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Find competitive car rental prices at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, compact cars, people movers and make reservations with no booking fees. Pick up on-airport, or check off-airport and Cape Town City Center car rental depots to compare prices and potential savings, and filter for automatic or manual, unlimited kilometers and one-way rentals across South Africa. Traveling in peak season from December to January? Book early and add your flight number so staff can track delays.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-site Airport Rental Plaza |
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| Off-site Airport Area Agencies |
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| Cape Town City Center |
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On average, car rentals at Cape Town Airport cost around ZAR 1,129 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from ZAR 201 per day.
Compare pickup points: On-airport is walkable but includes airport surcharges. Off-airport shuttles can be cheaper. If you’ll stay downtown first, city-centre pickups often cost less and you’ll save 1-2 rental days. An Uber from CPT to the city is about R300–R400.
Time your booking to Cape Town’s seasons: For the December–January peak, book 3–6 months ahead. In May–August off-peak, rates are softer, so monitor comparison sites and book when prices dip.
Play with dates and times: Check prices for midweek pickups (Wednesday is often cheaper) and try shifting by a few hours. Avoid Friday 11am–12pm if you hate queues.
Keep rental days tight: Return at the same time you collected to avoid an extra day. There’s usually a 59-minute grace but don’t rely on it.
Fuel smart: Most rentals are full-to-full. Refuel near CPT to avoid pump price plus about R40 service fee.
Plan longer trips: If driving the Garden Route, confirm unlimited kilometres. For one-way trips, compare the fee (typically R750–R2000) against returning to CPT to see what’s cheaper.
Airport Car Parking:
| Car Park Type | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term P1 | Closest to terminal |
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| Long-term P2/P3 | 5-10 minute walk |
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| Mobile Phone Waiting Area | Near airport entrance |
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Local Driving Rules:
Car Return:
Rent a car so you can get to:
Cape Town City Center
Cape Winelands – Stellenbosch, Franschhoek
Cape Peninsula – Cape Point
Garden Route – Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth
How long does the rental pickup process take at Cape Town Airport?
You can usually pick up your car in about 15-20 minutes when it's not busy. During peak times (11am-12pm daily and Friday afternoons), you might wait 30-45 minutes.
Can I exit the airport without a car and return to rent later?
Yes, but if you plan to rent from the airport later, you should book your car in advance. It can be hard to find an available car, especially during the busy season.
Are there any low-cost rental options at Cape Town Airport?
Yes, as well as the major international brands, you'll find local companies like First Car Rental and BLUU Car Rental (formerly Bidvest Car Rental) that often have good prices. You can use comparison sites to check all your options.
Can I pick up a car at the airport and drop it off in another city?
Yes, you can book a one-way rental to major cities like Johannesburg, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Durban. A one-way fee of R1,000-R3,000 usually applies.
What fuel policy applies to rentals from Cape Town Airport?
Most rental companies use a full-to-full policy. This means you get the car with a full tank and you must return it full. If you don't, the company will charge you for refueling and add a service fee.
Is there a grace period for car returns at the airport?
Most companies offer a 59-minute grace period before charging an additional day. If you expect to be late, contact the rental company as soon as possible.
What is the minimum rental period from Cape Town Airport?
The minimum rental period is usually 24 hours, but some companies let you rent for a shorter time if you pay an extra fee.
Can I add additional drivers to my rental at the airport?
Yes, you can add other drivers, but they must be there at pickup and show their driver's license. The rental company may charge a fee of about R450 for each extra driver.
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