Car Hire South Africa

"Experience all that South Africa has to offer with a rental car, search compare and save on car hire deals today..."
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Driver aged between 25-70
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Renting a Car in South Africa

Many visitors to South Africa choose to hire a car as it is probably the simplest and most comfortable method of getting around and seeing this beautiful country. Public transport is limited so renting a car is a popular way of getting out and about and it's generally perfectly safe to do so. Some areas of the country and larger cities are wise to avoid, particularly at night, however for the most part you should have no converns at all. We advise checking travel advice from the Foreign Office and take note of advisories around travel in the country.

Most popular airport car hire locations in South Africa

Popular city car hire locations in South Africa

South Africa Factfile

  • South Africa which is officially known as the Republic of South Africa is a state which comprises of nine provinces
  • Out of the world's 17 listed megadiverse countries, South Africa is ranked sixth
  • There are eleven official languages in South Africa including Afrikaans, English, Swazi and Zulu
  • The currency in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR)
  • The South African national rugby union team is nicknamed the Springboks
  • It's Illegal to not stop for animals and livestock crossing the road, see more weird driving laws

Cheapest car hire in South Africa

Suzuki Alto

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 23.19 EUR/day
Suzuki Alto

7 Days rental at 162.38 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Alto

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 25.21 EUR/day
Suzuki Alto

7 Days rental at 176.49 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Alto

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 25.50 EUR/day
Suzuki Alto

7 Days rental at 178.56 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Suzuki Alto

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 25.50 EUR/day
Suzuki Alto

7 Days rental at 178.56 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai i10

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 27.06 EUR/day
Hyundai i10

7 Days rental at 189.46 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai i10

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 27.06 EUR/day
Hyundai i10

7 Days rental at 189.46 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai i10

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 27.06 EUR/day
Hyundai i10

7 Days rental at 189.46 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai i10

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 27.06 EUR/day
Hyundai i10

7 Days rental at 189.46 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai i10

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 27.06 EUR/day
Hyundai i10

7 Days rental at 189.46 EUR from 21/11/2022

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 26.90 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 188.36 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 29.97 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 209.81 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.94 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 223.58 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 35.88 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 251.16 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai Venue

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 35.92 EUR/day
Hyundai Venue

7 Days rental at 251.49 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai Venue

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 35.92 EUR/day
Hyundai Venue

7 Days rental at 251.49 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 36.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 252.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Almera

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 37.58 EUR/day
Nissan Almera

7 Days rental at 263.11 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Almera

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 37.58 EUR/day
Nissan Almera

7 Days rental at 263.11 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Micra

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 23.75 EUR/day
Nissan Micra

7 Days rental at 166.28 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Micra

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 26.12 EUR/day
Nissan Micra

7 Days rental at 182.90 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Micra

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 26.12 EUR/day
Nissan Micra

7 Days rental at 182.90 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Micra

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 28.27 EUR/day
Nissan Micra

7 Days rental at 197.91 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai Grand i10

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 28.77 EUR/day
Hyundai Grand i10

7 Days rental at 201.43 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai Grand i10

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.80 EUR/day
Hyundai Grand i10

7 Days rental at 222.61 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai Grand i10

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 31.80 EUR/day
Hyundai Grand i10

7 Days rental at 222.61 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 32.33 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 226.31 EUR from 21/11/2022

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai i20

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.36 EUR/day
Hyundai i20

7 Days rental at 226.53 EUR from 21/11/2022

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 119.31 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 835.19 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.67 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 284.71 EUR from 21/11/2022

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in South Africa

  • Drive on the LEFT side of the road in South Africa, the steering wheel will be on the right side of the car
  • Speed limits are posted in km/h, the maximum in South Africa is 120km/h on highways
  • There are toll roads in South Africa, you can pay by card but we always recommend a small amount of cash
  • Fixed and mobile speed cameras are prevalent in South Africa, stick to the speed limits
  • The alcohol limit to drive in South Africa is 50mg (0.05% BAC), we advise against drinking any alcohol if driving your rental car
 

