Car Rental in Port Elizabeth
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Cheapest car rental rates
Port Elizabeth Airport
Economy
Volkswagen Polo Vivo or similar
$15.92 per day
Port Elizabeth Airport
Mini
Suzuki Celerio or similar
$16.03 per day
Port Elizabeth Airport
Compact
Toyota Corolla or similar
$20.10 per day
Port Elizabeth Airport
Intermediate
VW Polo or similar
$22.98 per day
Most popular car rental deals
Port Elizabeth Airport
Economy Elite
Volkswagen Polo Vivo or similar
$24.17 per day
Port Elizabeth Airport
Standard SUV
Toyota Corolla Cross or similar
$54.29 per day
Port Elizabeth Airport
Premium
Lexus ES or similar
$60.30 per day
Downtown
Full-size Elite SUV
Toyota Fortuner or similar
$61.25 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 4:07 PM on 5/6/25. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel information
Languages
IsiZulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English
Currency
ZAR
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+27
Average car rental price
$34 per day
Average car rental length
10 days
Speed limit within town
60 km/h or 37 mph
Speed limit out of town
100 - 120 km/h or 62 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gas price
$1.27 per liter or $4.81 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.15 per liter or $4.36 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.37 per liter or $5.18 per gallon
Why rent a car in Port Elizabeth?
Port Elizabeth is a great place to explore. Located on the Indian Ocean roughly halfway between Cape Town and Durban, it has stunning beaches and offers some of the best surfing and diving opportunities on the planet. A number of game reserves and national parks are located near Port Elizabeth and are easily reached with a rental car. The city itself is a relaxed place with a high quality of life and has interesting museums, great restaurants, and friendly locals. Considered by many the best vacation destination in South Africa, it’s certainly a place to enjoy.
Note: As of 2021, Port Elizabeth has been officially renamed Gqeberha after the name of a local river in the native Xhosa language. Both names are in use in colloquial speech, and many people in South Africa continue to refer to the city as Port Elizabeth, or sometimes simply P.E.
One-way car rentals in Port Elizabeth
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Port Elizabeth and drop off in another city include:
- From Port Elizabeth to Cape Town - 142 offers from $20.35 per day
- From Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg - 79 offers from $20.35 per day
- From Port Elizabeth to East London - 88 offers from $19.55 per day
- From Port Elizabeth to Margate - 14 offers from $22.07 per day
Top ways to enter Port Elizabeth
- Port Elizabeth Airport: Small and cozy, as of July 2019 Port Elizabeth only has domestic air routes. There are frequent flights to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, and East London. Located just 5km (3 miles) south of the city center, the airport can be reached in less than 10 minutes.
- East London Airport: Serving the city of the same name, it is another small and regional airport on the southeast coast of South Africa. East London Airport is located 280km (174 miles) northeast of Port Elizabeth and the distance between the two can be traveled in about three hours, although you might be tempted to take the longer and more scenic route that goes right along the coast.
- George Airport: Also known as P.W. Botha Airport after the former president of the country, George Airport has been growing over the last five years and served more than 800,000 travelers in 2018. The airport is located 330km (205 miles) west of Port Elizabeth and can be reached in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Cape Town Airport: Serving the famous city of the same name, Cape Town Airport might seem quite far from Port Elizabeth, but it is the closest airport that hosts international flights. The second-busiest in the country and fifth-busiest on the continent of Africa, Cape Town Airport handles more than 10 million travelers every year and offers flights to and from African countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Ethiopia; European nations such as Austria, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany,;and even countries like Qatar, Singapore, and China (Hong Kong). Located 730km (453 miles) west of Port Elizabeth, Cape Town Airport can be reached in about 8 eight hours.
City facts
- Sitting right on the coast, Port Elizabeth has an oceanic climate with warm summers, mild winters and relatively small temperature differences throughout a year. The average temperature is 21°C (70°F) in January and February, the warmest months, and 14°C (57°F) in July. Precipitation is constantly low regardless of the season, with a small increase between August and October. The city has been experiencing a constant drought for the last few years.
