Everything you need to know before picking up your hire car at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), South Africa.
The cheapest car hire at CPT starts from £11/day for economy cars (Renault Kwid, Suzuki Swift). May is the cheapest month at around £14/day, versus the yearly average of £28/day. Booking 4 weeks ahead and choosing a local operator saves 20–40%. All 25 cars on our partner platform accept cash or debit card.
No — Cape Town is one of the most affordable car hire destinations globally. Economy cars cost £11–20/day. SUVs start from £22/day. The yearly average across all cars is £28/day. Prices are stable year-round, only peaking slightly in December (£23/day).
May is the cheapest month at around £14/day. June–September (South African winter) also offers good value at £14–16/day. December is the most expensive month at £23/day due to South African summer holidays. Unlike European destinations, Cape Town has relatively stable prices throughout the year.
Book around 4 weeks ahead for the best daily rate at CPT. For December and January (South African peak season), book 6–8 weeks ahead. Unlike peak European summer destinations, last-minute deals are more readily available in Cape Town outside of December.
Best rated by Google reviews: Cape Town Luxury Car Rentals (4.9★, 770 reviews), Xtreme Car Rental (4.8★, 162 reviews), CABS Car Hire (4.7★, 88 reviews), Pace Car Rental (4.7★, 464 reviews), Alamo (4.5★, 284 reviews). International brands Avis (3.5★) and Europcar (3.6★) score considerably lower.
The main car hire building is a short walk from the arrivals hall at CPT. In-terminal companies include Woodford, Avis, Hertz, Europcar, First Car Rental, Sixt, Alamo and Budget. Off-airport companies (Xtreme, Green Motion, Pace, CABS) provide free shuttle buses from arrivals — typically 5–10 minutes.
Often yes. Off-airport companies (located 5–10 minutes by free shuttle) typically charge 20–40% less than in-terminal desks. The quality difference is negligible — many off-airport operators have excellent reviews. Always compare both options when booking.
Not with our partner platform — all 25 cars accept cash or debit card, with no credit card required. This is a major advantage for travellers without a credit card. International brands at the terminal (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) typically require a credit card for the security deposit.
You need a full driving licence, passport and payment card (cash or debit card accepted on our platform). An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in English. A digital voucher on your phone is accepted — no printing required.
Yes — South Africa drives on the left side of the road, the same as the UK. This makes driving comfortable for British visitors. Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on highways. Overtaking is on the right.
A medium SUV or crossover (Toyota Corolla Cross, Nissan X-Trail) is ideal for the Garden Route — the roads are excellent tarmac throughout. A compact car suffices for Cape Town city, the Waterfront and the Cape Peninsula. For 4x4 tracks to game reserves, choose a Suzuki Jimny or Toyota Fortuner.
Two toll roads: Chapman’s Peak Drive (a scenic coastal route, highly recommended) and the Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 highway to Franschhoek and the Winelands. Most Cape Town roads and highways are toll-free. Insurance covers paved roads only.