Popular car hire destinations in South Africa

Laws and rules of the road when driving in South Africa

  •  

    L

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    60kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    100kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    120kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    ZAR  21.88/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    ZAR

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    18

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Compare car rental agents in South Africa

Rental Agent
Locations
Rating (/10)
Customer Reviews
Mini (€/day)
Compact (€/day)
Intermediate (€/day)
Standard (€/day)
 Woodford exclusive rentals
4
8.2/10
56
€ 23.19
€ 26.90
€ 44.26
€ 55.01
 Sixt
28
8.0/10
168
€ 33.36
€ 45.31
€ 63.77
€ 161.27
 Bluu car rental
32
7.8/10
1,654
€ 33.97
€ 40.64
€ 78.22
€ 77.50
 Budget
70
7.7/10
1,014
€ 29.67
€ 98.81
€ 40.67
€ 140.67
 Hertz
24
7.7/10
1,544
€ 37.44
€ 44.24
€ 137.70
€ 109.85
 Dollar
17
7.3/10
436
€ 38.83
€ 47.84
€ 56.51
€ 101.41
 Europcar
37
7.1/10
2,077
€ 29.36
€ 40.77
€ 125.77
€ 130.17
 First
42
7.1/10
2,012
€ 29.56
€ 37.82
€ 53.22
€ 108.99
 Tempest
23
7.0/10
1,127
€ 27.06
€ 37.58
€ 36.53
€ 49.14
 Avis
72
6.9/10
1,332
€ 29.67
€ 98.81
€ 40.67
€ 140.67
 Firefly
17
6.9/10
488
€ 35.10
€ 41.49
€
€ 113.56
 Green motion
15
6.6/10
66
€
€ 35.92
€ 53.18
€ 65.89
 Thrifty
18
6.4/10
689
€ 29.47
€ 47.84
€ 56.51
€ 101.41

Car rental agent statistics in South Africa

  • 9.3/10
    Highest rated agent:
    TEMPEST
  • 4.9/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    FIRST
  • 12,669
    Total number of reviews in
    South Africa
  • 64
    Most Locations in South Africa:
    AVIS
  • 16
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • 15
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in South Africa

ItemPercent
January€ 40
February€ 53
March€ 40
April€ 36
May€ 41
June€ 44
July€ 45
August€ 48
September€ 45
October€ 43
November€ 44
December€ 49
ItemPercent
January€ 28
February€ 35
March€ 30
April€ 28
May€ 31
June€ 32
July€ 33
August€ 36
September€ 33
October€ 33
November€ 32
December€ 35
ItemPercent
January€ 71
February€ 111
March€ 75
April€ 70
May€ 80
June€ 88
July€ 93
August€ 93
September€ 91
October€ 83
November€ 84
December€ 101
ItemPercent
January€ 53
February€ 68
March€ 53
April€ 47
May€ 55
June€ 57
July€ 62
August€ 67
September€ 61
October€ 62
November€ 62
December€ 65
ItemPercent
January€ 102
February€ 120
March€ 84
April€ 78
May€ 86
June€ 81
July€ 97
August€ 109
September€ 111
October€ 118
November€ 98
December€ 97
ItemPercent
January€ 23
February€ 25
March€ 23
April€ 21
May€ 24
June€ 25
July€ 25
August€ 27
September€ 25
October€ 24
November€ 24
December€ 27
ItemPercent
January€ 82
February€ 103
March€ 83
April€ 66
May€ 70
June€ 76
July€ 75
August€ 82
September€ 78
October€ 79
November€ 82
December€ 93
ItemPercent
January€ 57
February€ 79
March€ 64
April€ 57
May€ 61
June€ 68
July€ 71
August€ 72
September€ 72
October€ 67
November€ 79
December€ 76

Select category to see average car hire prices in South Africa
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in South Africa

