Car Rental Cape Town
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 13:08 on 2020-02-16. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
IsiZulu,
IsiXhosa,
Afrikaans
IsiXhosa,
Afrikaans
Currency
ZAR
Country code
27
Average car rental length
11 days
Economy car rental price
$26.35 / per day
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
100 km/h
62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
40 km/h
25 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Cape Town?
Cape Town is a great city for renting a car. Mixing European and African influences when it comes to architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle, it really is a place like no other. It has often been named as the number one travel destination in the world for a reason. Having your own ride will let you see this vast and diverse city in its fullness, as well as to travel to nearby beaches and nature reserves.
Top ways to enter Cape Town
- Cape Town Airport. Among the five busiest airports in Africa, Cape Town Airport serves more than 10 million passengers every year. The airport hosts many domestic flights, as well as flights to other African countries, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The airport is located about 20 km (12 mi) east of the city center. Cape Town has frequently been named the best airport in Africa.
- George Airport. A small and cozy airport that only has domestic flights, George Airport is located in a beautiful holiday spot on the Indian Ocean and is about a five hours drive east of Cape Town.
- Port Elizabeth Airport. Although it is an eight-hour drive between the two cities, Port Elizabeth Airport is one of the closest international airports to Cape Town. It serves about 1.6 million travelers every year.
- By public transportation. If you’re arriving in Cape Town by public transportation, you can also conveniently pick up a rental car at car rental centers in Cape Town’s city center or in neighborhoods like Parow and Rondebosch.
Useful city facts
Located at the very southwestern edge of Africa, Cape Town enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate. The winters are mild and humid while summers are warm and wet (as South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, the summers here last from December to March).
Cape Town is a city of great linguistic diversity. Afrikaans, a language similar to Dutch, Xhosa, a local, tonal Bantu language, and English are all spoken widely, and a number of other African languages can also be heard in the city.
Top destinations and activities
- Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter). Famous for its colorful houses, Bo-Kaap is an area where Malay Muslims lived in Cape Town. Traces of those times can still be found throughout the neighborhood in things like the Nurul Islam Mosque and the unique food sold on street corners. Many places in Bo-Kaap also offer stunning views of the rest of Cape Town.
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Home to many unique flowers and plants from such varied biotypes as savanna, jungle, and desert, this green area is often named among the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. In addition to the flora, the botanical garden also hosts frequent outdoor exhibitions, many of them dedicated to the native African cultures of South Africa and its neighboring countries.
- Surfing. Cape Town has some of the best surfing waves on the planet. There are opportunities for surfers of every level - starters will appreciate the more relaxed Muizenberg beach where it is also easy to find an instructor while pros will be glad to challenge themselves at Kalk Bay. There are also great options for kitesurfing, snorkeling, and many other water sports in and around Cape Town.
Traffic and parking tips
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120 km/h (74.5 mph) on freeways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on any public road outside of an urban area that is not a freeway, and 60 km/h (37 mph) on any public road within an urban or built-up area.
- When putting fuel in a car in Cape Town, the driver is required to remain in the car. Just park in the right area and the employee of the fuel station will soon come to you to find out which type of fuel and how much of it would you like to have.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% per 100ml of blood and 0.24% per 1000 ml of breath for experienced drivers and is 0.00% for novice drivers. Exceeding the allowed limit can lead to large fines, deportation, or imprisonment.
- Proof of insurance and the car’s registration needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
Toll roads
There are many toll roads in South Africa. However, unlike in most of the world, no payments are made on the highway, neither in cash nor by credit card. Instead, a vehicle is identified either by an electronic tag that is on the vehicle or by the vehicle’s licence plate number.
Many rental cars are equipped with an e-tag that will be used for making toll payments. Some rental car providers will charge an additional fee for this service. Ask your car rental provider about it beforehand.
The exact fee for using the toll roads depends on the type of road. See more information about the latest toll road fees on here.
