How to find a cheap car hire deal in Soweto
Searching for a cheap rental car in Soweto? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging $54 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and feel good about what you paid.
Daily home prices in Soweto start from just $43.
Taking a longer break? Book a weekly home from $295 and say yes to more adventures.
To land the best price on a Soweto car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates approach, and any last-minute deals can vanish like a disappearing act.
Browse the offers available with Avis, Budget and Firefly. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
The coverage Avis or another company includes with your Soweto car hire can vary, so remember to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Consider booking a one-way home. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Pack more into your journey by booking a home with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at $101 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $112, this provider is next in line.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their homes for roughly $771 a day.
If you're not sure what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Compact home category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Soweto.
Compare car hire types in Soweto
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Soweto is all about getting you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Soweto car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Soweto makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're tough, dependable, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Soweto car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Soweto.
Good to know
Home age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your home in South Africa.
Add a car seat to your Soweto car rental reservation if you're bringing the kids. Guidelines vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest choice.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you get to the home counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Take your time getting acquainted with your home. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the left side of the road in South Africa.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In South Africa, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you think you'll be drinking, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 7am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Soweto for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Soweto Boutique Hotel. Offering accessible parking as well as a 24-hour front desk and shuttle services, this hotel is around 5 kilometres from central Soweto.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Soweto and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Soweto and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Soweto, Hector Pieterson Museum and Nelson Mandela Former House give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Soweto
Around 18 kilometres east of central Soweto, Johannesburg should feature on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela Statue.
They've perfected the guest experience at City Lodge Newtown, Johannesburg and Reef Hotel, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Johannesburg.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Soweto and head roughly 72 kilometres northeast to Pretoria. Featuring Statue of Nelson Mandela and Museum of Natural History, its highlights live up to the hype.
Relax after a day of exploring Pretoria at Inani Hotel Morning Star or Court Classique Suite Hotel. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
If you're looking to travel even further, set out for Witbank. It's about 145 kilometres east of Soweto. Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King gives your detour a little something extra.
Drift off to sleep in Witbank at either ANEW Hotel Witbank Emalahleni or Anew Hotel Highveld Emalahleni. They have a room waiting for you and a place to park too.
