Cheap Car Rental in George $20+/day - FREE Cancellation

Travel Information

Language

IsiZulu,
Xhosa,
Afrikaans,
English

Currency

ZAR

Drive on

Left-hand side

Country code

+27

Average car rental price

$64.47 / per day

Average car rental length

12 days

Speed limit within town

60 km/h

37 mph

Speed limit out of town

100 - 120 km/h

62 - 75 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Rating

9.5

Why rent a car in George?

Located on the Indian Ocean in the southern part of South Africa, George is a fascinating place to visit. Known as the gate to the beautiful Garden Route, there’s also plenty to see in and around the city itself like quirky little museums, picturesque beaches, and unique nature. Following the Garden Route is one option after exploring the city, but with a rental car, you can also visit the nearby Cape Town or head into the interior of South Africa.

One-Way Car Rentals in George

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in George and drop off in another city include:

From George to Cape Town - 87 offers from $19.49 per day
From George to Port Elizabeth - 87 offers from $18.72 per day
From George to Johannesburg - 76 offers from $19.49 per day
From George to Plettenberg Bay - 24 offers from $16.51 per day

Top ways to enter George

George Airport: Also known as P.W. Botha Airport, it handled more than 800,000 travelers in 2018. As of December 2019, the airport only provides domestic connections, serving flights to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Located 9 km (5 miles) west of the city center, the airport can be reached in about ten minutes.
Port Elizabeth Airport: Serving the city of the same name, it is another small international airport in the Eastern Cape province. The airport hosts flights to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg as well as Durban and Bloemfontein. Located 335 km (208 miles) east of George, the airport can be reached in about three hours, with much of the road taking you right along the ocean.
Cape Town Airport: The second-busiest in the country and sixth-busiest in all of Africa, Cape Town Airport handled ten million travelers in 2018. The airport has flights by more than 20 different airlines and hosts flights to and from destinations in Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. Located 415 km (258 miles) west of George, Cape Town Airport takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach.

City facts

Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, George has an oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters. The average high temperature is 25°C (77°F) in February, the warmest month, and 19°C (66°F) in June, the coldest. George is one of the coldest cities in Sub-Saharan Africa outside of highland areas. The city experiences quite a lot of rain with an especial increase every March and April.
The main spoken language of George is Afrikaans, an Indo-European tongue that’s mutually intelligible with Dutch. Knowledge of English varies but is generally quite high among people working in the service and tourism industries. Native African languages like Xhosa and Tswana are also widely spoken in George and the rest of the Western Cape region.
Although inhabited for thousands of years by local tribes, a permanent settlement in George was only established in 1776 by the Dutch East Indies company. The European settlers were attracted to the area thanks to its vast woodlands as they were looking for new sources of timber. The timber industry remains an important part of the local economy and many sawmills are still operating in and near George.

Top destinations and activities

Outeniqua Transport Museum. The only one of its kind in the region, the Outeniqua Transport Museum specializes in railways - steam locomotives, couches, and private salons dating back to the early 20th century are on display. Many of the steam trains, known collectively as Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, used to travel along the legendary Garden Route railway which connected George and the city of Knysna and was closed in 2009. A number of classic cars are also on display.
Beaches. Although George is quite cool and windy for an African destination, the coastline surrounding the city is still an amazing place to enjoy. The picturesque Herolds Bay is the closest option, but with a rental car, you can also easily reach Vic Bay (located in the amazingly-named town of Wilderness, about a 20-minute ride east of George), Sparrebosch (about an hour’s drive to the east), and many other amazing coastal spots.
Garden Route Botanical Garden. There’s plenty of amazing fauna to be found in the nature surrounding George, but if you want to find all the unique species in one place and also learn about them without leaving the city then the Botanical Garden is the right place for you. The garden is located only a 15-minute drive from the city center.

Traffic and parking

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.

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.

