Compare Car Rental Cape Town

Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals

No Booking Fees

No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars

Find Low Prices

Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals

Finding a car rental in Cape Town is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across South Africa with no booking fees. Pick up at Cape Town International Airport or in the city center and compare economy, sedan and SUV deals with options like unlimited kilometers, child seats and zero-excess cover. Planning the Garden Route? Filter for one-way car rental to Port Elizabeth and beyond.

Cape Town Airport

Location	Pros	Cons
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)	Immediate car access on arrival All major agencies on-site 24-hour service Walk to rental plaza through pedestrian tunnels	Airport surcharges Long lines at peak times (especially 11am-12pm) Busiest on Fridays
Cape Town City Center	Often cheaper rates (no airport fees) Good if staying in Cape Town first Avoid driving while jet-lagged	Limited opening hours (usually 8am-5pm) Need to arrange transport from airport Limited after-hours pickup

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Cape Town?

On average, car rentals in Cape Town cost around ZAR 1,149 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from ZAR 201 per day.

Saving Tips

Compare airport vs city pickup. If you’re in town first, a city branch can avoid airport surcharges. City offices close by 5-6 pm, so align pickup to skip after-hours fees. CPT Airport is busiest Friday 11-12.
Time it to season. In Cape Town, Dec–Jan is peak so book 3–6 months ahead. Nov and Feb–Apr often price better. May–Aug is cheapest, so you can watch rates and book later.
Start your rental mid-week. Wednesday pickups often price lower, and CPT Airport is quietest on Wednesdays.
Choose the smallest class that fits your crew and bags. You’ll save on daily rate and fuel, and parking is tighter around the CBD, Camps Bay and the Winelands.
Cut extras: pay Chapman’s Peak toll at the cash/card lane to avoid admin fees on your bill. Use free street or beach parking where safe and tip car guards R5–R10. At the V&A Waterfront, the first hour is often free with purchase.
For long drives like the Garden Route, filter for unlimited kilometres and compare one-way vs round-trip. One-way to Port Elizabeth has a drop fee, but it can make sense once you factor fuel and time.

Car rental prices in Cape Town 2025/2026

Parking and Local Driving

Finding a Spot:

Area	Type	Cost	Tips
City Center	Street spaces managed by attendants	Paid; rates vary by zone	"Car guards" in high-visibility vests watch vehicles Some areas have automated meters
V&A Waterfront	Covered parkades	Paid; rates vary	Secure option for longer stays Some retailers validate tickets
Popular Beaches	Street spaces	Mix of free and paid, varies by area	Arrive before 10am or after 4pm on summer weekends Car guards present at most beach areas
Table Mountain	Designated lot	Limited spaces; check signage and official updates	Fills up by mid-morning in peak season Unofficial car guards present

Local Driving Rules:

Drive on the left-hand side of the road
Speed limits: 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on rural roads, 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas
School zones: 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph) during school hours
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
Child seats required by law for children under 3 years
No mobile phone use while driving without hands-free kit
No turning on red lights

Toll Roads:

Chapman's Peak Drive is a toll road
Most rental cars come equipped for electronic toll payment
Toll charges plus a small admin fee will be billed to your credit card
If you prefer to pay cash, inform attendants and use cash/card lane

Why rent a car in Cape Town

Get a rental car so you can get to:

Cape Peninsula – Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point, Boulders Beach
Cape Winelands – Stellenbosch, Franschhoek
West Coast – West Coast National Park, Paternoster
Garden Route – Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth
Table Mountain National Park – trailheads, viewpoints

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Cape Town

FAQs

What documents do I need to rent a car in Cape Town?
You need a valid driver's license (that you've held for at least one year), your passport and a credit card in your name. If your license isn't in English, you will also need an International Driving Permit.

Is it difficult to drive on the left side of the road if I'm not used to it?
Most visitors find they adjust within a day or two. Just take it slow at first, practice in quieter areas and be extra careful at intersections and roundabouts.

How reliable is GPS navigation around Cape Town?
GPS is very reliable on main routes. You'll find that Google Maps and Waze work well in the region, but you should download offline maps for remote areas.

What insurance should I take for a rental car?
We recommend you get Super Cover (zero-excess) insurance for peace of mind, as it covers most damage, including the windscreen and tires. Standard insurance usually has a high excess of R5,000-R25,000.

Are child seats available for rental cars?
Yes, most rental companies can give you child seats for an extra fee. You should book these ahead of time, especially if you're traveling in peak season.

How much does fuel typically cost?
The government regulates fuel prices in South Africa. They usually cost about R22-R27 per liter, depending on global oil prices and exchange rates.

Can I take my rental car to neighboring countries?
Most rental companies will let you drive to certain neighboring countries (Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini), but you need to get their permission first and pay an extra fee (R1,000-R2,500). You must get a border letter from the rental company.

Is it safe to drive at night in Cape Town?
It's generally safe to drive at night in Cape Town's main areas, but you should avoid unfamiliar or remote places after dark. For longer trips, try to plan your drive so you arrive before it gets dark.