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 48 € a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
12 € is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Cape Town.
Thinking of staying longer? Grab a weekly rental from 56 € 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 74 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 65 €, this provider comes in next.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly 81 € a day.
After a car that works for most trips? The Economy 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.