- Port Elizabeth is a multicultural and multilingual place; Afrikaans and English are by far the two most widespread languages in the city, but 11% of locals are native Xhosa speaker and other African languages such as Zulu, Sesotho, and Setswana can also be frequently heard.
- Port Elizabeth is located on Algoa Bay. A part of the Southern Indian Ocean, it stretches for 683km (425 miles) east of the Cape of Good Hope. The bay is home to a large variety of unique marine wildlife such as the African penguin, Antarctic tern, humpback whale, Cape fur seal, and great white shark. Many of the species can frequently be observed in or near the two archipelagos located in Algoa Bay, the St. Croixand Bird Islands.
Top sights and activities
- Sakhume Museum & Xhosa Culture Centre, Human Dignity Centre. This museum is dedicated to the Xhosa people, the original inhabitants, and one of the largest groups, of the Eastern Cape. Visitors can learn the basics of Xhosa, a unique clicking Bantu language, and learn about Xhosa traditions, culture, and life in present-day South Africa.
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum. Speaking of Xhosa people, the most famous one, of course, was Nelson Mandela, the former South African president and anti-apartheid leader. Named in his honor, this museum showcases a lot of traditional and contemporary South African art, especially the one that comes from around Port Elizabeth.
- Bayworld. An entertainment complex, Bayworld is one of the most fun places in the city. Visit the aquarium to see marine animals like seals, penguins, and sea turtles; head to Port Elizabeth Museum to marvel at the 15m (49 ft) skeleton of a southern right whale and a reconstruction of the giant Algoasaurus that once roamed the area; or try the Snake Park that houses different species of serpents, turtles, and lizards.
- Alexandria Dune Field. Located half an hour’s drive northeast of the city center, this nature preserve is home to the largest coastal dunes anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Some of the sandy peaks rise up to 140 m (460 feet), and the area is home to several protected avian and mammal species such as the vervet monkeys and bush pigs. There are several trails that take the visitors through the field, and it is also possible to join a guided tour to learn more about the history and ecology of the area.
Traffic and parking
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120km/h (74.5 mph) on freeways, 100km/h (62 mph) on any public road outside of an urban area that is not a freeway, and 60km/h (37 mph) on any public road within an urban or built-up area.
- Plan your route around the city in advance consulting the latest information online and asking your hotel, local tourism authority and trustworthy locals for advice. While most parts of Port Elizabeth are safe, and the city is generally safer than other urban centers in South Africa, certain areas are not, and you would not want to drive or get stranded in them.
- 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.
- Port Elizabeth is overall a lot safer than many other South African cities. Nevertheless, safety can be an issue in certain parts of the city and in some of the townships surrounding it. To make sure you do not travel to these dangerous areas, or at least do not get stuck in them, check the latest security updates about the city and consult trustworthy locals about areas of the city where you plan to travel.
- Proof of insurance and the car’s registration need 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 this website.
- 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
- Beaches. More than anything else, Port Elizabeth is a beach destination. Its stunning golden shoreline attracts thousands of visitors every year. Some of the best beaches in and around the city include Hobie Beach, Humewood Beach, King’s Beach, and Wells Estate Beach. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and even getting a drink or a meal in a beach bar, they are all easily reached with a rental car. Many of these and other beaches have Blue Flag status indicating high safety and ecological standards.
- Diving. Thanks to the many stunning sites, high level of equipment provided by local companies, and constantly warm sea temperature, Port Elizabeth rightfully has a reputation as one of the scuba diving meccas of the world. Some of the most famous places to scuba diving around Port Elizabeth include Avalanche Reef, Devil’s Reef, and Brenton Island. Available to, and exciting for, divers of all levels from beginners to seasoned pros, diving is something you simply should try if you’re ever visiting this part of the world.
- Kragga Kamma Game Park. There are many national parks and reserves around Port Elizabeth, but Kragga Kamma is one of those standing out. The park is not too big but has plenty of unique species such as South African cheetahs, southern white rhinoceros, South African giraffes and nyala antelopes. You can visit Kragga Kamma with your own car, and with the help of the park’s stuff, it’s even possible to camp in it. Located just 14km (8.7 miles) from Port Elizabeth center, it can be reached in about 20 minutes.
