Weekend car rental rates in Vancouver range from about $80 to $150 per day in the companies compared in this guide. The final price depends on the vehicle you choose, rental duration, insurance, taxes, mileage, and optional add-ons. This guide compares car rental Vancouver companies, weekend rental rates, vehicle options, fees, and insurance costs to show what you can expect to pay for a weekend rental and which companies offer better value.
Weekend Car Rental Companies in Vancouver – Ranked
For this comparison, we use a Friday-to-Sunday rental period to estimate the cost of a typical weekend trip and compare the lowest-priced economy cars and SUVs from each rental company. However, rental companies may calculate the rental period differently. Some may charge for two rental days, while others may base the cost on the exact pickup and return times, which could result in a three-day charge.
| Rental Company | Economy | SUV |
| AutoFlow Car Rental | $79.98/day | $80.00/day |
| Independent Rent a Car | $99.99/day | $139.99/day |
| West Coast Car Rentals | $129.99/day | $149.99/day |
| Vancity Car Rentals | $99.95/day | $115.95/day |
| Mr. Rent a Car | $96.07/day | $115.80/day |
Note: Figures do not necessarily represent the final amount paid. Taxes, insurance, deposits, fuel, additional-driver fees, and other charges may apply.
AutoFlow Car Rental
AutoFlow Car Rental offers economy cars starting at $79.98 per day and SUVs starting at $80.00 per day. Based on the advertised daily rates, a 2-day rental costs approximately $159.96 for an economy car or $160.00 for an SUV, before taxes, insurance, fuel, and other applicable fees. If other fees are included, this is what it may cost to rent at AutoFlow:
| Car | Fiat 500 – Economy |
| Per Day | CAD$79.98 |
| Base Rental Rate (3-day rental) | CAD$239.94 |
| GST (5%) | CAD$17.24 |
| PST (7%) | CAD$16.80 |
| Roadside Assistance | CAD$14.97 |
| Collision Damage Waiver | CAD$89.97 |
| Total | CAD$378.92 |
| Security Deposit | CAD$250.00 |
Note: The security deposit is refunded after the trip.
A total of $378.92 is enough for you to explore Vancouver and visit different places in 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that each rental car has a mileage limit. For example, the Fiat 500 includes 900 km of driving. Additional charges may apply if you are under 23 years old, plan to travel outside the province, or want unlimited kilometres.
Not interested in the Fiat 500? AutoFlow offers a wide selection of economy cars, SUVs, electric vehicles, minivans, and sports cars. Unlike some competitors with more limited fleets, AutoFlow gives you more options to choose from, so you can select a vehicle that best fits your needs rather than settling for whatever is available.
Rent a car this weekend in Vancouver. Choose from multiple economy cars at AutoFlow Car Rental that fit your budget.
Independent Rent a Car
Independent Rent a Car offers a smaller economy fleet compared with AutoFlow, but it also has other options, including 7- or 8-passenger vehicles, intermediate cars, and full-size vehicles. This limited selection may work well if you already know what type of vehicle you need, but it gives you fewer alternatives if your preferred model is unavailable. There is no mention of a specific mileage limit, but an additional charge applies for out-of-province travel. Independent Rent a Car’s economy car options include:
- Honda Fit or similar
- Nissan Micra or similar
Both models have similar pricing, but minimum age requirements apply. Like AutoFlow, Independent Rent a Car’s rental price can increase when you add insurance for additional protection and other optional extras. An economy car rental with insurance and additional charges can cost up to approximately $600.
West Coast Car Rentals
West Coast Car Rentals is the most expensive option on this list, largely because it offers a selection of luxury vehicles. Its fleet has fewer economy options, so renters looking for a budget-friendly car may have fewer choices. However, if you want to splurge on a luxury vehicle for the weekend, West Coast Car Rentals offers options worth considering. The company offers unlimited mileage, which can be a major advantage if you plan to drive extensively during your weekend trip. Customers can also pay in advance to receive an instant discount. The cost of roadside assistance (RSA) and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) varies depending on the vehicle you choose.
For example, the Honda Fit has roadside assistance priced at $9.99/day and CDW at $29.99/day. These additional protection options can increase the total rental cost, so include them when comparing the actual price of a weekend rental. Although these options may not be mandatory, they can provide additional financial protection during your rental.
Vancity Car Rentals
Vancity Car Rentals lists an economy Toyota Yaris or similar at $99.95 per day. For a weekend rental, the base vehicle cost is $199.90. However, the final price increases after rental fees, selected extras, and taxes are added.
For example, a Toyota Yaris rental has a final total of $320.19 CAD, including taxes. The cost breakdown is:
- 2-Day base rental: $199.90
- Extras: $69.98
- Vehicle licensing fee: $10.00
- Levy: $6.00
- GST/PST: $34.31
- Total: $320.19 CAD
Mr. Rent a Car
The base rental charge for the compact SUV is $231.60 for two days, or $115.80 per day. However, the total can increase when additional protection and services are added.
In the example SUV booking:
- Vehicle Licence Fee: $3.98
- Passenger Vehicle Rental Tax: $3.00
- GST: $14.42
- Provincial Sales Tax: $17.74
These additional charges may be added to your rental and are required depending on the rental terms.
Options such as Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC) and Roadside Assistance are optional, but adding them can increase the total cost. For example, a rental that starts with a base price of around $230 could reach $300–$400 after adding optional protection, fees, and taxes.
Book a clean, affordable rental car in Vancouver this weekend with AutoFlow Car Rental.
Compare Prices and Choose the Best Canada Car Hire in Vancouver
If you want to enjoy your stay in Vancouver without overspending, thoroughly compare car rental prices in Vancouver for a weekend before booking. The companies in this comparison offer different daily rates, vehicle options, mileage limits, insurance coverage, and additional fees, so the lowest advertised price may not always be the lowest final cost. Large rental companies and local Vancouver car rental providers, like AutoFlow Car Rental, both offer options for weekend travellers. Local companies may give you more vehicle choices, flexible rental options, and competitive rates. Compare the base rental price with taxes, insurance, mileage, and additional charges to determine which option fits your budget and weekend travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add protection when booking a rental car?
You do not always need to add extra protection when booking a rental car. Some coverage may already be included in the rental, while options such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC), and roadside assistance may be optional or required depending on the rental company.
Your existing personal auto insurance or credit card may also provide rental-car coverage, but the coverage limits and exclusions vary. If you already have applicable coverage, confirm what it protects before declining the rental company’s protection. Adding optional coverage can increase the total weekend rental cost.
For the companies compared here, the advertised daily rates are the main basis for the weekend price comparison. For example, AutoFlow’s listed rate is $79.98/day for an economy car, while West Coast Car Rentals lists its economy rate at $129.99/day. The difference is based on the companies’ advertised rates rather than a specific weekend price increase.
Do car rental prices change when booking for a weekend?
Car rental prices can change for weekend bookings, but the companies in this comparison do not show a separate weekend surcharge based on the prices provided. Instead, the final cost can change because of rental duration, vehicle availability, pickup and return times, seasonal demand, and additional services or protection.
For the companies compared here, the advertised daily rates are the main basis for the weekend price comparison. For example, AutoFlow’s listed rate is $79.98/day for an economy car, while West Coast Car Rentals lists its economy rate at $129.99/day. The difference is based on the companies’ advertised rates rather than a specific weekend price increase.
Is it better to book a rental car on Friday or Saturday for a weekend trip?
Booking a rental car on Saturday can cost less if you only need the vehicle for two days, while booking on Friday gives you more time to travel but may result in an additional rental day. The final cost depends on the rental company’s billing period and your pickup and return times.
For example, if you pick up the car on Friday and return it on Sunday, some companies may charge for two rental days if the rental period is within 48 hours, while others may charge based on the exact return time or apply another day’s rate. If you only need the car for Saturday and Sunday, picking it up on Saturday and returning it Sunday can reduce the number of billable hours or days.
Compare the total booking price for both pickup dates rather than assuming Friday or Saturday is always cheaper. Also check mileage limits, insurance, and weekend availability before choosing your pickup date.
