How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cape Town
Searching for a cheap rental car in Cape Town? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging Rs18,375 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can search less, save more, and feel good about what you paid.
Rs5,632 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Cape Town.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from Rs26,133 and explore more than just the top attractions.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Cape Town car hire. Try booking around one week before your departure date.
Browse the offers available with Green Motion, Europcar and U-Save. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Whether you book with Green Motion or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Cape Town car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can bag some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Cape Town.
Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of Rs24,950 a day.
Offering daily rates of around Rs28,785, this provider is next in line.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly Rs30,342 a day.
If you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Mini rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Cape Town.
Flying to Cape Town? Think about an airport pick-up
Start your Cape Town trip sooner by booking a car hire at Cape Town International Airport. The city centre is about 19 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Cape Town
Small: These cheap rental cars in Cape Town may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Cape Town car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Cape Town makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're tough, versatile, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Cape Town car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Cape Town by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in South Africa. Rules can differ, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Cape Town car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest option.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in South Africa.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In South Africa, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, get someone else to do the driving or find an alternative way to get around.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) here. As well as your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
English is the language spoken in most parts of the country.
Best hotels in Cape Town for drivers
Offering parking, DysArt Boutique Hotel - Solar Power takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Cape Town and also comes with air conditioning and a bar.
Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel and Spa makes travel simpler with parking and features like a pool bar and massage services. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Cape Town and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Cape Town and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Table Mountain, Cecilia, Table Mountain and The Rock are a classic introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cape Town
Paarl has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Zandwijk Wines and Skydive Africa. This city is about 56 kilometres northeast of central Cape Town.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Paarl include Grande Roche Hotel and Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Cape Town and drive around 97 kilometres east to Worcester. Featuring Karoo Desert Garden and Kleinplasie Living Open Air Museum, its attractions speak for themselves.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Motor on to Vredenburg, about 121 kilometres north of Cape Town. From Jacobs Bay Beach to Forest Fiends Urban Farm, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