- Addo Elephant National Park. One of the most famous national parks in the country, Addo is a very popular place for a day trip. Large and very diverse, it gives home not just to the African elephants, but also various species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. The roads of the park are in good condition, so it can be easily visited in a medium-sized rental car. The drive from Port Elizabeth to Addo takes about one hour.
Most popular cars
The most popular rental car in Port Elizabeth is the Toyota Corolla, and many travelers also pick the Kia Picanto and the Ford Fiesta. The most popular rental car types are compact, mini, and economy.
Further destinations
- Jeffreys Bay. Famous for year-round stunning weather, great seafood, and perhaps the best surfing waves in all of Africa, Jeffreys Bay is a great vacation destination. The small town’s center presents some nice accommodation and dining opportunities, but it’s the stunning beaches, such as Aston Bay or Paradise Beach, that are the main attractions of this place. Located 78km (48 miles) west of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay can be reached in one hour or less.
- Cape Town. One of the great famous cities of Africa, Cape Town would be a highlight of any trip to the country. Characterized by its important historical role and many landmarks, Cape Town is also known for its natural beauty such as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Table Mountain, and Long Coastline. A drive from Port Elizabeth takes about eight hours and is a fascinating car trip along the Indian ocean, but you can also drop off one car, take a short domestic flight, and pick up a new rental after arriving in Cape Town.
- Garden Route. More of a journey than a single destination, the Garden Route is a roughly 300km-long (186 miles) stretch of coast. Starting at Storms River about 165km (102 miles) from Port Elizabeth and continuing westward, it includes attractions like Tsitsikamma National Park,the lagoons and virgin forests of Knysna, and the picturesque town of Mossel Bay. One of South Africa’s most famous travel destinations, it is especially enjoyable if explored with your own car.
- Lesotho. Known as the Kingdom of the Sky, this landlocked and mountainous country remains something of a mystery for foreign travelers. It’s not easy to reach, but those who do make it praise the ancient Che-Che forests, the Sehlabathebe National Park which is famous for its mountain scenery and protected wildlife species, and the unmatched hospitality of the locals. To go there, you’d have to cross an international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. Many don’t, so it can be a good idea to drop off one rental car in South Africa and pick up a new one in Lesotho. Also, check to see if you need a visa - Lesotho is a sovereign country and entry requirements can be different from those for South Africa depending on your citizenship. Maseru, Lesotho’s capital, is 690km (429 miles) northeast of Port Elizabeth and can be reached in about seven hours.
Car rental prices in Port Elizabeth
- Large cars - from $18 per day
- Medium cars - from $19 per day
- Vans - from $32 per day
- Premium cars - from $60 per day
- Small cars - from $16 per day
- SUVs - from $30 per day
Money-saving and other tips
There are a number of things you can do to get a good rental car deal in Port Elizabeth. Start with:
- 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 Port Elizabeth is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 54% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 74% cheaper than renting a car in November.
Top 20 cities near Port Elizabeth
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230.4 km / 143.2 miles away
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237.3 km / 147.5 miles away
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298.5 km / 185.5 miles away
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393.8 km / 244.7 miles away
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547.8 km / 340.4 miles away
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563.5 km / 350.1 miles away
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581.9 km / 361.6 miles away
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588.5 km / 365.7 miles away
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623.3 km / 387.3 miles away
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624.2 km / 387.9 miles away
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646.8 km / 401.9 miles away
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660.5 km / 410.4 miles away
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711.7 km / 442.2 miles away
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747.5 km / 464.5 miles away
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846.9 km / 526.2 miles away
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908.4 km / 564.5 miles away
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937.1 km / 582.3 miles away
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950.3 km / 590.5 miles away
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1,093.1 km / 679.2 miles away
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1,187.6 km / 737.9 miles away
Top 19 locations near Port Elizabeth
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111.6 km / 69.3 miles away
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230.4 km / 143.2 miles away
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298.5 km / 185.5 miles away
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547.8 km / 340.4 miles away
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581.9 km / 361.6 miles away
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599.5 km / 372.5 miles away
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646.8 km / 401.9 miles away
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663.7 km / 412.4 miles away
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663.7 km / 412.4 miles away
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686.7 km / 426.7 miles away
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711.7 km / 442.2 miles away
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747.5 km / 464.5 miles away
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908.4 km / 564.5 miles away
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908.4 km / 564.5 miles away
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921.9 km / 572.8 miles away
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950.3 km / 590.5 miles away
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959.8 km / 596.4 miles away
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1,093.1 km / 679.2 miles away
Map of car rental locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Port Elizabeth?
