How to find a cheap car hire deal in Durban
Pick up a cheap rental car in Durban and get on your way for around 32 € a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
Daily rental prices in Durban start from just 18 €.
Taking a longer break? Book a weekly rental from 80 € and squeeze in a few road trips.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Durban car hire.
U-Save, Green Motion and Alamo are some of the top-ranked providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Durban car hire policy, whether you book with U-Save or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Booking one-way could land you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Durban.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average 59 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 82 €, this provider comes in next.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly 64 € a day with this supplier.
The Economy rental category is a solid choice if you're unsure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Durban.
Flying to Durban? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Durban, hit the road sooner by booking a car hire at King Shaka International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 32 kilometres and takes about 35 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Durban
Small: These cheap rental cars in Durban may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Durban car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Durban that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Durban car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Durban by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals vary by provider and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some providers in South Africa may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your Durban car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to go.
Come prepared and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) and another form of photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in South Africa, remember that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 7am. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) here. In addition to your bank cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
English is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Durban for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time settling into the comfort of Concord Christian Guesthouse. Around 3 kilometres from central Durban, it comes with parking, a garden and air conditioning.
Bayside Hotel 100 Pixley Kaseme Street (West Street) gets the details right with parking and features like a golf course and room service. It's roughly 0.80 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in Durban for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the right fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
It's time to get out and explore now you've locked in a car hire deal in Durban and your hotel. From Durban Beach to Ushaka marine and Moses Mabhida Stadium, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Durban
Around 64 kilometres northwest of central Durban, Pietermaritzburg should feature on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Sri Siva Soobramoiniar And Marriamen Temples and KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden.
They've perfected the guest experience at Regal Inn Pmburg and Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Pietermaritzburg.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Durban and head roughly 40 kilometres west to Mpumalanga. Featuring Mpumalanga Assembly Of God and CG 03 Qhubeka Womens Club co-op, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Vryheid, about 241 kilometres north of Durban. Kick things off at Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve, then spend some time at Hlobane Battlefield.
