Car rental at Pietermaritzburg Airport

Rent a Car at Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB)

See real-time prices from 10 car hire companies. Collect your car at arrivals and go.

Compare 10 providers Quick guide (2 min)
LocationAirport
Providers10
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ Compare 10 options ⚡ Instant results 🧾 Transparent pricing ⭐ Flexible booking

Quick answer: At Pietermaritzburg Airport you can compare rental cars from 10 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.
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About Renting a Car at Pietermaritzburg Airport

Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) is just 3 km east of the city center in KwaZulu-Natal and offers a full 10 rental companies – one of the widest selections in the province. The airport has regular flights from Johannesburg and is an excellent alternative to Durban King Shaka for those exploring the Midlands or Drakensberg. Durban is reached in approximately 75 km via the N3.

From the airport it is just 10 minutes to Pietermaritzburg's historic city center with its colonial red brick buildings. The Midlands Meander, a popular craft and food route along the R103, starts approximately 25 km to the north. Karkloof Canopy Tour, one of South Africa's best zipline experiences, is located approximately 35 km to the north near Howick.

With 10 rental companies at the airport, it pays to compare prices carefully – the differences can be significant, especially for SUV categories. Rent a car with an automatic transmission if you're driving in the Drakensberg's hilly terrain – manual cars can be tiring on the steep hills. Always fill up in Pietermaritzburg before driving west towards the Drakensberg where stations are sparse.

How many rental companies are at Pietermaritzburg Airport? There are 10 rental companies represented at the airport, providing one of the widest selections in KwaZulu-Natal outside of Durban. Can I drive directly to Kruger National Park from Pietermaritzburg?

Yes, but it is approximately 500 km to the north via the N11 and takes about 5–6 hours. Plan for an overnight stop along the way. Is it cheaper to rent a car at Pietermaritzburg Airport than in Durban?

Often yes – prices are generally lower than at Durban King Shaka International Airport, and with 10 rental companies, competition is good.

We compare prices from all major providers at Pietermaritzburg 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.

Renting at Pietermaritzburg Airport - The Short Version

🚗 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 Pietermaritzburg Airport

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

Europcar
Avis
Budget
Keddy
BLUU
Firefly
Thrifty
Hertz
First Car Rental
FOX

Essential Info for Renting at Pietermaritzburg Airport

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers ▼

At Pietermaritzburg Airport you can compare rentals from 10 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 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼

Parking is available but be aware of rules and fees.

Road tolls: Check in advance if road tolls is available på din rutt.

Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Pietermaritzburg Airport

Which rental companies are available at Pietermaritzburg Airport?▼
You can compare 10 rental companies at Pietermaritzburg 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
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Pietermaritzburg 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
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
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Pietermaritzburg 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
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Pietermaritzburg 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
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Pietermaritzburg 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

15-Day Weather Forecast for Pietermaritzburg Airport

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