When driving, 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 in cash or by credit card. Instead, a vehicle is identified either by an electronic tag that is on the vehicle or by the vehicle’s license 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 toll for using the toll roads depends on the type of road. See more information about the latest rates 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 day trips

Garden Route. Perhaps the most famous coastal area in Africa, the Garden Route has been attracting visitors for decades. Stretching for about 300 km (180 miles) from Witsand in the west to Storms River in the east, the area is home not only to George, but also places like Mossel Bay (a part of which is known as the District of Eden), Outeniqua Pass, and Nature’s Valley. Getting a rental car is one of the best ways to explore the full beauty of the route.
Knysna. Surrounded by some of the largest forests in South Africa on one side and a beautiful lagoon on the other, Knysna is a popular destination for eco-tourism. There are many hiking, climbing, and trekking tours you can joy. If you wish to learn more about the area’s history, head to the Millwood Museum and Materoli Tea Room where you can learn about the gold mining fever that once gripped the area (and the effect it left on the local nature). Situated some 62 km (38.5 miles) east of George, Knysna takes 50 minutes to reach.
Tsitsikamma National Park. If you want to get even closer to the beautiful nature of the area without leaving the Garden Route, then this national park is the right place for you. Made up of a number of nature preserves that also include the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area, the park is home to the Suspension Bridge and Lookout Trail, the Blue Duiker Trail, and - the most famous and scenic of them all - the Otter Trail. Located about 125 km (77 miles) east of George, the national park can be reached in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in George is the Volkswagen Polo, closely followed by the Toyota Corolla and the Kia Picanto. The most popular rental car types are economy, compact, and mini.

Further destinations

Port Elizabeth. A large coastal city at the eastern terminus of the Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is one of the diving hubs of Africa. Thanks to their accessibility and rich underwater life, sites like Bell Buoy, the Devil’s Reef, and the Riy Banks attract thousands of divers every year. There are many diving schools and instructors in the area offering dives for those of all levels of experience. Port Elizabeth is also home to a number of very interesting indigenous cultural centers. Located some 320 km (199 miles) from George, the city can be reached in four hours.
Cape Town. One of the most famous - and most beautiful - cities of South Africa, Cape Town has plenty of attractions to keep a visitor entertained. These include the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Table Mountain, and the Cape Winelands region. Cape Town is also surrounded by a number of small coastal towns, like Bloubergstrand and Muizenberg, which are awesome surfing and kitesurfing spots. Located 430 km (267 miles) west of George, Cape Town can be reached in five hours.
Addo Elephant National Park. The third-largest national park in South Africa (and by far the largest in this part of the country), Addo is a famous elephant preserve. More than 600 of the majestic animals live within the park which is also home to species like the cape buffalo, black rhinoceros, lion, and spotted hyena. The Addo Marine Protected area, a part of the park, is inhabited by different species of whale and great white sharks. Located 350 km (217 miles) east of George, the national park can be reached in about four hours.

Car Rental Prices in George

Large cars - from $34 per day
Medium cars - from $25 per day
Vans - from $46 per day
Premium cars - from $54 per day
Small cars - from $20 per day
SUVs - from $46 per day

Money-saving tips

Get a great rental car in George by applying these simple tips:

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 during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting George is the cheapest in September when renting a car is about 62% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 76% cheaper than renting a vehicle in February.

What travel writers say

The capital of the Southern Cape and the heart of the Garden Route, George is the ideal place to explore the diverse scenery and natural wonders. It has a low rainfall Mediterranean type climate with activities you can enjoy all the year-round. George is lying at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains nearby the Garden Route airport that connects with the main centers in South Africa. So, you can find flights to George directly from anywhere in South Africa.

KMU

Kach Medina Umandap

Kach is from Laguna, Philippines. The first time she traveled outside the Philippines was a month after her college graduation. She worked in Kuwait and Iraq for years before she realized that traveling was what her heart really wanted. She quit her nine-to-five career to pursue her travel passions.

The country I called home for three years! South Africa is a place where everyone should go at least once in their lives. It has gorgeous weather, amazing beaches, vast wildlife, delicious (and affordable!) wine and food, and breathtaking scenery everywhere you go!

KR

Kiersten Rich

Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.

