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Car Hire in South Africa Guide

Driving in South Africa can be a great way to explore the country, but it's important to be aware of certain factors. Generally, South Africa has a well-developed road infrastructure, and most major highways and roads are in good condition. However, road safety can be a concern, and it's essential to take precautions. Here's some information to help you:

Safety: South Africa does have some safety concerns related to road travel, including higher accident rates and occasional incidents of crime. To enhance safety, avoid driving at night in rural or less-populated areas, be vigilant, and lock your doors when driving. Keep your windows rolled up in cities, especially in traffic. Also, do not leave valuables visible in your car.

Best Type of Vehicle: The best type of vehicle depends on your travel plans. For urban areas and popular tourist destinations, a compact car is sufficient. If you plan to explore more remote or rural regions or embark on a safari, consider renting a 4x4 or SUV, which offers better ground clearance.

Roads and Traffic: Major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban have well-maintained roads and can experience heavy traffic during rush hours. Rural roads, especially in some national parks or less-traveled areas, can be less developed, so plan your routes accordingly. South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Main Resorts and Places of Interest: South Africa boasts an array of attractions, from vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes. Popular destinations include Cape Town, Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the Stellenbosch wine region.

Distance from Airport: The distance from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to the city center is about 24 kilometers (15 miles). Cape Town International Airport is approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Cape Town city center.

In summary, while driving in South Africa can be a rewarding way to explore its diverse landscapes and attractions, it's crucial to prioritize safety, especially in certain areas. Always plan your routes, be cautious, and enjoy the incredible experiences that South Africa has to offer.


Cheapest car hire in South Africa

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Kwid

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.53 EUR/day
Renault Kwid

7 Days rental at 108.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 22.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 154.74 EUR from 23/10/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 18.73 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 131.13 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 18.94 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 132.64 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 18.94 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 132.64 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 19.66 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 137.67 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 19.66 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 137.67 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 19.77 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo

7 Days rental at 138.45 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo Vivo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 20.00 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo Vivo

7 Days rental at 140.04 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo Vivo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 20.00 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo Vivo

7 Days rental at 140.04 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Polo Vivo

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 20.00 EUR/day
Volkswagen Polo Vivo

7 Days rental at 140.04 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 64.38 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 450.66 EUR from 23/10/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 64.38 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 450.66 EUR from 23/10/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 64.38 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 450.66 EUR from 23/10/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 64.38 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 450.66 EUR from 23/10/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 70.12 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 490.88 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 71.32 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 499.28 EUR from 23/10/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 71.32 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 499.28 EUR from 23/10/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 71.32 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 499.28 EUR from 23/10/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Fortuner

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 71.32 EUR/day
Toyota Fortuner

7 Days rental at 499.28 EUR from 23/10/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Quest

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 23.10 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Quest

7 Days rental at 161.75 EUR from 23/10/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 63.03 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 441.24 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 46.42 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 325.00 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 73.53 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 514.73 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 69.98 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 489.86 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 58.94 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 412.60 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 46.42 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 325.00 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 58.94 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 412.60 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 69.98 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 489.86 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 69.98 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

7 Days rental at 489.86 EUR from 23/10/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in South Africa

  • Durban AirportDrive 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  17.77/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)
 Firefly powered by hertz
17
9.0/10
314
€ 18.24
€ 23.73
€ 55.12
 Hertz
25
8.9/10
398
€ 20.07
€ 26.21
€ 71.32
€ 61.09
 Europcar
38
8.7/10
1,784
€ 17.81
€ 23.77
€ 79.92
€ 135.14
 Avis
72
8.6/10
3,405
€ 16.10
€ 49.96
€ 24.25
€ 93.10
 Bluu car rental
32
8.6/10
1,757
€ 19.95
€ 24.25
€ 56.13
€ 48.37
 First
42
8.6/10
3,484
€ 19.25
€ 24.31
€ 33.95
€ 74.59
 Budget
74
8.6/10
5,432
€ 15.53
€ 47.67
€ 23.10
€ 41.18
 Tempest
22
8.5/10
1,931
€ 16.10
€ 22.10
€ 36.53
€ 66.31
 Sixt
32
8.4/10
224
€ 20.41
€ 27.39
€ 38.17
€ 95.13
 Keddy by europcar
54
8.4/10
561
€ 17.45
€ 25.31
€ 37.36
€ 100.45
 Woodford exclusive rentals
5
8.4/10
174
€ 23.09
€ 28.51
€ 43.21
 Green motion
14
7.6/10
108
€ 36.35
€ 45.42
€ 84.95