If your rental car is not equipped with an e-tag, the bill for using the toll roads will be sent to your car rental provider. Due to delays in the South African toll road system, you could be billed and charged after the end of your rental period.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Table Mountain. Once an important reference point for early seafarers, and offering the best views of Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It’s possible to go up the mountain with a cable car, but if you’re up for a challenge, climbing is also possible. The mountain is home to a really unique animal, the rock rabbit (also known as hyrax, or, as the locals call it, “Dassie”). It looks similar to a rodent, but its closest relatives are actually elephants and manatees.
- Boulders. A small, but popular beach sheltered by huge boulders, Boulders is famous for its permanent inhabitants, the African penguins that have a colony there. Boulders Beach is part of Table Mountain National Park that also has conversation programs for other animals like caracals, ostriches, and the klipspringer antelopes. Boulders Beach is about 45 km (27 mi) south of Cape Town.
- De Hoop Nature Reserve. Only accessible by car, De Hoop is a remote and pristine natural area about three hours drive east of Cape Town. Animals that live here include baboons, elands, leopards, and many others, but the reserve’s number one attraction is the Southern Right Whales who pass its beaches every year. Combine a visit here to the nearby, and equally interesting, Bontebok National Park.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental car in Cape Town is the Kia Picanto, although travelers also tend to choose the Ford Fiesta and the Toyota Corolla a lot. The most popular rental car types in Cape Town are the mini, economy, and compact classes.
Further destinations
- Port Elizabeth. A picturesque city known for its museums, beaches, and large natural areas, Cape Town is one of the nicest and most relaxing places in the country. It takes about eight hours to reach it by car, with 700 km (430 mi) to cover. The long distance is well worth it, though.
- Namibia. A northern neighbor that only got its independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia impresses with its long, sparsely populated beaches, and more than anything, the moon-like landscapes of the Namib and Kalahari Deserts. Like South Africa, Namibia is one of the most accessible countries of Africa. Luderitz, its nearest coastal city, is about an eleven-hour drive north of Cape Town. Do keep in mind that you’ll be crossing a national border, so first, ask your rental car provider if it is permitted. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car in South Africa and pick up another in Namibia. Also, check to see if you require a visa to enter Namibia and the process for obtaining one if so.
- Botswana. With both the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and many national parks Botswana is one of the most diverse countries in South Africa. The country is especially fascinating to experience if you have your own ride. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a nature reserve located in both South Africa and Botswana, is about 11 hours away from Cape Town. Do keep in mind that you’ll be crossing a national border, so first ask your rental car provider permits it. Alternatively, you can drop off one rental car in South Africa and pick up another in Botswana. Also, check to see if you require a visa to enter Botswana and the process for obtaining one if so.
Car Rental Prices in Cape Town
- Large cars - from $42 per day
- Medium cars - from $24 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $77 per day
- Premium cars - from $64 per day
- Small cars - from $19 per day
- SUVs - from $71 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
Try these tricks to get a great car rental deal in Cape Town:
- Compare the rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit Cape Town when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Frankfurt is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 40% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 70% cheaper than renting a car in November.
Top 7 Cities near Cape Town
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Port Elizabeth Car Rentals from $11.82 per day646.8 km / 401.9 miles away
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George Car Rentals from $23.76 per day348.3 km / 216.4 miles away
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East London Car Rentals from $11.82 per day861.2 km / 535.1 miles away
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Bloemfontein Car Rentals from $11.89 per day908.3 km / 564.4 miles away
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Kimberley Car Rentals from $11.89 per day819.3 km / 509.1 miles away
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Upington Car Rentals from $11.89 per day668.5 km / 415.4 miles away
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Sishen Car Rentals from $13.42 per day818.1 km / 508.3 miles away
Top 18 Locations near Cape Town
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Cape Town, Downtown Car Rentals from $11.96 per day
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Cape Town Airport Car Rentals from $11.96 per day
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George Airport Car Rentals from $23.76 per day348.3 km / 216.4 miles away
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Port Elizabeth Airport Car Rentals from $11.82 per day646.8 km / 401.9 miles away
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Upington Airport Car Rentals from $11.89 per day668.5 km / 415.4 miles away
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Sishen Airport Car Rentals from $13.42 per day818.1 km / 508.3 miles away
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Kimberley Airport Car Rentals from $11.89 per day819.3 km / 509.1 miles away
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East London Airport Car Rentals from $11.82 per day861.2 km / 535.1 miles away
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Bloemfontein Airport Car Rentals from $11.89 per day908.3 km / 564.4 miles away
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Pietermaritzburg Airport Car Rentals from $15.84 per day1212.7 km / 753.5 miles away
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Johannesburg Lanseria Airport Car Rentals from $13.90 per day1265.1 km / 786.1 miles away
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Johannesburg, Tambo International Airport Car Rentals from $13.90 per day1270.9 km / 789.7 miles away
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Durban, King Shaka International Airport Car Rentals from $12.36 per day1277.0 km / 793.5 miles away
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Pretoria, Wonderboom Airport Car Rentals from $11.93 per day1308.6 km / 813.1 miles away
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Richards Bay Airport Car Rentals from $15.84 per day1405.0 km / 873.0 miles away
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Nelspruit Airport Car Rentals from $15.84 per day1514.1 km / 940.8 miles away
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Nelspruit, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport Car Rentals from $13.90 per day1537.2 km / 955.2 miles away
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Polokwane Airport Car Rentals from $14.91 per day1541.7 km / 957.9 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Cape Town?
