Car hire in Cape Town, South Africa

Compare car hire from trusted providers

Book car hire with confidence

Save big on car hire in Cape Town

Find a cheap car hire deal

Search for Cape Town car hire near you

Choose from 58 pick-up spots

Find cheap car hire in Cape Town

These are the lowest Cape Town car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Cape Town?

Our data shows that September is the cheapest month to rent a car in Cape Town. It’s around Rs5,652 per day in September, compared to the yearly average of Rs9,105 per day.
Cheapest month avgSeptember • Rs5,652
Yearly avg priceRs9,105

Select your Cape Town pick-up location

There are 58 car hire providers in Cape Town. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Cape Town

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Cape Town. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
Filter locations
These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

Driving in Cape Town: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Cape Town.
Most visitors can use their regular driving licence. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence isn’t in English. Rental companies also ask for matching ID, and some require a credit card deposit.
Navigating city driving
Roads are well signed, with clear routes to beaches and mountains.
Driving in Cape Town is straightforward, though traffic builds near the CBD and Waterfront. Navigation apps help you avoid busy highways and guide you along coastal drives and routes to viewpoints.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
South Africa uses some toll roads, but not within central Cape Town.
Most tolls apply to long-distance highways outside the city. Cape Town has no emissions zones. Check your rental company’s toll payment options if you plan to drive further along the coast.
Parking your car in Cape Town
Parking is available across the city, especially near shopping areas.
Street parking is monitored by attendants in busy zones. Multi-storey car parks are common in the CBD and Waterfront. At beaches and viewpoints, use marked bays and follow local guidance.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Cape Town are increasing.
Petrol stations sit along major roads and near malls. Charging points are expanding across the city, though some suburbs have fewer options. Apps like PlugShare show available locations.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are steady on main routes but quicker on highways.
Traffic slows near beaches and tourist areas. Watch for minibus taxis making sudden stops, and take care at night on unlit roads. Keep a safe distance and stay alert for pedestrians.
Find Cape Town car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Cape Town

Woodford Car Hire
Firefly powered by Hertz
Sixt
Hertz
Firefly
U-Save

What's the most popular car to hire in Cape Town?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Volkswagen Polo is the most popular car to hire in Cape Town, with prices starting from Rs3,323 per day. The Hyundai i10 and similar models are also popular drives in Cape Town.
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo20% chose this
Hyundai i10
Hyundai i108% chose this
Kia Picanto
Kia Picanto6% chose this
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla4% chose this
Most popular carVolkswagen Polo
Why?Small, practical, easy to park

Cape Town's cheapest car hire providers

Garage Nr1 has the cheapest car hire in Cape Town right now, with prices from Rs3,016 per day. You'll save an average of Rs2,062 per day when you book with them.
Garage Nr1from Rs3,016 per day
Woodford Car Hirefrom Rs4,029 per day
Green Motionfrom Rs5,290 per day
U-Savefrom Rs5,916 per day
Cheapest providerGarage Nr1
Book with them to save aroundRs2,062 per day

Choose from the best car hire companies in Cape Town

Hiring a car in Cape Town: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyWoodford Car Hire
Most popular carLarge, fullsize pick up truck
Average daily priceRs39,091
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Cape Town

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Cape Town car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cape Town

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Cape Town and get going for around Rs39,091 a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.

  • Rs3,323 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Cape Town.

  • Thinking of staying longer? Grab a weekly rental from Rs23,257 and take the time to discover more.

  • Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Around one week in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Cape Town car hire.

  • Find your perfect ride with Green Motion, Europcar or U-Save. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.

  • The coverage Green Motion or another company includes with your Cape Town car hire can vary, so remember to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.

  • Travel without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging Rs25,002 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around Rs18,977, [this provider]([this provider) comes in next.

  • The third option also stays competitive on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly Rs22,206 a day.

  • After a car that works for most trips? The Large rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Cape Town.

Flying to Cape Town? Think about an airport pick-up

  • If you're jetting into Cape Town, get going faster by picking up a car hire at Cape Town Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 19 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Cape Town

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.

  • Medium: A top choice when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Cape Town car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Cape Town big enough for a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group travel, moving or business use.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Cape Town car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so take the time to shop around.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Cape Town by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.

Good to know

  • Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in South Africa. Rules can differ, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Cape Town car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest choice.

  • You'll need to bring a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.

  • Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stay on the left side of the road in South Africa.

  • Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.

  • In South Africa, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to drink, get someone else to do the driving or find an alternative way to get around.

  • One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 7am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.

  • The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when you can, but have some cash ready for places that don't accept electronic payment.