Car rental agent statistics in South Africa

  • 9.1/10
    Highest rated agent:
    HERTZ
  • 7.6/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    GREEN MOTION
  • 19,572
    Total number of reviews in
    South Africa
  • 68
    Most Locations in South Africa:
    BUDGET
  • 21
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • 18
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in South Africa

ItemPercent
January€ 47
February€ 58
March€ 47
April€ 44
May€ 46
June€ 49
July€ 48
August€ 49
September€ 44
October€ 43
November€ 44
December€ 53
ItemPercent
January€ 33
February€ 37
March€ 33
April€ 31
May€ 32
June€ 34
July€ 34
August€ 35
September€ 33
October€ 32
November€ 32
December€ 38
ItemPercent
January€ 92
February€ 125
March€ 95
April€ 85
May€ 90
June€ 99
July€ 99
August€ 96
September€ 93
October€ 85
November€ 84
December€ 119
ItemPercent
January€ 64
February€ 79
March€ 61
April€ 57
May€ 61
June€ 64
July€ 64
August€ 66
September€ 60
October€ 60
November€ 62
December€ 74
ItemPercent
January€ 109
February€ 125
March€ 95
April€ 83
May€ 88
June€ 87
July€ 100
August€ 110
September€ 106
October€ 112
November€ 98
December€ 107
ItemPercent
January€ 25
February€ 28
March€ 25
April€ 24
May€ 25
June€ 26
July€ 26
August€ 26
September€ 24
October€ 23
November€ 24
December€ 28
ItemPercent
January€ 96
February€ 113
March€ 97
April€ 83
May€ 85
June€ 93
July€ 83
August€ 86
September€ 82
October€ 83
November€ 82
December€ 105
ItemPercent
January€ 72
February€ 86
March€ 73
April€ 68
May€ 66
June€ 73
July€ 70
August€ 67
September€ 67
October€ 61
November€ 79
December€ 86

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
Oct , 2022

€ 1.48

€ 1.25

Nov , 2022

€ 1.54

€ 1.26

Dec , 2022

€ 1.43

€ 1.27

Jan , 2023

€ 1.28

€ 1.15

Feb , 2023

€ 1.24

€ 1.13

Mar , 2023

€ 1.21

€ 1.15

Apr , 2023

€ 1.17

€ 1.15

May , 2023

€ 1.07

€ 1.11

Jun , 2023

€ 1.03

€ 1.08

Jul , 2023

€ 1.04

€ 1.07

Aug , 2023

€ 1.07

€ 1.08

Sep , 2023

€ 1.25

€ 1.20

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Sep , 2023 1.25 1.20
Aug , 2023 1.07 1.08
Jul , 2023 1.04 1.07
Jun , 2023 1.03 1.08
May , 2023 1.07 1.11
Apr , 2023 1.17 1.15
Mar , 2023 1.21 1.15
Feb , 2023 1.24 1.13
Jan , 2023 1.28 1.15
Dec , 2022 1.43 1.27
Nov , 2022 1.54 1.26
Oct , 2022 1.48 1.25

Car rental price statistics in South Africa

  • € 108.71
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • € 210.27
    Highest daily price:
    Hyundai Staria
  • 5,046
    Total cars available
     
  • 579
    Most popular model:
    Toyota Corolla Quest
  • 190
    Location with most cars:
    Durban - Airport - King Shaka
  • € 15.5 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    BUDGET - Cape Town - Downtown
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

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
€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
€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
€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
€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