How to find a cheap car hire deal in Pietermaritzburg (PZB)
Flight just landed? Grab a cheap Pietermaritzburg rental car and get on your way for around $111 a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.
Daily rental prices at Pietermaritzburg start from just $35.
Staying a little longer in Pietermaritzburg? Book a weekly rental from $241 and fit more into your itinerary.
Land a cheap PZB car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value along with more options.
Firefly powered by Hertz, Hertz and Europcar are popular providers at Pietermaritzburg.
Whether you book with Firefly powered by Hertz or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Pietermaritzburg car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in PZB by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a car hire in Pietermaritzburg with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Explore without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at $181 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $134, this provider lands in second place.
The third option also performs well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $138 a day.
The Economy rental category is a reliable choice if you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most at PZB.
Compare car hire types from Pietermaritzburg (PZB)
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this cheap Pietermaritzburg rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this PZB car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Pietermaritzburg takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're spacious, versatile, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different PZB car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Pietermaritzburg.
Good to know
Age requirements can vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in South Africa may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you should add a child car seat to your PZB car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in South Africa, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 55kph in urban areas and 110kph or so along highways. Always obey the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) for everything you buy throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Drive smarter from the start
Get into the fast lane once you've picked up the keys to your PZB car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're off to central Pietermaritzburg, it'll take you around 10 minutes to drive the 6 kilometres or so north.
Driving from Pietermaritzburg to the centre during rush hour can take up to 20 minutes.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also get the keys to a car hire in Pietermaritzburg. If you don't need a ride right after you arrive, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Pietermaritzburg (PZB)
Before you go anywhere else, do some sightseeing around Pietermaritzburg first. Major highlights like Sri Siva Soobramoiniar And Marriamen Temples and KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden set the tone for your whole journey.
Around 64 kilometres east of PZB, Durban should feature on your itinerary. Tick off can't-miss sights like Durban Beach and Ushaka marine.
Why slow down now? Cruise on over to Vryheid, around 209 kilometres north of PZB. From Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve to Hlobane Battlefield, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
