How to find a cheap car hire deal in South Africa
Searching for a cheap rental car in South Africa? With prices starting from $24 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.
$162 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 Johannesburg and free up more of your budget. It's the most affordable place in South Africa to book a ride.
Cape Town 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 August, with an average rate of $24 a day.
If you want to travel outside the priciest time of year, avoid June.
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 across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your home in South Africa.
If the kids are coming with you, find out if you need to add a car seat to your car rental reservation in South Africa. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's license (no screenshots) and a second photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in South Africa may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 55kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in South Africa. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a card when it's possible, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Zulu is the language most commonly spoken throughout South Africa.
