How to find a cheap car hire deal in Durban
Searching for a cheap rental car in Durban? With an average price of 59 € a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're wanting a go-anywhere compact, a large SUV, or something in between, we compare all the top offers to get you real value.
15 € is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Durban.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? 99 € is the best rate for a weekly rental.
If you like to plan with precision, book around two weeks ahead to score the best price on a Durban car hire.
Get behind the wheel with U-Save, Green Motion or Alamo. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage U-Save or another company includes with your Durban car hire can vary, so always go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply 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 ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. 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
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at 59 € a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around 42 €.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly 60 € a day.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Durban.
Flying to Durban? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Durban, get on the road sooner by booking a car hire at Durban 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 where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Great for longer journeys, this Durban car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Durban that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Durban car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you commit.
Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Durban.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in South Africa. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Be sure to add the right one to your Durban car hire booking.
You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the left side of the road in South Africa.
Keep within local speed limits of about 55kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in South Africa. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 7am. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Best hotels in Durban for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Concord Christian Guesthouse. Offering parking as well as internet access and Wi-Fi, this hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Durban.
The Cato Suites Hotel is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, plus a 24-hour front desk and express check-in. Check in here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Durban for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Durban and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Durban Beach, Ushaka marine and Moses Mabhida Stadium are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Durban
Pietermaritzburg should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Sri Siva Soobramoiniar And Marriamen Temples and KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden. This city is about 72 kilometres northwest of central Durban.
Regal Inn Pmburg and ANEW Hotel Hilton Pietermaritzburg are reliable accommodation options with parking in Pietermaritzburg.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Cruise on over to Vryheid, about 241 kilometres north of Durban. From Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve to Hlobane Battlefield, it'll round out your trip nicely.