Car rental prices in Port Elizabeth 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 Port Elizabeth
The cheapest month to rent a car in Port Elizabeth is June (when prices average $31.06 per day). This is 21% cheaper than the yearly average and 38% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $50.48).
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.
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 Port Elizabeth?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 16 days, and in June, they keep their car for 8 days.
Average number of rental days in Port Elizabeth
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Port Elizabeth?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Port Elizabeth is December, and the least popular is May.
Monthly searches in Port Elizabeth by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Car rental locations | 3 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Hertz, First Car Rental, Carwiz, GreenMotion, Firefly |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Vans |
| Lowest price | $16 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Carwiz |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| First Car Rental | Proton X50 | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Hertz | Toyota Corolla Quest | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Hertz | Volkswagen T-Cross | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Hertz | Volkswagen Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| First Car Rental | Volkswagen Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| First Car Rental | Suzuki Celerio | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| First Car Rental | Toyota Quest | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Carwiz | Renault Kwid | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Firefly | Toyota Agya | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the 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.
SD
South Africa
Renault Kwid
3/26/25
The mountains and scenery around Stellenbosch
MB
South Africa
Toyota Corolla
2/22/24
Seeing my family from England
KK
South Africa
Hyundai i20
2/5/24
It was so amazing.
NN
South Africa
Toyota Agya
1/18/24
activities and restaurants
AT
South Africa
Suzuki Celerio
1/7/24
The car was just meant to get me to and from Plettenberg Bay, where I visited my family for Christmas and New Year
DK
United Kingdom
Proton X50
12/17/23
Toured Easter Cape and parts of Garden Route. Visiting Addo, Mountain Zebra, and Camdeboo Parks. The encounter with 100's, literally, Elephants at Addo was the best moment
BT
South Africa
Hyundai Staria
8/24/23
Please Load client credentials before arrival. So it’s faster to sign and go.
Thanks
JV
South Africa
Hyundai i10
12/24/21
We stayed at the LookOut in Port Alfred and had the most wonderful time and the guesthouse superb. Great beaches, and lagoons. Port Alfred only has one good restaurant though an that is, KC Italia- I think that is the name. The others are average.
Kleinemonde and Boknesstrand superb. Loved our stay in Port Alfred!
DC
South Africa
Suzuki Swift
10/30/20
A car gave me great mobility to stop off where ever I felt like it. So many beautiful places to stop along the Garden Route.
UK
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla Cross
6/5/19
Drive via garden route to Cape town is highly recommended.
CH
Australia
Toyota Starlet
9/12/18
Port Elizabeth was safe and easy to get around
Car rental statistics
Highest-rated company
Hertz
8.7 / 10
Lowest-rated company
FOX
7.6 / 10
Total number of reviews
15
Total rental companies
16
Average daily price
$34.39
Lowest daily price
$15.92
Total cars available
356
Top 16 suppliers in Port Elizabeth in 2025
Hertz
2 locations
$21 - $96
First Car Rental
1 location
$16 - $113
SIXT
1 location
$18 - $103
Europcar
2 locations
$20 - $112
BLUU
2 locations
$20 - $92
Carwiz
2 locations
$16 - $182
Keddy
1 location
$20 - $109
Budget
1 location
$25 - $135
Firefly
1 location
$17 - $79
U-Save
1 location
$21 - $76
Dollar
1 location
$47 - $81
Thrifty
1 location
$23 - $81
Avis
1 location
$26 - $145
GreenMotion
2 locations
$21 - $78
Bidvest
2 locations
$22 - $104
FOX
1 location
$22 - $104
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
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Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
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SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Rental Websites
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