Car Rental in Cape Town
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 13:19 on 2021-09-24. 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
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.
One-Way Car Rentals in Cape Town
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Cape Town and drop off in another city include:
- From Cape Town to Port Elizabeth - 220 offers from US$ 20.91 per day
- From Cape Town to Johannesburg - 246 offers from US$ 20.91 per day
- From Cape Town to George - 178 offers from US$ 20.91 per day
- From Cape Town to Windhoek - 47 offers from US$ 44.58 per day
- From Cape Town to Hermanus - 12 offers from US$ 19.19 per day
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.
- Science Center. The museum-like center was created to promote scientific literacy and is one of the most interesting places to visit in Cape Town. Very interactive, it has a large number of exhibitions, scientific riddles, and fun technology to play with, making it an especially great place to visit for children and young adults. The center is in the Observatory neighborhood, named after the South African Astronomical Observatory which can also be visited.
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.
- Robben Island. Located just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is well-known as a former colony of political prisoners during South Africa’s Apartheid era. Nelson Mandela, the future president of South Africa and symbol of the peace movement around the world, was held on it for 18 years. Nowadays, the island has been turned into a museum and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can only reach the island by ferry and it’s not possible to bring a car, but you can park it at the port and pick it up upon returning. The number of visitors permitted to visit the island daily is limited, so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance.
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
For more about traveling around South Africa with a rental car, check out our complete guide.
- Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area. Named after a mountain range, Groot Winterhoek is a protected nature area about a two-hour drive northeast of Cape Town. The reserve is made up of stunning peaks, wide waterfalls, and rock formations, and has many opportunities for trekking and hiking. There is interesting rock art dating back millennia to be found, as well as a conservation project with animals like klipspringers, leopards, and jackal buzzards. Accommodation can be found, including at forest stations inside the park (although it’s a good idea to book in advance). Visit Groot Winterhoek’s official website to learn more.
- 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 $44 per day
- Medium cars - from $26 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $63 per day
- Premium cars - from $61 per day
- Small cars - from $20 per day
- SUVs - from $59 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 10 Cities near Cape Town
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Port Elizabeth Car Rentals from $8.77 per day741.9 km / 461.0 miles away
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George Car Rentals from $10.38 per day355.3 km / 220.7 miles away
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East London Car Rentals from $9.19 per day781.8 km / 485.8 miles away
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Bloemfontein Car Rentals from $10.38 per day907.4 km / 563.9 miles away
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Upington Car Rentals from $14.13 per day660.9 km / 410.6 miles away
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Stellenbosch Car Rentals from $10.38 per day31.1 km / 19.3 miles away
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Kimberley Car Rentals from $10.38 per day816.6 km / 507.4 miles away
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Hermanus Car Rentals from $10.38 per day89.6 km / 55.7 miles away
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Paarl Car Rentals from $18.23 per day40.6 km / 25.2 miles away
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Sishen Car Rentals from $9.36 per day812.2 km / 504.7 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Cape Town
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Cape Town Milnerton Car Rentals from $28.61 per day
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Cape Town Century City Car Rentals from $18.23 per day3.8 km / 2.4 miles away
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Cape Town Airport Car Rentals from $10.38 per day12.8 km / 8.0 miles away
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Paarl Val De Vie Car Rentals from $18.23 per day40.6 km / 25.2 miles away
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George Airport Car Rentals from $10.38 per day355.3 km / 220.7 miles away
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Port Elizabeth Airport Car Rentals from $10.38 per day653.8 km / 406.2 miles away
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Upington Airport Car Rentals from $14.13 per day660.9 km / 410.6 miles away
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Port Elizabeth Rhodes University - Grahamstown Car Rentals from $8.77 per day741.9 km / 461.0 miles away
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East London Fort Hare University Car Rentals from $9.19 per day781.8 km / 485.8 miles away
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Sishen Airport Car Rentals from $9.36 per day812.2 km / 504.7 miles away
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Kimberley Airport Car Rentals from $10.38 per day816.6 km / 507.4 miles away
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East London Airport Car Rentals from $14.13 per day866.9 km / 538.7 miles away
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Bloemfontein Airport Car Rentals from $10.38 per day907.4 km / 563.9 miles away
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Pietermaritzburg Airport Car Rentals from $14.13 per day1215.0 km / 755.0 miles away
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Johannesburg Lanseria Airport Car Rentals from $14.13 per day1262.5 km / 784.5 miles away
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O.R. Tambo International Airport Car Rentals from $10.38 per day1268.7 km / 788.3 miles away
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King Shaka International Airport Car Rentals from $10.38 per day1279.6 km / 795.1 miles away
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Pretoria Hatfield Car Rentals from $17.91 per day1299.4 km / 807.4 miles away
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Wonderboom Airport Car Rentals from $13.17 per day1306.0 km / 811.5 miles away
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Richards Bay Airport Car Rentals from $14.13 per day1407.1 km / 874.4 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 $22.80). This is 37% cheaper than the yearly average and 61% cheaper than renting in December (when rental prices start at $58.23 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 November, and the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in Cape Town by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bidvest | Kia Picanto | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Firefly | Toyota Agya | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Firefly | Toyota Starlet | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Bidvest | Hyundai i10 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Bidvest | Hyundai i20 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Firefly | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Hertz | VW Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Budget | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Hertz | Toyota Agya | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Firefly | Toyota Corolla Quest | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
Our Customers Reviews
RM
South Africa
Toyota Corolla
January 7, 2021
Cape Town is always a winner. Canopy tours in Grabouw are the best
NM
South Africa
Toyota Corolla
December 16, 2020
Great to rent
My problem was difficulty in finding a midsize sedan or suv
But , then again , I booked a car on very short notice for 8 days
CM
South Africa
Toyota Corolla
December 16, 2020
It is a great city, filled with a plethora of places, unique sights and great people.
