Car Hire in South Africa
Find your rental car from 149+ providers. We show the real price — no surprises at the counter.
Drive onLeft
MotorwayUp to 120 km/h
Alcohol limit0,0 ‰
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ Compare total price & terms
⚡ Quick search — 30 seconds
🧾 Transparent conditions
⭐ Book with confidence
Most Popular Pickup Points in South Africa
Driving in South Africa — Rules & Tips
🚦 Traffic Rules
- Drive on: Left
- City speed: 60 km/h
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- Motorway: up to 120 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0,0 ‰
- Emergency: 112
🪪 Pickup & Requirements
- ID + license: always required
- Deposit: usually required
- Credit card: commonly needed
- Fuel policy: full-to-full is standard
- Tolls/fees: may apply
- Winter: plan for weather conditions
💸 Save Money
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for the best rates.
- Compare the total price — not just the headline number.
- Choose full-to-full fuel to avoid hidden charges.
- Film the car at pickup. Seriously — it takes 30 seconds.
About Renting a Car in South Africa
Three things that make the biggest difference for price, peace of mind and zero hassle.
Total Price & Terms
Compare excess amounts, fuel policies and what's actually included. A cheap headline rate can turn expensive at the counter if you're not careful.
Insurance
Check what's covered and how high the excess is. The right level of protection often costs less than an unpleasant surprise at drop-off.
Right Pickup Point
Airport, city center or station — pick the location that saves you time. Time is money, especially on holiday.
Find Your Pickup Point
Airports in South Africa (21)
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
19 rental companies
Durban Airport (DUR)
19 rental companies
Tambo International Airport (JNB)
19 rental companies
East London Airport (ELS)
15 rental companies
George Airport (GRJ)
15 rental companies
Gqeberha Airport (PLZ)
15 rental companies
Polokwane Airport (PTG)
14 rental companies
Mthatha Airport (UTT)
13 rental companies
Bloemfontein Airport (BFN)
12 rental companies
Kimberley Airport (KIM)
11 rental companies
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
11 rental companies
Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB)
10 rental companies
Richards Bay Airport (RCB)
10 rental companies
Upington Airport (UTN)
10 rental companies
Hoedspruit Airport (HDS)
7 rental companies
Margate Airport (MGH)
5 rental companies
Skukuza Airport (SZK)
5 rental companies
Phalaborwa Airport (PHW)
3 rental companies
Pretoria Wonderboom Airport (PRY)
3 rental companies
Midrand Airport (GCJ)
2 rental companies
Mbombela Airport (NLP)
2 rental companies
City & Station Locations (128)
Cape Town Center
City Center · 15 companies
Johannesburg Sandton Center
City Center · 15 companies
Pretoria Center
City Center · 10 companies
Bloemfontein Center
City Center · 9 companies
Durban Umhlanga Rocks
City Center · 9 companies
Krugersdorp Center
City Center · 9 companies
Pretoria Hatfield
City Center · 9 companies
Rustenburg Center
City Center · 9 companies
Stellenbosch Center
City Center · 9 companies
uMhlanga Center
City Center · 9 companies
Centurion Center
City Center · 8 companies
Durban Center
City Center · 8 companies
Hoedspruit Center
City Center · 8 companies
Mahikeng Center
City Center · 8 companies
Pinetown Center
City Center · 8 companies
Witbank Center
City Center · 7 companies
East London Center
City Center · 6 companies
East London Siyakha
City Center · 6 companies
Kathu Center
City Center · 6 companies
Bellville Center
City Center · 5 companies
Harrismith Center
City Center · 5 companies
Hermanus Center
City Center · 5 companies
Ladysmith Center
City Center · 5 companies
Newcastle upon Tyne Center
City Center · 5 companies
Potchefstroom Baillie Park
City Center · 5 companies
Potchefstroom Center
City Center · 5 companies
Pretoria Centurion Central
City Center · 5 companies
Sandton Center
City Center · 5 companies
Bloemfontein Langenhoven Park
City Center · 4 companies
Boksburg Center
City Center · 4 companies
Bryanston Center
City Center · 4 companies
Cape Town Century City
City Center · 4 companies
Gqeberha Newton Park
City Center · 4 companies
Gqeberha Walmer
City Center · 4 companies
Klerksdorp Center
City Center · 4 companies
Midrand Center
City Center · 4 companies
Mossel Bay Die Voor Bay
City Center · 4 companies
Mbombela Center
City Center · 4 companies
Mbombela Riverside Park
City Center · 4 companies
Polokwane Center
City Center · 4 companies
Gqeberha Center
City Center · 4 companies
Randburg Center
City Center · 4 companies
Center
City Center · 4 companies
Secunda Center
City Center · 4 companies
Upington Center
City Center · 4 companies
Vereeniging Center
City Center · 4 companies
Bethlehem Center
City Center · 3 companies
Bisho South
City Center · 3 companies
Bloemfontein University
City Center · 3 companies
Braamfontein Center
City Center · 3 companies
Cape Town Bellville
City Center · 3 companies
Cape Town Goodwood
City Center · 3 companies
Cape Town Montague Gardens
City Center · 3 companies
East London King Williams Town
City Center · 3 companies
Emalahleni Center
City Center · 3 companies
George Center
City Center · 3 companies
Germiston Meadowbrook
City Center · 3 companies
Graaff-Reinet Center
City Center · 3 companies
Johannesburg Fourways Center
City Center · 3 companies
Kokstad Center
City Center · 3 companies
+ 68 more locations
Frequently Asked Questions — About Renting a Car in South Africa
What do I need to rent a car in South Africa?+
A valid driver's license and photo ID are always required. Most providers also ask for a credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. Check age requirements and payment terms before you book.
Can I rent without a credit card?+
Some providers accept debit cards, but it's not guaranteed. Many require a credit card for the deposit. Filter by payment options when comparing, and always double-check the fine print.
What does 'full-to-full' fuel policy mean?+
You collect the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and most cost-effective option — and it avoids fuel surcharges at drop-off.
How does insurance and excess work?+
Basic insurance (CDW) is usually included, but the excess — the amount you'd pay in case of damage — can be high. Compare what's covered, especially for glass, tires and underbody damage.
Can I pick up in one city and return in another?+
Yes — one-way rentals are widely available. An extra fee often applies, so always check the total cost before booking.
What's the cancellation policy?+
It depends on the provider and booking type. Many offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Always confirm the terms in your booking confirmation.
Read Our Guides
Practical advice that saves money and avoids trouble at the rental counter.
First Time RentingA fast start — without the mistakes.
Insurance GuideCDW, excess and what actually applies.
Credit Card & DepositDon't get caught off guard at the desk.
Avoid Hidden FeesCommon traps — and how to dodge them.
Pickup Checklist10 checks that prevent disputes later.
Save Money on RentalsTiming, terms and smart choices.
More to Consider When Renting in South Africa
✈️ Airport vs City Pickup
Airport desks often have more providers and longer hours. City locations can be more convenient if you're staying centrally — but parking costs add up. Compare both options before deciding.
❄️ Winter Driving
Weather in South Africa can change fast. Make sure the car has appropriate tires for the season and check what roadside assistance is included. On longer trips, pay extra attention to insurance cover.
↔️ One-Way Rentals
Picking up in one city and dropping off in another can work brilliantly — but it may cost extra. Check the "one-way fee" before confirming so there are no surprises on the bill.
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South Africa Car Rental
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