Small
Hyundai Grand i10
GreenMotion- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €81/7 days
See offer →
Car Rental at East London Airport (ELS)
Check live prices from 15 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.
LocationAirport
Providers15
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At East London Airport you can compare rental cars from 15 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in East London Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 21 Nov. Prices collected 22 Oct.
GreenMotionMid-size
Volkswagen Polo
Carwiz- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 4 seats
from €130/7 days
See offer →SUV
Hyundai Venue
GreenMotion- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €120/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in East London Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 SIXT | (8) | €114 | |
 BLUU | (13) | Inside the terminal | €99 |
 Hertz | (22) | €101 | |
 U-Save | (1) | Meet & greet on arrival | €81 |
| Carwiz | (6) | Meet & greet on arrival | €87 |
 Europcar | (1) | €92 | |
 Dollar | €90 | ||
 Keddy | (1) | Inside the terminal | €91 |
 Thrifty | (23) | €93 | |
 First Car Rental | (15) | By shuttle bus | €120 |
| GreenMotion | (14) | Meet & greet on arrival | €81 |
 Firefly | (15) | €92 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 22 Oct, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at East London Airport
East London Airport (ELS) is located 10 km west of the center and has 15 rental companies for immediate car pickup upon arrival. The airport serves the Buffalo City region and provides quick access to N2 toward Port Elizabeth (310 km west) and the Wild Coast to the south. From the airport you can reach East London center in 15 minutes and Hemingways Mall in 5 minutes.
ELS is a mid-sized regional airport with direct connections to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Rental desks are located in the arrivals hall and vehicles are picked up at adjacent parking. Airport Drive connects directly to N2, which is the Eastern Cape's main coastal motorway.
With 15 rental companies at ELS, competition is good - compare prices carefully, especially for weekly rentals. Fill up at Engen on Airport Drive before setting out on longer trips along the Wild Coast. Choose an SUV or crossover if you're planning to visit rural Eastern Cape with gravel roads.
How long does it take to drive from East London Airport to Nahoon Beach? Approximately 20-25 minutes via N2 and Beach Road, approximately 15 km north of the airport. Can I pick up a car at ELS and return it in Port Elizabeth?
Yes, most major rental companies offer one-way between ELS and Port Elizabeth Airport for an additional fee. Is it possible to rent a car at ELS without a prior booking? It's possible but risky during high season - always book in advance to guarantee availability and best price.
We compare prices from all major providers at East London Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
What to Know Before Picking Up at East London Airport
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of South Africa. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at East London Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at East London Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At East London Airport you can compare rentals from 15 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in South Africa ▼
In South Africa you drive on the left side.
- Urban speed limit: 60 km/h
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- Motorway: 120 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.0 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking is available but pay attention to rules and fees.
Road tolls: Check in advance if road tolls exist on your route.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at East London Airport
Which rental companies are available at East London Airport?▼
You can compare 15 rental companies at East London Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in South Africa?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at East London Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in South Africa is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in South Africa?▼
In South Africa you drive on the left side. Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at East London Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at East London Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at East London Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for East London Airport
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15 rental companies at East London Airport. Enter your dates and find the right car.
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East London Airport
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