Car Hire 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 three 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.

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

Top international routes

• Windhoek
• Dubai
• London
• Nairobi
• Addis Ababa
• Amsterdam

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 hire car

• Small cars - starting at US$16 per day
• Medium cars - starting at US$20 per day
• Large cars - starting at US$22 per day
• SUVs - starting at US$27 per day
• People Carriers - starting at US$29 per day
• Premium cars - starting at US$62 per day

Car hire 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 petrol 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 hires

• Port Elizabeth (736 km / 457 mi)
• Johannesburg (1,397 km / 868 mi)
• George (415 km / 258 mi)
• Windhoek (1,489 km / 925 mi)
• East London (1,041 km / 647 mi)
• Maun (2,268 km / 1,409 mi)