Wild Pacific Trail. Cathedral Grove and Sproat Lake are a must see.
24-03-2018
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Check Groupon prior to travel. We were able to see many sites at a fraction of the cost. Many folks mentioned that they would use my idea for their next trip. We were able to see UBC museum of anthropology as well as other local attractions.
04-09-2017
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Best country and the best people we have ever known
13-08-2017
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I live in Vancouver, and it is hard to recommend any thing in December in Vancouver since most of the time it is raining and /or damp.
21-07-2017
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differs too much in personal preferences