Car Rental at Vancouver Airport

Airport travel guide

One of the biggest cities in Canada (and by far the largest on its Pacific coast), Vancouver is also one of the country’s main tourist destinations. A diverse city known for its high quality of life, Vancouver also has plenty to offer in terms of history, nature, and active cultural life. These are four of its main attractions:

• Science World. Instantly recognizable for its large dome, the Science Center is one of the most beloved tourist attractions of Vancouver, and one of the best of its kind in North America. Built in the late 1980s and previously known as Telus World of Science, it welcomes about a million visitors every year, and in addition to exhibitions frequently hosts various science and nature-related events.
• Stanley Park: One of the largest urban parks in the world, Stanley Park is home to forested trails and the beautiful 10km section of the sea wall; a paved cycling and walking path around the perimeter of the park where you can see Lions Gate Bridge, beaches and sculptures. There are many bike rental companies to rent from near the park so you can bike this route
• Grouse Mountain: One of the three North Shore Mountains, Grouse Mountain is also known as the Peak of Vancouver. Offering skiing and snowboarding as well as ice skating and snowshoeing in the winter, Grouse is home to two rescued grizzly bears, Grindr and Coola, as well as a bird show, lumberjack show and a scenic chairlift ride in the summer. Energetic travelers should test their fitness on the Grouse Grind known as nature’s staircase which goes from the bottom of the Grouse gondola to the top of the mountain.
• Vancouver Art Gallery. Instantly recognizable for its neoclassical facade, this is one of the most important art spaces in all of Canada. The museum hosts works by practically all of the most important Canadian creators, and over the years has also hosted temporary exhibitions on such world-renowned masters as Vermeer, Cezanne, Dali, and Yoko Ono. The museum borders Robson Square, one of the most central plazas of Vancouver.

And here are a couple of more places to check out near Vancouver:

• Bowen Island. A small island just northwest of Vancouver, Bowen is one of the most popular destinations for day trips in the region. The area is famous for its coastline, well-preserved historical buildings, scenic nature, and, above all, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The island is connected to the mainland by ferry; it is possible to bring a car (you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket for it), but you can also park at Horseshoe Bay and pick it up upon your return.
• Squamish. One of the main hubs of the Sea to Sky region that begins just north of Vancouver and stretches about 200 km (125 miles) to the northeast, Squamish is known as the outdoor capital of Canada. From kayaking to scuba diving to trekking and climbing, the area offers plenty of opportunities for adventure sports and activities. The drive from Vancouver to Squamish takes about an hour. Highway 99 passes through the city and is one of the most scenic drives in all of Canada, and the further north you go, the wilder the surrounding nature becomes. 

Top international routes

• Calgary
• Toronto
• Edmonton
• Victoria
• Seattle
• Kelowna
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• Prince George
• Montreal

Main airlines

Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Transat, Pacific Coastal Airlines, WestJet, and Sunwing Airlines

Terminals

There are three passenger terminals—Domestic Terminal, International Terminal and South Terminal. Domestic and International are connected and sometimes collectively referred to as the Main Terminal. South Terminal is sometimes called Airport South. A free airport shuttle can take you between the Main Terminal and South Terminal.

Location

Vancouver Airport is about 12 km (7.5 mi) south of downtown Vancouver. Grant McConachie Way and Granville Street are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Large cars - from $24 per day
• SUVs - from $30 per day
• Small cars - from $29 per day
• Medium cars - from $24 per day
• Vans - from $43 per day
• Premium cars - from $49 per day

Car rental desks

The rental desks of National and Alamo are located across from to the Main Terminal on the ground floor of the parking lot.

Routes, Discount (including Europcar), and Ace all provide shuttle service to their locations which are just a few minutes’ ride away.

Services and facilities

You’ll find plenty of snack bars, fast food stands, cafeterias, and restaurants. For shopping, try one of the many stores and gift shops. Most duty-free outlets are in International Terminal. You’ll also find several lounges, an on-site hotel, ATMs, a currency exchange, baby changing facilities, a children’s play area, a medical clinic, a pharmacy, spa, showers, a dry cleaner, post office, aquarium, and a chapel. Luggage storage services are located landside in both International and Domestic Terminals and are open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the International Terminal and from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Domestic Terminal. The airport is fully accessible to travelers with reduced mobility. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

There is a Petro- Canada gas station at 5111 Grant McConachie Way right next to the airport that is perfect for those returning Alamo or National rentals. The station is open 24/7.

For those returning cars to Ace, Discount (including Europcar), or Routes, a husky station on Bridgeport Road can be found just after exiting Oak Street and is a stone’s throw away from the rental companies’ locations.

Popular one-way rentals

• Seattle (231 km / 143 miles)
• Victoria (115 km / 71 miles)
• Calgary (971 km / 603 miles)
• Kamlopps (354 km / 220 miles)
• Kelowna (389 km / 242 miles)
• Portland (509 km / 316 miles)