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Find low rental car prices in Port Elizabeth with Road Genius. Find live rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make bookings with no booking fees. Compare car rentals at Port Elizabeth Airport and in the city, with major brands and options like unlimited kilometers. Ideal for the Garden Route or a day trip to Addo Elephant Park and one-way rentals to Cape Town are common.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) |
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| Port Elizabeth City Center |
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| Walmer/Summerstrand |
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On average, car rentals in Port Elizabeth cost around ZAR 1,106 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from ZAR 315 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup. PLZ is convenient but adds surcharges. If you’re staying in the city centre first, check city branches during business hours for potentially lower rates.
Be flexible with pickup day and time. Monday is busiest and often pricier, Sunday is quieter. Shifting by a day or avoiding 12 pm to 1 pm can reduce costs and queues.
Use a season-aware booking plan. For December to January and Easter, book 3 to 6 months ahead. In shoulder or off-peak (especially September or May to August), watch prices and book when they dip.
If driving the Garden Route, compare one-way options both directions. Dropping in Port Elizabeth after a Cape Town to PE trip is often cheaper than the reverse.
Pick economy with unlimited kilometres. Great value for PE, Addo and the N2, and avoids per km charges when exploring.
Hunt local sweet spots. Sunday pickups and September travel often show better rates in Port Elizabeth.
Parking Options:
| Area | Parking Type | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Center | Street parking/Parking garages | Paid street parking or car guard tip |
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| Beachfront | Street parking | Free, tip for car guards customary |
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| Shopping Malls | Center parking lots | Usually free |
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| Suburban Areas | Street parking | Generally free |
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Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Book a rental to drive to:
Addo Elephant National Park – elephants, Big Five
Jeffreys Bay – surfing, shopping, beaches
Tsitsikamma National Park – Storms River
Knysna – Garden Route
Grahamstown (Makhanda) – National Arts Festival, Frontier Country
Marine Drive beaches – Summerstrand
Is Port Elizabeth a good starting point for a Garden Route trip?
Yes, many travelers start in PE and drive west to Cape Town along the Garden Route. Or, they use PE as the last stop after driving east from Cape Town. You can easily get a one-way rental between these cities.
How far is Port Elizabeth Airport from the city center?
The airport is only 3-5km (2-3 miles) from the city center, so you can get there in about 10 minutes. That makes it one of the most convenient airports in South Africa.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle for wildlife viewing near Port Elizabeth?
No, a standard car is fine for visiting most wildlife areas. For example, Addo Elephant National Park has well-maintained roads. When you visit private game reserves, they often provide their own vehicles for game drives.
What's the best time of year to rent a car in Port Elizabeth?
Port Elizabeth has a nice climate all year. You'll find good weather and lower rental prices from September to November (spring) and from February to April (autumn). Car rentals cost more during the busy holiday season in December and January.
Can I drive from Port Elizabeth to the Wild Coast?
Yes, you can drive to the Wild Coast from PE. Just be aware the roads get worse as you travel northeast. Give yourself plenty of time and think about renting a vehicle that has higher ground clearance for a more comfortable ride, especially if you're exploring out-of-the-way places.
How busy is Port Elizabeth Airport for car rentals?
Port Elizabeth is a smaller airport that mostly has flights within the country, so you'll find it's less crowded than big airports like Johannesburg or Cape Town. However, it gets much busier for car rentals during the main holiday times.
Is it safe to drive around Port Elizabeth?
Yes, most people find it safe to drive in PE. The city is easy to get around and not as crowded as bigger cities. Just take the usual precautions, like locking your doors and keeping your valuables out of sight.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Port Elizabeth?
You'll need a valid driver's license that you've had for at least one year, your passport and a credit card in your name. If your license isn't in English, you must also have an International Driving Permit or a certified translation.
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