Cheap car hire in Cape Town, South Africa from 18 €/day

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There are 60 car hire providers in Cape Town. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Cape Town: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need

You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Cape Town.

Most visitors can use their regular driving licence. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence isn’t in English. Rental companies also ask for matching ID, and some require a credit card deposit.

Navigating city driving

Roads are well signed, with clear routes to beaches and mountains.

Driving in Cape Town is straightforward, though traffic builds near the CBD and Waterfront. Navigation apps help you avoid busy highways and guide you along coastal drives and routes to viewpoints.

Tolls, emissions zones and charges

South Africa uses some toll roads, but not within central Cape Town.

Most tolls apply to long-distance highways outside the city. Cape Town has no emissions zones. Check your rental company’s toll payment options if you plan to drive further along the coast.

Parking your car in Cape Town

Parking is available across the city, especially near shopping areas.

Street parking is monitored by attendants in busy zones. Multi-storey car parks are common in the CBD and Waterfront. At beaches and viewpoints, use marked bays and follow local guidance.

Finding fuel or charging points

Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Cape Town are increasing.

Petrol stations sit along major roads and near malls. Charging points are expanding across the city, though some suburbs have fewer options. Apps like PlugShare show available locations.

Local driving style and tips

Drivers are steady on main routes but quicker on highways.

Traffic slows near beaches and tourist areas. Watch for minibus taxis making sudden stops, and take care at night on unlit roads. Keep a safe distance and stay alert for pedestrians.

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The most popular car rental companies in Cape Town

Choose from the best car hire companies in Cape Town

Hiring a car in Cape Town: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.

Most popular car hire company	Woodford Car Hire
Most popular car	Economy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price	32 €
Best time to book	1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Cape Town

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Cape Town car rental search.

Book now, cancel later

We clearly highlight car and van hire options in Cape Town that have free cancellation. So you can bag the best deal with total flexibility to change your plans if you need to.

Rent a car in Cape Town for a whole month

Want to hire a car for almost a month? Often, car rental companies in Cape Town avoid costly admin in between pick-ups by hiring out cars for longer periods. So see if monthly car hire is cheaper than the three weeks you need it for by selecting 30 days.

Compare fuel policies

To save money on topping up the tank as you take off in Cape Town, look out for deals with a 'full to full' fuel policy, as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

Skip the queues

We call out keyless pick-up when you search for cars with us. No keys to pick up, means no queues. Just turn up at your preferred Cape Town car hire location, hop in and hit the road.

Frequently asked questions

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

On average, hiring a car in Cape Town will set you back around 32 € per day or 61 € per week.

What's the cheapest car hire company in Cape Town?

The cheapest car hire companies in Cape Town are currently Woodford Car Hire and Green Motion.

What's the cheapest month to rent a car in Cape Town?

Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Cape Town is currently May.

How much does week-long car hire cost in Cape Town?

On average, around 61 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Cape Town is 60 €.

What about month-long car hire in Cape Town?

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Cape Town for a whole month is 603 €.

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!

How do I get the best value car hire in Cape Town?

If you're looking for freedom to explore Cape Town, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Cape Town that have free cancellation.

Can I book a one-way car hire in Cape Town?

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Is it worth renting a car in Cape Town?

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Cape Town.

Can under 25s hire cars in Cape Town?

Most places – Cape Town included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers.