Vancouver -- car rental
 

We're going to spend 5 days on Vancouver Island and then another 3 in Vancouver. We're thinking of picking up our rental car at the Vancouver airport to have on Vancouver Island, and dropping the car off on our way back to Vancouver. We're not keen on driving/parking in Vancouver. How practical is this? Is there reasonable public transportation from the airport to Vancouver? <BR> <BR>Thanks.

I will answer since the Vancouverites have not picked up on this. Yes this is a perfectly workable option. The airport is far enough out of the city and a straight shot to the ferries. From the airport to downtown Vancouver is the usual dizzying array of options from public transit bus to taxi.

I think it sounds like a fine idea. Having a car in Vancouver is sometimes more bother than it's worth.

I go to BC a couple of times a year, and that's exactly what I do - use the car for everywhere but Vancouver itself. I had a bad experience once when our rental car was broken into in a hotel parking lot. Fortunately we hadn't left anything in it, so the only thing that got damaged was the car itself. However, what I do now is pick up the car as I'm heading out to Vancouver Island, and return it on my way back into Van, just as you suggest. Have a great trip.

Just my humble opinion. It costs a lot more to ferry a car than just people. However, taxi costs from the Ferry to Vic. are a bit high. I would still rent a car in Vic. and drop it off there. Most of the hotels have airport shuttles that are inexpensive.

That sounds fine. There airport has its own shuttle bus going back and forth from the major Vancouver hotels to the airport. It's called the Airporter, and the bus is a pastel green colour - you can't miss it. I believe they have a website at www.yvrairporter.com <BR> <BR>But also, like others have said, expect to pay a lot more money for bringing your car on the ferry. http://www.bcferries.bc.ca can give you the details.

Good point. It would be cheaper, and probably less hassle, to just take the bus over to Victoria and back.

Do I need a car in Victoria...for 2 or 3 days?

Do the prices on the bcferries Web site for bringing a car include just the car or does it include a car plus all the people in it? Do you get charged for the car and each person individually?

<BR>the ferry fare is for the car and driver, passengers are extra.

Thanks for all your responses. We have decided to rent our car in Nanaimo and drive to Tofino for our mid-July vacation. Now I'm concerned about how we'll get to the Tsawwassen ferry from Vancouver during transit strike. Any suggestions? Guesses on the cost of a cab ride? <BR> <BR>Thanks again.

Please let me know if this is doable. Could we land at Vancouver airport, take some sort of shuttle to the ferry to go to Victoria (no car). Come back from Victoria via the ferry then pick up a rental car in Vancouver to drive to Whistler for a couple of days. Come back to Vancouver and drop off the rental car and stay in Vancouver for a couple of days before taking a shuttle back to the airport. Please let me know if this sounds feasible. Thanks!

There is a bus strike in Vancouver with no end in sight. You may need a car on this trip as Vancouver is quite spread out.