Car Rental at Cape Town Airport

Airport travel guide

Fun and accessible, Cape Town is one of the most visited cities in Africa for a reason. The city has been shaped by the different cultures that call it home, making it a vibrant destination with an interesting history and plenty of atmosphere. Being in South Africa, fascinating nature is never too far away, either. These are five of the most interesting attractions in and around Cape Town:

• The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. More similar to a national park, the Kirstenbosch has been rightly called one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Its peaks, savanna, and shrubland give a home to a large variety of fascinating plants from all across South Africa, and there are also displays of indigenous art. The botanical garden is just a short drive south of Cape Town’s center and you can also visit a number of other nearby natural attractions such as Newlands Forest, Table Mountain, and Skeleton Gorge.
• Bo-Kaap. Also known as the Malay Quarter since many of its original inhabitants were brought to South Africa from Malaysia and Indonesia, Bo-Kaap is arguably the most famous neighborhood of the city. The area is best known for its many colorful buildings that feature prominently on every tourist brochure and video of Cape Town. The area remains predominantly Muslim and is home to a number of scenic mosques; another interesting place to visit is the Bo-Kaap Museum.
• Chapman’s Peak Drive. Named after the impressive summit that is located between the towns of Hout Bay and Noordhoek, Chapman’s Peak Drive is often called one of the most impressive roads in the world. The whole drive is just 9 km (5.4 miles) long and there is a toll in place, but it is absolutely still worth it. Both Hout Bay and Noordhoek also have plenty of fun things to see and do.
• Table Mountain. Referenced above due to its proximity to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, but deserving special mention, Table Mountain is one of the symbols of Cape Town, and arguably, the whole of South Africa. Accessible either by car, on foot, or via a cableway, it is very near the city center, but also at the heart of a national park of the same name, making it one of the most picturesque and visited places in the city.
• Artscape Theatre Centre. Centrally located in the Foreshore area and instantly recognizable for its imposing facade, ATC is one of the most important venues of performing arts in South Africa. Previously known as the Nico Malan Theater Center, it frequently hosts plays, ballet, opera, and concerts of both classical and popular music. Visit its website to learn more about performances taking place during your visit to Cape Town.

Find out more about renting a car in South Africa in our complete guide.

Top international routes

• Johannesburg
• Durban
• Port Elizabeth
• London
• George
• Hoedspruit
• Nelspruit
• Windhoek
   

Main airlines

Fly Safair, Airlink, Mango, South African Airways, South African Express, and Air Namibia

Terminals

The single Cape Town Airport building is divided into two terminals, domestic and international, which are connected via the check-in area located in the center.

Location

The airport is about 20 km (12 miles) from the city center. Motorway N2 is the main road connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $11 per day
• Medium cars - from $16 per day
• Large cars - from $20 per day
• SUVs - from $21 per day
• Vans - from $20 per day
• Premium cars - from $52 per day
• Convertibles - from $413 per day

Car rental desks

Car rental offices are located across from the main airport building and can be reached via two pedestrian underground passageways.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many shops, as well as restaurants, cafés, ATMs, a currency exchange, several lounges, a medical service, and prayer rooms. Luggage storage is in the arrivals area of the domestic terminal. The airport provides assistance to travelers with reduced mobility, but you should get in touch in advance if this is needed. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Total Airport Industria, located at Montreal Drive, Boquinar Industrial Area, can be reached in less than five minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations near Cape Town Airport and on the way to the city.

Popular one-way rentals

• Stellenbosch (38 km / 24 miles)
• Strand (37 km / 23 miles)
• Hermanus (109 km / 68 miles)
• George (422 km / 262 miles)
• Port Elizabeth (764 km / 475 miles)
• Johannesburg (995 km / 618 miles)