Small
Toyota Agya
Firefly- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 4 seats
from €85/7 days
See offer →
UTT Airport Car Rental - Mthatha Airport
Check live prices from 13 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.
LocationAirport
Providers13
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At Mthatha Airport you can compare rental cars from 13 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 Mthatha Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 19 Nov. Prices collected 20 Oct.
FireflyMid-size
Toyota Corolla
GreenMotion- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €106/7 days
See offer →SUV
Hyundai Venue
GreenMotion- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €115/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Mthatha Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly | Inside the terminal | €85 | |
 SIXT | €113 | ||
 Hertz | (3) | Inside the terminal | €101 |
 U-Save | (1) | Inside the terminal | €92 |
 First Car Rental | (3) | Inside the terminal | €113 |
 Europcar | Inside the terminal | €92 | |
 Dollar | Inside the terminal | €90 | |
 Keddy | Inside the terminal | €94 | |
| GreenMotion | (1) | Inside the terminal | €87 |
 Thrifty | (1) | Inside the terminal | €92 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 20 Oct, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Mthatha Airport
Mthatha Airport (UTT) is located approximately 15 km northwest of Mthatha city center and features an impressive 13 car rental providers - an unexpectedly large selection for a regional airport in Eastern Cape. The airport is the primary gateway to Wild Coast and Nelson Mandela's homeland. Competition between rental companies often results in good prices.
From the airport, you can reach Mthatha city center in approximately 20 minutes along R61. Qunu, Nelson Mandela's birthplace, is 35 km to the south and reached in approximately 30 minutes. Coffee Bay on the spectacular Wild Coast is approximately 100 km and 1.5-2 hours away via partly gravel road.
With 13 rental providers, price competition is good - compare carefully and check what is included in the insurance for gravel roads. Always choose an SUV or 4x4 if you plan to explore Wild Coast villages. Fill up with fuel immediately after picking up your car as gas stations can be sparse along Wild Coast.
What destinations are easiest to reach from Mthatha Airport with a rental car? Qunu (35 km), Coffee Bay (100 km), Port St Johns (100 km) and East London (245 km) are popular destinations. Do I need a 4x4 to drive along Wild Coast?
Not always, but an SUV with good ground clearance is strongly recommended for gravel roads to villages like Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall. How long does it take to drive from Mthatha Airport to East London? Approximately 245 km along the N2 southward, roughly 2.5-3 hours depending on road conditions.
We compare prices from all major providers at Mthatha 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 Mthatha 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 Mthatha Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Mthatha Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Mthatha Airport you can compare rentals from 13 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 Mthatha Airport
Which rental companies are available at Mthatha Airport?▼
You can compare 13 rental companies at Mthatha 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 Mthatha 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 Mthatha 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 Mthatha 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 Mthatha 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 Mthatha Airport
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13 rental companies at Mthatha Airport. Enter your dates and find the right car.
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Mthatha Airport
13 providers
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