Cape Town car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Cape Town
The best car rental companies in Cape Town are Avis, Europcar, Hertz. Prices start from €30/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 12%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Cape Town
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Avis
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#2
Europcar
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#3
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €450Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€36/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €380Min age 23Free cancellationAirport
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Sixt
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €450Min age 23Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€38/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#6
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 23Free cancellationAirport
From€29/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
#7
First Car Rental
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View First Car Rental deal
#8
Tempest Car Hire
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €320Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€27/day
base rate
View Tempest Car Hire deal
#9
Around About Cars
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€25/day
base rate
View Around About Cars deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Cape Town
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €30 | VW Polo Vivo | 4 |
| Compact | €36 | Toyota Corolla Quest | 5 |
| SUV | €62 | Toyota Fortuner | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €85 | Toyota Quantum | 7 |
| Luxury | €110 | BMW 3 Series | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Cape Town
Airport — Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
CPT sits about 20km east of the city center, roughly a 25-minute drive via the N2, with rental desks in the arrivals hall. South Africa drives on the left.
Downtown — Cape Town city center / V&A Waterfront
Downtown desks near the V&A Waterfront and CBD suit travelers who want a car mainly for day trips into the Winelands or along the coast.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~12% of base rate | CPT airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–22) | €8–15/day | Drivers under 23 |
| Additional driver | €5–8/day | Per extra driver |
| Cross-border permit | €25–50 | Driving into Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho or Eswatini |
| One-way drop fee | €60–150 | Returning to a different city (e.g. Johannesburg) |
| Refundable deposit | €300–450 | Standard credit-card hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Cape Town
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is about 20km east of the city center, roughly a 25-minute drive via the N2 — and South Africa drives on the left.
- The Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl — are 45 minutes to an hour away, one of the main reasons visitors rent a car in Cape Town.
- Driving beyond South Africa into Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho or Eswatini requires a cross-border permit and letter of authorisation from the rental company, arranged in advance.
- Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Cape Town's local currency is the South African rand (ZAR).
- Most petrol stations in South Africa are full-service — an attendant pumps the fuel for you, and a small tip is customary.
- The Garden Route toward Mossel Bay and Knysna is a popular multi-day self-drive route starting from Cape Town, typically 4–6 hours one way.
- An International Driving Permit is not mandatory for most visitors with an English-language licence, but is recommended and required for others.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Cape Town
Do you need a car in Cape Town?
The city bowl and V&A Waterfront are walkable, but a car is the best way to reach the Winelands, Cape Point, and the Garden Route beyond the city.
How far is Cape Town International Airport from the city center?
About 20km, roughly a 25-minute drive via the N2, with rental desks in the arrivals hall.
Which side of the road do you drive on in South Africa?
South Africa drives on the left, and most rental cars are manual unless you specifically request automatic.
Can I drive from Cape Town to the Winelands?
Yes, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are 45 minutes to an hour away, and Paarl is about 50 minutes — all easy half-day trips.
What currency are prices shown in for Cape Town?
Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Cape Town's local currency is the South African rand (ZAR).
Can I drive a rental car into Namibia or Botswana?
Yes, but you need a cross-border permit and letter of authorisation from the rental company, which should be arranged before pickup.
What is the cheapest car type in Cape Town?
Economy cars like a VW Polo Vivo start around €30/day. An SUV starts around €62/day.
