Cheap Car Hire in South Africa from R212
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in South Africa with a pick-up date of 31/7 and drop-off date of 9/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
South Africa car hires in 2025
Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car hire in South Africa. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on 12 July 2025.
Most popular company | Tempest Car Hire |
|---|---|
Most common car type | Mini |
Average price per day | R492 |
Cheapest price per day | R212 |
Popular car types in South Africa
Explore the most popular car models available for hire in South Africa and choose the one that suits your needs. The price data is sourced from various car hire companies and was last updated on 12 July 2025.
There are, in total, 1 371 car hire locations in South Africa that are operated by 35 companies. In the past week, small car is the cheapest car type users can hire (cheapest price last found: R212/day). Explore 5 car types currently offered from South Africa hire providers:
Economy
R216+
Compact
R220+
Intermediate
R244+
Standard
R467+
Full-size
R878+
People carrier
R235+
Full-size SUV
R602+
Mini
R212+
Compare car hire deals in South Africa by type
Here are the best South Africa small car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best South Africa medium car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best South Africa SUV hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best South Africa van hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best South Africa luxury car hire prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Best car hire deals found in South Africa
Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car hiredeals in South Africa. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect rental option for your needs. There are currently 8 hire car agencies in South Africa with an average daily rate of R344. Data was last updated on 12 July 2025.
These are some of the most attractive deals we've found on car hires within the South Africa region, including options close to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. If these deals don't match what you're looking for, not to worry -- deals are updated on a regular basis.
Cheapflights insights for South Africa car hires
Get relevant, data-driven information to help you hire a car in South Africa, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should I hire a car in South Africa?
Book your car hire in South Africa 1 day before your pickup date to maximise your savings. Car hire prices are around R494/day on average when booked 1 day ahead, which saves you 1 267% off the average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in South Africa?
Tempest Car Hire is currently the cheapest car hire company in South Africa with deals as low as R157,34/day found in the past two weeks. Bluu is another inexpensive option with rates as low as R214,49/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in South Africa?
At South Africa, the best time to hire a car is in January, with an average daily rate of just R528. Conversely, October is the priciest month, averaging R921 per day. Below youll find the monthly average car hire prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.|1#In South Africa, the best time to hire a car is in January, with an average daily rate of just R528. Conversely, October is the priciest month, averaging R921 per day. Below youll find the monthly average car hire prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.
January
R528
February
R598
March
R579
April
R640
May
R569
June
R595
July
R563
August
R564
September
R801
October
R921
November
R723
December
R669
What car do most people hire in South Africa?
The most popular types of cars to hire in South Africa are the following: Premium cars (Mercedes-Benz C-Class or similar), Compact cars (Volkswagen Golf or similar), and Mini cars (Class Mini Car or similar).
Which car hire company has the most locations in South Africa?
keddy by Europcar has 140 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Bluu has the second-highest number of locations in South Africa at 114.
What are the car hire prices for popular cities in South Africa?
Discover the price range for hiring a car in popular cities across South Africa, helping you budget and make informed decisions for your upcoming travel. There are 673 pickup locations in South Africa to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on 12 July 2025.
Out of all the popular cities in South Africa, Durban is the cheapest city to hire a car (R272/day). Other popular cities in South Africa to get a cheap car hire are: Cape Town (R288/day), East London (R290/day), and Port Elizabeth (R303/day).
Tips for hiring a car in South Africa
Browse helpful tips for hiring a car in South Africa including age restrictions, car type suggestions and more. Tips were last updated on 12 July 2025.
- South Africa boasts an extensive network of well-maintained roads, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking to hire a car. The N1 is the country's longest road, spanning from Cape Town to Johannesburg, offering a scenic journey through diverse landscapes. The N2 runs along the beautiful Garden Route, showcasing coastal splendour. The N3 is the primary route between Johannesburg and Durban, often travelled for business and leisure. Additionally, the N4 connects Pretoria to Mozambique, passing through Mpumalanga's scenic panoramas. These major routes are just a glimpse of the country's road network, ensuring that hiring a car in South Africa opens up a world of exploration, from breathtaking coastlines to lush national parks.
