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Finding a rental car in Durban is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across South Africa with no booking fees. Pick up at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Durban city centre or Umhlanga and set off for the North Coast, Drakensberg or Hluhluwe-iMfolozi on your own schedule. Filter deals by vehicle type, see fuel policy and included kilometres upfront and compare airport vs city centre rates to suit your trip.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| King Shaka International Airport (KSIA/DUR) |
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| Durban City Centre |
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| Umhlanga Area |
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On average, car rentals in Durban cost around ZAR 983 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from ZAR 230 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Prices at Durban City Centre or Umhlanga can be lower than King Shaka Airport. If you’re staying in town first, a city pickup can trim airport surcharges. Note airport is busiest around 12–1 pm and on Tuesdays, while Wednesdays are quietest.
Be flexible with dates: In Durban, Wednesday pickups often price better, and August usually has the lowest rates. For December and Easter, book 3–6 months ahead. Outside peak times, watch prices for drops before locking in.
Pick the smallest car that fits: Compacts are usually the cheapest and work fine for city and coast drives. Only size up if you need space or higher clearance for rural routes like the Drakensberg.
Compare all suppliers, including locals: Check the full cost, not just the headline rate. Look for differences in fuel policy, after-hours fees, and any admin on tolls. Picking up and returning during branch hours often saves extra fees.
Car Space Options:
| Area | Space Type | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durban Beachfront | Street spaces/Supervised lots | Paid spaces; car guard tip customary |
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| City Centre | Metred street spaces/Parkades | Paid spaces |
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| Umhlanga | Shopping centre spaces/Street | Malls usually validate spaces; paid street spaces |
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| Florida Road | Street spaces | Street spaces and car guards; tip customary |
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Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Hire a car to drive to:
Drakensberg – N3, trailheads
iSimangaliso Wetland Park/St. Lucia – N2, Mtubatuba, R618
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve – N2, park gates
Wild Coast – N2, Mthatha
North Coast beaches – Umhlanga, Ballito
South Coast beaches – Scottburgh
Do I need to rent a 4x4 to explore KwaZulu-Natal?
You don't need one for most popular spots. You can get to major attractions and game reserves in a standard car, but we recommend an SUV with higher clearance for country areas and the Drakensberg region.
How far is King Shaka International Airport from Durban city centre?
It's about 35km north of central Durban. The drive usually takes 30-40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Are there any driving restrictions in game reserves?
Yes, you need to stay on the marked roads, obey the speed limits (usually 40km/h), stay in your vehicle except in special areas and respect gate opening and closing times.
What's the best route from Durban to Johannesburg?
The N3 highway is your most direct route (570km). It's a toll road and has good services, but fog can be a problem at Van Reenen's Pass. You should allow 6-7 hours for the drive, including stops.
How reliable is GPS navigation around Durban?
Your GPS will work very well in and around Durban and on the main roads. When you travel to remote country areas or some game reserves, we suggest you have offline maps or a paper map just in case.
Is driving at night recommended in KwaZulu-Natal?
We don't usually recommend driving at night. If you have to, stick to major highways like the N2 and N3. You should avoid country roads after dark because of livestock, wildlife, pedestrians and poor lighting.
Can I drive to Mozambique or Lesotho with my rental car?
Yes, but you must get permission from your rental company first, which will cost extra. The company will give you a border letter. You might also need to buy extra insurance at the border.
How frequent are petrol stations in rural KwaZulu-Natal?
You'll find plenty of petrol stations in the major towns, but in country areas they can be more than 100km apart. We recommend you keep your tank at least half full when exploring these remote regions.
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