Car rental prices in Cape Town vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Cape Town
The best month to rent a car in Cape Town is May (when prices for an Economy class start from $21.08). This is 40% cheaper than the yearly average and 70% cheaper than renting in November (when rental prices start at $70.72 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Cape Town?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in May, travelers rent a car for an average of 23 days in March, the average rental period is 9 days.
Average Rental Length in Cape Town
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Cape Town?
While travelers visit Cape Town year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is December, and the least popular is June.
Cape Town Car Rental Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Renault Clio | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Hertz | Chevrolet Spark | 5 | Small cars | |
| Hertz | Toyota RAV 4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Hertz | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Hertz | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Bidvest | Kia Picanto | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Budget | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Hertz | Toyota Fortuner | 5 | 1 | SUVs |
| Bidvest | Toyota Avanza | 5 | 1 | People Carriers/Vans |
| Budget | Kia Picanto | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
FAQ
Should I rent a car in Cape Town?
A majority of the ratings and reviews left by Discover Cars’ customers recommend renting a car (9.8 from 4 reviews).
What do you need to rent a car in Cape Town?
In most cases, you need a driver’s license, passport or ID card, and a credit card (in the name of the main driver), and the booking voucher to rent a car. Some companies may have additional requirements (be sure to check the rental conditions).
On what side of the road do they drive in South Africa?
Drivers must drive on the left side of the road.
Can I rent a car at 18 in South Africa?
Yes, you can rent a car at the age of 18.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Cape Town?
You must be between 18 and 99 years old.
Can you rent automatic cars in Cape Town?
Yes, automatic cars are available from Hertz, Keddy, Europcar, SIXT, Budget and Bidvest in Cape Town.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Though most companies require a credit card to leave a deposit, some accept debit cards. Check the rental conditions for more information.
Can I rent a car without a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card to pick up the car. Some may accept debit cards or cash. Check the rental conditions for more information.
What car classes can I rent?
Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Large cars, Premium cars and People Carriers/Vans vehicle types are available in Cape Town.
Can I rent a car in Cape Town with my home country’s driver's license (for example, U.S., U.K., or Australia)?
In most cases, a driver’s license from your home country is acceptable if it uses the Latin alphabet. In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Cape Town.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Cape Town?
In most cases, if your driver’s license uses the Latin alphabet, you can rent a car in in Cape Town without an International Driving Permit (IDP). In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Cape Town.
How much does an additional driver cost? Is there an option for a free additional driver?
No rental company in Cape Town offers a free additional driver.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Cape Town?
A rental car costs $56 per day, on average. The lowest daily price found in the past 48 hours was $12 at Hertz, Bidvest and SIXT.
How much is car rental for a week?
The average price for a weekly rental in Cape Town is $389. In the past 48 hours, the lowest price for a weekly rental in Cape Town was $84.
What car rental companies are located in Cape Town?
Hertz, Keddy, Europcar, SIXT, Budget and Bidvest can be found in Cape Town.