DieselUnleaded
Sep , 2022

€ 1.55

€ 1.47

Aug , 2022

€ 1.61

€ 1.56

Jul , 2022

€ 1.47

€ 1.40

Jun , 2022

€ 1.52

€ 1.44

May , 2022

€ 1.42

€ 1.27

Apr , 2022

€ 1.46

€ 1.37

Mar , 2022

€ 1.33

€ 1.32

Feb , 2022

€ 1.25

€ 1.23

Jan , 2022

€ 1.11

€ 1.11

Dec , 2021

€ 1.13

€ 1.13

Nov , 2021

€ 1.08

€ 1.08

Oct , 2021

€ 1.03

€ 1.05

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Sep , 2022 1.55 1.47
Aug , 2022 1.61 1.56
Jul , 2022 1.47 1.40
Jun , 2022 1.52 1.44
May , 2022 1.42 1.27
Apr , 2022 1.46 1.37
Mar , 2022 1.33 1.32
Feb , 2022 1.25 1.23
Jan , 2022 1.11 1.11
Dec , 2021 1.13 1.13
Nov , 2021 1.08 1.08
Oct , 2021 1.03 1.05

Car rental price statistics in South Africa

  • € 162.33
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • € 250.35
    Highest daily price:
    Hyundai H1
  • 4,863
    Total cars available
     
  • 506
    Most popular model:
    Toyota Corolla Quest
  • 184
    Location with most cars:
    Johannesburg - Airport - O.r. Tambo
  • € 23.2 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    WOODFORD EXCLUSIVE RENTALS - Durban - Airport - King Shaka

FAQs about car hire in South Africa

How much does it cost to hire a car in South Africa?

Car hire in South Africa starts from just €23.20 per day for a (mini) class car from Woodford exclusive rentals. The average price to hire a car in South Africa is just €86.40 per day, whilst the most expensive hire car in South Africa is a Hyundai H1 car for a (fullsize elite) class from Green motion costing €250.40 per day.

How do I get a free additional driver when hiring a car in South Africa?

We often have special offers on car hire in South Africa including free additional drivers, for example, is offering free additional driver and express check-in at for €0.00 per day.

Why is car hire so cheap in South Africa?

Car hire prices in South Africa are kept low thanks to the 14 car hire companies across the country. With over 103 car hire locations and 39,425 car hire options available, competition keeps prices low in South Africa.

Who is the best car hire company in South Africa?

Based on over 12,663 reviews from recent car hire customers, the best car hire agency in South Africa Is Budget who score on average 7.7/10 across all locations in South Africa.

What is the most popular car hire location in South Africa?

The most popular locations to hire a car in South Africa is Johannesburg - Airport - O.r. Tambo with 14 car hire companies and 184 cars to choose from.

How much does fuel cost in South Africa?

Current fuel prices in South Africa are €1.473/ltr for petrol and €1.555/ltr for diesel as of 5 September 2022, it’ll cost on average €59 to fill an average compact class car with petrol and €62 for diesel.

What are the speed limits in South Africa?

Speed limits in South Africa are in km/h and are generally 60 km/h on urban roads, 100 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on the motorways but you should always follow local signage.

What is the cheapest car hire company in South Africa?

Woodford exclusive rentals is the cheapest car hire company in South Africa offering a (mini) class car such as the Suzuki Alto for as little as €162.40 per week.

What is the most popular hire car in South Africa?

The most popular car hire category in South Africa is the Toyota Corolla Quest available from 8 car hire companies in over 96 locations.

Other locations in South Africa:

 

Useful links if renting a car in South Africa

Other Car Hire Locations in South Africa

We specialise in car rentals throughout South Africa to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Car Hire Cape Town
Cape Town
€11.5
 
 
Mini 5 4 1 from €11.5 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €15.1 per day
Economy 5 5 3 from €12.7 per day
Car Hire Durban
Durban
€11.9
 
 
Mini 5 4 1 from €11.9 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €14.8 per day
Economy 5 5 3 from €13.3 per day
Car Hire Johannesburg
Johannesburg
€11.2
 
 
Mini 5 4 1 from €11.2 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €14.0 per day
Economy 5 5 3 from €12.7 per day
Car Hire Pretoria
Pretoria
€11.9
 
 
Mini 5 4 1 from €11.9 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €14.8 per day
Economy 5 5 3 from €13.3 per day