YS
South Africa
Kia Picanto
December 11, 2020
Have to visit Clifton Beach 4! As well as climb Lion's Head...waterfront must be visited! The view of Cape Town and surrounding area can be seen well from Signal Hill.
AD
South Africa
Datsun Go
December 5, 2020
Lots to see and do, mobility a must
NT
South Africa
Toyota Corolla
October 2, 2020
Cape Town is by far one of the worlds most amazing cities and quite possibly the gem of South Africa on its own. There’s plenty of activities, many places to eat and relax, the views are spectacular, the people are chilled out and friendly and the only issue is summer, autumn, winter and spring could occur in the same day LOL!!
NN
United Kingdom
Nissan Double Cab
May 9, 2020
Choice of the car u can upgrade and get a discount
AH
South Africa
Datsun Go
March 29, 2020
It's a very busy branch with no parking outside
ES
South Africa
Renault Clio
March 5, 2020
Make sure to miss the traffic that starts from 15:00 anywhere in Cape Town.
MO
South Africa
Nissan Almera
February 18, 2020
Beautfiul city
CG
Brazil
Toyota Avanza
February 17, 2020
THE BEST
TD
Australia
Nissan Almera
November 2, 2019
Garden Route.
ON
Zimbabwe
Toyota Corolla
October 28, 2019
A great place to visit with so many attractions to suit all tastes
CJ
United Arab Emirates
Hyundai i20
August 10, 2019
Amazing city
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.
Top 9 Suppliers in Cape Town in 2021
Hertz
+270219353000
Cape Town International Airport, 4 Matroosfontein Rd, Cape Town, 7525
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
SIXT
+27112309999
Cape Town Int. Airport
Keddy
+27219358600
Cape Town International Airport
Working hours
Mon:00:01-23:59
Tue:00:01-23:59
Wed:00:01-23:59
Thu:00:01-23:59
Fri:00:01-23:59
Sat:00:01-23:59
Sun:00:01-23:59
Europcar
+27219358600
Car Rental Terminal, Parow East, 7501 Cape Town
Working hours
Mon:00:01-23:59
Tue:00:01-23:59
Wed:00:01-23:59
Thu:00:01-23:59
Fri:00:01-23:59
Sat:00:01-23:59
Sun:00:01-23:59
Bidvest
+27219272750
Cape Town Intl Airport, Main Building Unit BG12, Central Car Rental Building, Central Boulevard 7525
Working hours
Mon:06:00-21:00
Tue:06:00-21:00
Wed:06:00-21:00
Thu:06:00-21:00
Fri:06:00-21:00
Sat:06:00-21:00
Sun:06:00-21:00
Budget
+27219278800
Cape Town International Apt
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:00
Tue:06:00-22:00
Wed:06:00-22:00
Thu:06:00-22:00
Fri:06:00-22:00
Sat:06:00-22:00
Sun:06:00-22:00
Avis
27219278800
Cape Town International Apt
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:00
Tue:06:00-22:00
Wed:06:00-22:00
Thu:06:00-22:00
Fri:06:00-22:00
Sat:06:00-22:00
Sun:06:00-22:00
Thrifty ZA
+270219362121 / +270796878773
Unit BG6 Car Rental Building, Central Boulevard, Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, 7525
Working hours
Mon:07:00-20:00
Tue:07:00-20:00
Wed:07:00-20:00
Thu:07:00-20:00
Fri:07:00-20:00
Sat:07:00-20:00
Sun:07:00-20:00
GreenMotion
+27215559561
341 Koeberg, Brooklyn, Cape Town, 7441
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59