Driving in South Africa is not as intimidating as it may sound at first sound. The country is one of the best places in the world to rent a car because it’s very self-drive friendly. Public transport is minimal in the cities and essentially non-existent in rural areas. Renting a car is also one of the best ways to get around and explore the country at your leisure. I’ve road tripped in South Africa many times, and can honestly say that renting a car is cheap, safe and highly recommended.

AK

Anna Karsten

I’m a Polish-born citizen of the world. At 20, I embarked on a mission to see the world while building my career through studying and working abroad.

Top 20 Cities near George

Knysna Car Rentals

61.4 km / 38.2 miles away
Hermanus Car Rentals from $25.06 per day

292.4 km / 181.7 miles away
Port Elizabeth Car Rentals from $17.52 per day

298.5 km / 185.5 miles away
Stellenbosch Car Rentals from $24.87 per day

324.8 km / 201.8 miles away
Strand Car Rentals

325.5 km / 202.3 miles away
Cape Town Car Rentals from $17.53 per day

348.3 km / 216.4 miles away
East London Car Rentals from $16.54 per day

516.3 km / 320.8 miles away
Kimberley Car Rentals from $17.33 per day

621.2 km / 386.0 miles away
Mthatha Car Rentals from $18.68 per day

648.7 km / 403.1 miles away
Bloemfontein Car Rentals from $20.04 per day

660.5 km / 410.4 miles away
Sishen Car Rentals

709.3 km / 440.7 miles away
Margate Car Rentals from $23.97 per day

825.0 km / 512.6 miles away
Pietermaritzburg Car Rentals from $24.87 per day

898.8 km / 558.5 miles away
Durban Car Rentals from $20.04 per day

959.0 km / 595.9 miles away
Johannesburg Car Rentals from $16.79 per day

1040.5 km / 646.5 miles away
Centurion Car Rentals from $21.01 per day

1064.6 km / 661.5 miles away
Pretoria Car Rentals from $20.04 per day

1077.7 km / 669.7 miles away
Richards Bay Car Rentals from $18.82 per day

1091.4 km / 678.2 miles away
Nelspruit Car Rentals from $18.89 per day

1275.5 km / 792.6 miles away
Polokwane Car Rentals from $18.82 per day

1322.3 km / 821.6 miles away

Top 19 Locations near George

George Airport Car Rentals from $20.04 per day
Port Elizabeth Airport Car Rentals from $17.52 per day

298.5 km / 185.5 miles away
Cape Town Franschhoek Car Rentals

301.0 km / 187.0 miles away
Cape Town Airport Car Rentals from $20.04 per day

348.3 km / 216.4 miles away
Downtown Car Rentals from $20.04 per day

365.1 km / 226.9 miles away
Port Elizabeth Rhodes University - Grahamstown Car Rentals from $25.06 per day

390.5 km / 242.6 miles away
East London Airport Car Rentals from $16.54 per day

516.3 km / 320.8 miles away
Kimberley Airport Car Rentals from $17.33 per day

621.2 km / 386.0 miles away
Bloemfontein Airport Car Rentals from $20.04 per day

660.5 km / 410.4 miles away
Sishen Airport Car Rentals

709.3 km / 440.7 miles away
Downtown Car Rentals from $23.51 per day

937.3 km / 582.4 miles away
King Shaka International Airport Car Rentals from $20.04 per day

959.0 km / 595.9 miles away
Johannesburg Airport Car Rentals from $24.91 per day

1040.5 km / 646.5 miles away
O.R. Tambo International Airport Car Rentals from $18.91 per day

1040.5 km / 646.5 miles away
Johannesburg Lanseria Airport Car Rentals from $20.04 per day

1043.6 km / 648.5 miles away
Pretoria Hatfield Car Rentals from $21.01 per day

1077.7 km / 669.7 miles away
Wonderboom Airport Car Rentals from $23.48 per day

1085.9 km / 674.7 miles away
Richards Bay Airport Car Rentals from $18.82 per day

1091.4 km / 678.2 miles away
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport Car Rentals from $21.01 per day

1275.5 km / 792.6 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in George?