Best hotels in Cape Town for drivers

  • Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time making the most of POD Camps Bay by The Oyster Collection. Around 5 kilometres from central Cape Town, it comes with parking, a spa and a library.

  • Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel makes things simpler with parking and features like tour services and a laundry. It's roughly 0.32 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full lineup of hotels in Cape Town and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.

  • It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Cape Town and your hotel. From Table Mountain to The Rock and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, there's plenty to keep you busy here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cape Town

  • Paarl should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Zandwijk Wines and Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. This city is around 56 kilometres northeast of central Cape Town.

  • You'll be well looked after at Grande Roche Hotel and Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa, two accommodation options with parking in Paarl.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Cape Town and then set off for Worcester. Around 97 kilometres east of Cape Town, Karoo Desert Garden and Kleinplasie Living Open Air Museum are highlights that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Worcester has some comfortable places to stay including Cumberland Hotel Worcester and Damas. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.

Frequently asked questions

The average car hire cost in Cape Town is Rs39,091 per day or Rs183,882 for a seven-day rental. If you're looking for a cheap deal, the lowest price we found is Rs3,323 per day for Small hire from Classique. Need a specific type of car? Here's how prices compare:
Economy
Average price: Rs13,577 per day.
Cheapest price found: Rs3,323 per day.
SUV
Average price: Rs25,895 per day.
Cheapest price found: Rs5,287 per day.
Premium/Luxury
Average price: Rs53,154 per day.
Cheapest price found: Rs5,929 per day.
The cheapest car to rent in Cape Town is Small, mini. The most popular is Large, fullsize pick up truck.
The cheapest car hire companies in Cape Town are currently First - Car Rental and Thrifty.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Cape Town is currently September.
On average, around Rs183,882. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Cape Town is Rs23,257.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Cape Town for a whole month is Rs633,335. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Cape Town, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Cape Town that have free cancellation
If you've booked car hire with free cancellation, you can usually cancel or change your booking without paying a fee. The deadline depends on the car hire company, but it's typically around 48 hours before pick-up. If you cancel after that, you may be charged. If your booking doesn't include free cancellation, you'll need to check the car hire company's cancellation policy. Depending on when you cancel, you might have to pay a fee or you won't get a refund.
Yes. Most car hire companies in Cape Town offer same-day car hire. If you're looking for last-minute car hire in Cape Town, search for today's date on Skyscanner to compare what's available.
The best time to book car hire in Cape Town is usually as early as you can. Booking ahead often means cheaper prices and more cars to choose from. You can sometimes find a good last-minute deal, but it's never guaranteed and availability is often more limited.
A good deal for car hire in Cape Town is usually around Rs29,318 per day or less. That's about 25% cheaper than the average price in Cape Town, which is Rs39,091 per day. The cheapest price we found in Cape Town is Rs3,323 per day with Classique for Small car hire.
It depends on the car hire company. Some companies in Cape Town will let you drive your hire car abroad, often for an extra fee, while others don't allow it. If you're planning to cross a border, check with the car hire company before you travel. Driving your hire car abroad without permission could invalidate your insurance or break the terms of your rental agreement.
It depends on the car hire company. Some accept debit cards, others require a credit card. Either way, you'll need enough money on your card to cover a security deposit which you'll get back when you return the car.
Electric cars aren't currently available to hire in Cape Town. More electric cars are becoming available, so that could change in the future. If you're still looking for a lower-emission option, you can compare hybrid cars on Skyscanner.
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Cape Town.
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs3,323 per day. The average price per day is around Rs13,577.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Woodford Car Hire, Firefly powered by Hertz and Sixt offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
The best car hire company depends on what's most important to you. If customer ratings are your priority, here are some of the highest-rated car hire companies in Cape Town, based on Skyscanner reviews. We've also included their average daily prices to help you compare your options.
Europcar
4.8/5 (from 129 reviews)
Average daily price: Rs30,085
First Rent a Car
4.8/5 (from 50 reviews)
Average daily price: Rs20,924
Sixt
4.7/5 (from 12 reviews)
Average daily price: Rs22,206
You don't have to get it, but it's worth thinking about. In Cape Town, the excess (what you pay if the car gets damaged or stolen) ranges from Rs214,218 to Rs1,387,649 depending on who you book with. The cost of excess insurance also varies by car hire company. You can buy excess insurance separately, which is usually cheaper than buying it through the car hire company.
Yes. Most car hire companies in Cape Town let you add an extra driver. You usually need to pay an additional driver fee which costs around Rs1,942 per day. Some companies include it at no extra cost, so check the details before you book.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Cape Town.