How to find a cheap car hire deal in South Africa
Searching for a cheap rental car in South Africa? With prices starting from $28 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're looking for an economy ride, a spacious SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the top offers to get you real value.
$91 is the lowest available rate for a weekly home if your trip is more than just a quick visit.
Check out the car rentals in Cape Town and free up more of your budget. It's the most affordable place in South Africa to book a ride.
Johannesburg is the most popular city to rent a car.
If you're not sure which provider to go with, check out Green Motion. More travellers choose it than any other brand in South Africa.
Swap your plane seat for the driver's seat by picking up a ride at the airport. Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, Cape Town Airport and Durban King Shaka International Airport all provide access to car rentals.
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Nelspruit are a few of the top cities to pick up a set of wheels.
Think about choosing a one-way home. Providers sometimes lower prices on some routes to shift vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in South Africa, select 'Return car to a different location' to find those deals.
Planning a multi-week home? It might be cheaper to book a full month, so try different date combinations to find out what works best.
To avoid extra costs, pick a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll collect it with a full tank and bring it back full, so you pay only for the fuel you actually use.
Select 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and let the map decide where your journey ends. You can roam wherever the road takes you without added mileage charges.
Best time to book a car hire in South Africa
If you want to time it right, book around three weeks ahead to score the best price on a car hire in South Africa.
The most affordable month to rent a car is May, with an average rate of $24 a day.
If you want to travel outside the priciest time of year, avoid March.
Compare car hire types in South Africa
Economy: Drive away in one of these and keep your travel budget on track. Lower daily rates and impressive fuel efficiency mean you'll spend less overall while still getting a smooth, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: Including mini and economy classes, small cars are ideal for everyday travel. If you're looking for a cheap rental car in South Africa, this is where you'll score some of the best deals. They're perfect for city streets and quick trips, with easy handling, low fuel use, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Need a step up in space without the big step up in size? Medium homes (which include compact and intermediate models) strike the perfect balance. They feel right at home on city streets, on highways and just about everywhere in between.
Large: Big adventures call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with the whole crew or heading off on a longer drive, these full-size cars bring the extra room you need. Expect generous seating, ample luggage capacity and comfort that goes the distance.
SUV: Road trips through South Africa are a dream in one of these. The higher seating position offers a clearer view of the road ahead and helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Designed for versatility, they can take you from main highways to off-the-radar stretches with ease.
Van: This category of car for rent in South Africa includes commercial vans and trucks. With generous load capacity and practical interior layouts, they're designed to transport bulky items, equipment or larger groups in one go.
Luxury: Want to go beyond the standard upgrade? From a standout design to advanced features and strong performance, luxury vehicles shift the entire driving experience into high gear. This is what you book when you expect nothing less than exceptional.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your rental car offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in South Africa.
Driving in South Africa: What you need to know
Home age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your home in South Africa.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws vary from one place to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Check if you need to add one to your car hire reservation in South Africa.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in South Africa, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) for all your purchases here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Afrikaans is the language you'll hear most people speaking across South Africa.