- Tolls are a common feature on many major highways and roads in South Africa. One of the most well-known toll routes is the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Other major toll routes include the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, the N4 between Pretoria and Nelspruit and the N2 along the Garden Route. In addition to these highways, various other roads and bridges across the country may also have tolls. These tolls help fund road maintenance and development. Travellers looking to hire a car in South Africa should be prepared to pay tolls when using these routes, and it's advisable to carry cash for this purpose, as not all toll booths accept credit cards.
- In South Africa, having a credit card is often a standard requirement when hiring a car. Most hire agencies prefer credit cards because they can pre-authorise funds for the hire deposit and any potential additional charges, such as fuel, insurance or damage fees. However, some hire companies may accept debit cards, provided they have the necessary funds available for the pre-authorisation. It's essential for travellers to check with their chosen hire agency regarding their specific payment policies and requirements. Having a credit card can make the process smoother, but it's possible to find agencies that accommodate debit card hires with certain conditions and restrictions.
Top rental agencies in South Africa
Explore the leading car hire agencies in South Africa known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car hire companies in South Africa. Reviews were last updated on 12 July 2025.
Book your reservation with one of the top car hiring agencies located in South Africa, including those serving the greater Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban area. Browse through some of the top car hire agencies in South Africa, including locations around Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
keddy by Europcar
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Firefly
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Thrifty
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
1First Car Rental
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Budget
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Avis
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Europcar
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Sixt
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Car hire FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about car hires in South Africa, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 12 July 2025.
Should I hire a car in South Africa?
Hiring a car in South Africa is often a smart choice, primarily due to the limited availability and reliability of public transport in certain areas. While major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg have decent public transit systems, many of South Africa's most captivating attractions, like Kruger National Park, the Garden Route and Drakensberg Mountains, are located in more remote or less urbanised regions where public transport options are limited. Having a hire car provides the freedom to explore these picturesque areas at your own pace. You can embark on safari adventures, visit quaint coastal towns and enjoy scenic drives through the country's diverse landscapes.
What is driving like in South Africa?
Driving in South Africa offers a mix of experiences. While major highways are well-maintained, rural roads may have potholes and rough surfaces. Adherence to road rules varies, with some drivers following diligently while others exhibiting risky behaviour. Defensive driving is recommended. Minibus taxis, a popular mode of public transportation, can be unpredictable, often stopping abruptly and sometimes disregarding road rules. Despite these challenges, driving allows you to explore South Africa's diverse landscapes and attractions at your own pace, making it a rewarding way to experience the country. Staying vigilant and adaptable is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey.
How old do I have to be to hire a car in South Africa?
In South Africa, the minimum age requirement to hire a car is typically 18 years old, although some hire companies may require hirers to be at least 23 or 25 years old, depending on the agency and the car category. Drivers under the age of 25 often face an additional charge known as the "young driver surcharge" due to the perceived higher risk associated with younger drivers. To hire a car, you will need a valid driver's licence, and international visitors should have an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. It's essential to check with your chosen hire agency for specific age policies to understand any associated fees or restrictions before making a reservation, as they can vary between companies.
What is the most popular car hire provider in South Africa?
The most popular car hire company at South Africa is Tempest Car Hire. With prices on ECONOMY starting at R161/day about 374% more people book with Tempest Car Hire than other companies in the country.
What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in South Africa?
At R373/day, it is 45% cheaper on average to rent a car in Centurion than any other city in South Africa. The cheapest price found in South Africa was for R211/day in Centurion.
What side of the road do you drive on in South Africa?
Cars in South Africa are to be driven on the left side of the road.
Car hires by fuel type in South Africa
Browse car hires by fuel type in South Africa. Currently, Petrol/Diesel cars are the cheapest to rent in South Africa. Deals were last updated on 12 July 2025.
Browse through car hire deals by fuel type in South Africa. There are currently 2 fuel types to choose from with Petrol/Diesel being the cheapest (R13+).
Hybrid
R33+
Petrol/Diesel
R13+