How to find a cheap car hire deal in Pietermaritzburg
Cruise into adventure with a cheap rental car in Pietermaritzburg. With prices averaging R 594 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll help you find the right wheels at a price that works.
R 387 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Pietermaritzburg.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 1,586 and make room for more adventures.
To land the best price on a Pietermaritzburg car hire, book in advance. Rates tend to climb as your travel dates get closer, and you might be left with fewer choices.
Grab your wheels from Enterprise, Firefly powered by Hertz or First - Car Hire. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Whether you go with Enterprise or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Pietermaritzburg car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Pietermaritzburg.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,431 a day.
Next in line is this provider, which offers daily rates of around R 1,577.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly R 1,506 a day.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Mini rental category ranks as the top pick for travellers visiting Pietermaritzburg.
Flying to Pietermaritzburg? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Pietermaritzburg Airport. If you're flying to Pietermaritzburg through this hub, simply pick up your ride after landing and roll out. The drive to the city centre is about 6 kilometres and takes around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Pietermaritzburg
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Pietermaritzburg makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Pietermaritzburg car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Pietermaritzburg effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're roomy, reliable, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Pietermaritzburg car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so always compare your options.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Pietermaritzburg by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check what applies with each supplier before booking your car hire in South Africa.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you need to add a car seat to your Pietermaritzburg car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Driving in South Africa might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 55kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
Around 7am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) on your trip here. Along with your bank cards, consider having some cash handy for smaller purchases.
English is the language most often spoken across the country.
Best hotels in Pietermaritzburg for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying your stay at Regal Inn Pmburg. About 2 kilometres from central Pietermaritzburg, it comes with parking, room service and a restaurant.
Bayside Hotel Pietermaritzburg is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, along with internet access and room service. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Pietermaritzburg and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Pietermaritzburg and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Sri Siva Soobramoiniar And Marriamen Temples, KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Pietermaritzburg
Keep travelling to Durban. Around 64 kilometres southeast of central Pietermaritzburg, you'll find must-sees like Durban Beach and Ushaka marine.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Durban include Pavilion Hotel Durban and The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts.
Add Mpumalanga to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Pietermaritzburg and drive around 32 kilometres southeast to discover highlights such as Mpumalanga Assembly Of God and CG 03 Qhubeka Womens Club co-op.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Take off to Vryheid, around 209 kilometres north of Pietermaritzburg. From Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve to Hlobane Battlefield, it'll round out your trip nicely.