What is the best car rental company in Cape Town?
Ratings and reviews left by our users indicate that the best providers are Keddy (8.8, 19 reviews), Thrifty (8.8, 55 reviews) and Europcar (8.6, 11 reviews).
Our Customers Reviews
ON
Zimbabwe
Toyota Corolla
October 28, 2019
A great place to visit with so many attractions to suit all tastes
IN
South Africa
VW Polo
June 21, 2019
Cape Town is the most beautiful City ever
MB
Australia
Toyota Quantum
April 28, 2019
Cape Town is a world city and a must for every traveler. Just do NOT leave your car unattended on the street overnight - chances are good it might be damaged or gone the next morning.
YZ
China
Toyota Corolla
April 26, 2019
Cape town is a nice city and seems to be an Europ city.
Driving a car by yourself when you travle to Cape town is a good trip.
BD
Israel
Toyota Corolla
March 22, 2019
Cape Town is a pretty city. We enjoyed the Garden Route, and the Cape too. But you don't need a car to get around Cape Town
AB
Germany
VW Polo
March 5, 2019
Best city in the world..... thats says enough :-)
WL
France
Kia Picanto
March 4, 2019
Im from CT so I always recommend it.
MS
United States of America (USA)
VW Polo
February 16, 2019
I love Cape Town and the Southern Cape . Renting a car from Hertz in Cape Town make it easy and affordable to visit these places. Thank you Hertz Team !
TP
France
Toyota RAV 4
January 28, 2019
Nice city , and also nice landscape , country site that can be visited easily with a rental car , as the roads network is very good
SS
United Arab Emirates
Ford Fiesta
December 6, 2018
Enjoy the beautiful Capetown and renting a car makes it easier to experience each and every location in detail. The roads are fantastic and the city is very well connected.
KK
Singapore
BMW 3 series Aut.
November 5, 2018
The location of the car rentals is just beside the airport and you have many options to choose from as they are all aligned. Everyone is very helpful pickups are smooth!
RR
Australia
Hyundai Accent
November 2, 2018
Exquisite.
DK
Australia
Audi A3
October 7, 2018
Explore Cape town with a car, there is so much to see and do and a cat gives you that much more freedom
JT
South Africa
VW Polo
September 18, 2018
Cape Town is a well organized city and roads all over is in very reasonable condition. Renting a car gives you the freedom to come and go as you pleases. It is safe to drive to main tourist attractions as long as you adhere to speed limits and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Finding parking can be challenging during peak tourist season and leaving early is highly recommended.
MF
United Kingdom
Chevrolet Spark Lite
September 3, 2018
Love Cape Town but it’s easy to get lost. Also, as a single female driver, I was made to feel somewhat worried about security and driving alone at night.
MA
United Kingdom
Nissan Qashqai
August 31, 2018
The rental vehicle provided us with the freedom and possibilities in order to achieve a fantastic holiday.
Cape Town Peninsula
Garden Route
Port Elizabeth (Safari Park)
Thank you, Matthew
CE
South Africa
VW Polo
August 20, 2018
Cape Town is great. Just make sure when renting a vehicle from Hertz that you are not overcharged for fuel not used when returning the vehicle.
GT
United States of America (USA)
Nissan NV200
August 14, 2018
This is a beautiful city with many perks. I love the scenery, food, wines, weather and people.
ZL
China
Nissan Micra
July 21, 2018
To see the beautiful places in Cape Town, like Cape of good hope/Cape Point, Boulder, L'Aguhlas, Safari, one really need a car. And especially I enjoyed a lot of scenery driving along N1 to Aquila and N2 to L'Aguhlas.
Top 6 Suppliers for Cape Town in 2020
Hertz
+270214106800
40 Loop Street, Cape Town, 8000
SIXT
+27214221480
49 Loop Street
Keddy
+27214252382 / +27214215190
34 Prestwich St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001
Europcar
+270214215190
1 Lower Buitengracht, Foreshore, Cape Town
Bidvest
+270214185232
8005, 33 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Budget
+27219278800
Cape Town International Apt
Highly recommended by our customers
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