Car rental prices in George vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in George

$36.19

January

$41.47

February

$46.61

March

$44.24

April

$48.74

May

$44.31

June

$55.15

July

$48.79

August

$41.01

September

$40.82

October

$46.94

November

$50.37

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in George is January (when prices average $36.19 per day). This is 20% cheaper than the yearly average and 34% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $55.15).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in George?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 17 days, and in September, they keep their car for 6 days.

Average rental length in George

17

January

12

February

10

March

8

April

9

May

7

June

13

July

10

August

6

September

12

October

11

November

11

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in George?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in George is December, and the least popular is June.

Monthly searches in George by pick-up date relative to the average

139%

January

141%

February

101%

March

96%

April

111%

May

43%

June

99%

July

114%

August

53%

September

73%

October

66%

November

164%

December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations	2
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	First Car Rental, BLUU, Keddy, Firefly, Hertz
Popular car categories	Small cars, Medium cars, Vans, Large cars
Lowest price	$20 per day
Cheapest supplier	First Car Rental

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
First Car Rental	Suzuki Celerio	5	1	Small cars
First Car Rental	Nissan Almera	5	2	Medium cars
First Car Rental	Toyota Quest	4	2	Large cars
Firefly	Toyota Agya	5	1	Small cars
Keddy	Kia Picanto	5	1	Small cars
First Car Rental	Honda Amaze	5	1	Small cars
Firefly	Toyota Corolla Quest	4	2	Medium cars
Hertz	Toyota Agya	5	1	Small cars
First Car Rental	Suzuki Swift	5	1	Small cars
First Car Rental	Volkswagen Polo	5	1	Medium cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

MR

Ireland

Suzuki Swift

April 9, 2022

Book earlier-maybe cheaper😊

SS

South Africa

Toyota Corolla Quest

December 15, 2021

Our base accomodation for our recent holiday in the Garden Route was Mossel Bay. It's a clean, friendly town, less rush and peaceful. We then launched daily visits to different parts from Mossel Bay. On our future holiday, we plan to 'camp' in Plettenberg Bay or Herman us, for whale watching.

PG

South Africa

Kia Picanto

February 17, 2020

Good service and a beautiful place to visit.

DM

Canada

Nissan Double Cab

March 21, 2019

George itself is nice but some of the surrounding nearby areas are even nicer.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company

Firefly

9.3 / 10

Lowest rated company

Bidvest

8.4 / 10

Total number of reviews

10

Total rental companies

11

Average daily price

$64.47

Lowest daily price

$20.44

Total cars available

100

Top 11 Suppliers in George in 2023

Firefly

Exceptional 9.3 / 27 reviews

1 location

$25 - $48

Hertz

Exceptional 9.2 / 23 reviews

1 location

First Car Rental

Exceptional 9.1 / 23 reviews

1 location

$20 - $179

BLUU

Exceptional 9 / 21 reviews

1 location

$25 - $90

Budget

Excellent 8.8 / 7 reviews

2 locations

$26 - $200

Keddy

Excellent 8.8 / 6 reviews

1 location

$24 - $57

Thrifty

Excellent 8.8 / 9 reviews

1 location

Europcar

Excellent 8.7 / 3 reviews

1 location

Avis

Excellent 8.5 / 3 reviews

2 locations

$29 - $200

SIXT

Excellent 8.5 / 4 reviews

1 location

$21 - $110

Bidvest

Excellent 8.4

1 location

Car Rental in George

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Travel Information

Why rent a car in George?

One-Way Car Rentals in George

Top ways to enter George

City facts

Top destinations and activities

Traffic and parking

Toll roads

Ideas for day trips

Most popular cars

Further destinations

Car Rental Prices in George

Money-saving tips

What travel writers say

Top 20 Cities near George

Top 19 Locations near George

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in George?

What’s the usual rental length in George?

What's the most popular month to rent a car in George?

Car Rental Information

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Our Customers' Reviews

Car Rental Statistics

Top 11 Suppliers in George in 2023

Highly recommended by our customers