Yes. Uber began service across BC, including Nanaimo and Oceanside, on May 28, 2025. You order a ride through the app the same way you would in Vancouver, with live tracking and cashless payment. Availability depends on how many drivers are on the road in your area, so the app is the final word on whether a car is nearby.
Uber was the second ride-hailing company in the Nanaimo market. Uride launched there in 2022 with a staged rollout, starting in denser areas before moving into regional centres. Both can help visitors who arrive at Nanaimo Airport or need to move around town.
Availability and how to use Uber in Nanaimo
Coverage is strongest in the central part of the city and near major transit hubs. Suburban and rural areas have fewer drivers, and waits can be longer early in the morning or late at night. If you plan ahead or request during busy periods, you are more likely to get a car.
Getting started
- Download the Uber app from your app store and set up an account.
- Enter your pickup location. Use an address or landmark in Nanaimo for precision.
- Confirm your destination and choose a ride option.
- Pay through the app, which processes payment directly. The app shows your driver’s location and estimated arrival.
During busy periods and late at night, fares may rise with surge pricing, so check the fare estimate before you confirm. To see how Uber compares with its main rival, the Lyft and Uber comparison for BC is a good place to start.
Alternatives if Uber is not available
If the app shows no cars, you have several other options. Ride-hailing companies in BC need provincial approval to operate, so the number of cars on the road can change.
- BC Transit: RDN Transit runs regular buses in Nanaimo, with an adult cash fare of $2.75 as of September 2026.
- Taxis: licensed taxis in Nanaimo charge the metered rate set by the Passenger Transportation Board, currently a $3.90 flag rate and $2.72 per kilometre, with waiting time charged on top. The Nanaimo taxi page lists local companies.
- Bike and scooter sharing: availability changes, so check the apps for what is currently operating in the city.
- Rental cars: agencies in town give you freedom to explore beyond Nanaimo, and prices depend on the season and vehicle.
- Car sharing: ask whether any service currently operates in Nanaimo before you plan around it.
Rates change, so confirm current prices with each provider before you travel.