Car hire in Richards Bay, South Africa

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Richards Bay

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Richards Bay car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Richards Bay pick-up location

There are 10 car hire locations in Richards Bay. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Richards Bay

Hiring a car in Richards Bay: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyWoodford Car Hire
Most popular carMini, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 918

How to book the best car rental deals in Richards Bay

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Richards Bay car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Richards Bay

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Richards Bay for an average of R 918 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, putting amazing deals at your fingertips.

  • Drive off with extra savings by reserving your ride in August. With average daily rates of R 243, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Richards Bay.

  • Book early to snag a cheap rental car in Richards Bay. Besides saving money, you'll be choosing from the full lineup, not what's left.

  • Trusted rental brands such as Enterprise, Firefly powered by Hertz and Hertz are great options for car hire deals in Richards Bay.

  • Whether you go with Enterprise or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Richards Bay car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Richards Bay. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices.

  • Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a car hire in Richards Bay with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.

  • Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.

  • If you're jetting into Richards Bay, you might prefer to skip the city pickup and grab one of the car rentals in Richards Bay Airport instead. Throw your luggage in the back and drive straight to your destination.

Compare car hire types in Richards Bay

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Richards Bay may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this Richards Bay car hire option includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Richards Bay that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or whoever's along for the ride.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Richards Bay car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • Make driving easier when you rent a car in Richards Bay by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • Age requirements vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on 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 range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Richards Bay car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Richards Bay

  • Don't leave town without exploring some of the city's best attractions, like Thulasihleka Pan Bird Sanctuary and Pelican Island. Snap up a car hire deal in Richards Bay and then start working on your sightseeing game plan.

  • Make yourself at home in Richards Bay with a stay at Seagull Lodge or Emangunini Guest House.

  • Around 80 kilometres north-west of central Richards Bay, Ulundi deserves a place on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like KwaZulu Cultural Museum and Ulundi Battle Field.

  • You'll be well taken care of at Garden Court Ulundi and Marietjies Guesthouse, two comfortable accommodation options in Ulundi.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Richards Bay and then set out for Eshowe. Roughly 56 kilometres west of Richards Bay, Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk and St. Benedict's Cathedral are major attractions that make the drive more than worth it.

  • Aloe Lifestyle Hotel and Sugar Hill Manor are comfortable places to stay in Eshowe if you're in town for a while.

  • Why slow down now? Motor on to Newcastle, around 241 kilometres north-west of Richards Bay. From Roman Catholic Church: Christ The King to Jaami Masjid, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.

  • Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Hutten Heights Lodge by Ilawu and Luxury Heights Bed and Breakfast- Pool Ready for use have rooms ready in Newcastle.

Frequently asked questions

The cheapest car to rent in Richards Bay is an intermediate pickup. The most popular is Mini, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in Richards Bay is currently Woodford Car Hire, followed by First - Car Rental.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Richards Bay is currently August.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Richards Bay, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Richards Bay that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Richards Bay.
Most places – Richards Bay included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 393 per day. The average price per day is around R 970.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Woodford Car Hire, Bluu Car Rental and Woodford offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Avis as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Richards Bay.