How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cape Town (CPT)
In search of a cheap Cape Town rental car? With prices averaging R 1,140 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after an economy ride, a roomy SUV, or something in between, we compare all the best deals to land you a bargain.
The cheapest daily rental price at Cape Town is R 353.
Planning a longer stay in Cape Town? Book a weekly rental from R 1,428 and make room for more adventures.
Here's your clue on when to book. One week in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a CPT car hire.
Check out the offers available with Europcar, Carwiz and First - Car Hire. These are a few of the top providers at Cape Town.
The coverage Europcar or another company offers for your Cape Town car hire can differ, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in CPT. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can lock in some great one-way prices.
Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Cape Town with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,077 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 937, this provider follows close behind.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 1,152 a day with this provider.
If you're not sure what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Mini rental category. It's the most frequently booked car type at CPT.
Compare car hire types from Cape Town (CPT)
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a short trip, this cheap Cape Town rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this CPT car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Cape Town that can handle the heavy stuff. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your CPT car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you book.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Cape Town.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your rental in South Africa. Rules can vary, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your CPT car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Driving in South Africa may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the left side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In South Africa, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, get someone else to do the driving or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) on your trip here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've collected the keys to your CPT car hire, the next move is up to you. Central Cape Town is about 19 kilometres west and a drive of around 25 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Driving from Cape Town to the city centre during rush hour can take as long as 50 minutes.
Around 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
Don't need a set of wheels immediately? Consider collecting a car hire in Cape Town instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Cape Town (CPT)
Start with some of the most popular attractions in Cape Town, like Table Mountain and The Rock. Whether you roll up in your rental or get there another way, you'll want to tour these highlights before moving on.
Around 40 kilometres northeast of CPT, Paarl should be on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Zandwijk Wines and Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve.
Alternatively, hop in your Cape Town car hire and drive around 88 kilometres northeast to Worcester. Featuring Karoo Desert Garden and Kleinplasie Living Open Air Museum, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
