How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Searching for a cheap Cape Town International Airport rental car? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging $107 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Cape Town International Airport is $23.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from $119 and see more than just the top attractions in Cape Town.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap CPT car hire. Book around one week before you travel to score the best price.
At Cape Town International Airport, you'll have your choice of trusted providers such as Europcar, Carwiz and First - Car Hire.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Cape Town International Airport car hire policy, whether with Europcar or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in CPT. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a car hire in Cape Town International Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at $112 a day.
Sitting in second place, this provider offers daily rates of around $109.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $98 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're still weighing up what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Mini rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type at CPT.
Compare car hire types from Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this cheap Cape Town International Airport rental car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this CPT car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Cape Town International Airport that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your CPT car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Cape Town International Airport by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in South Africa may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your CPT car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest option.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you haven't driven before in South Africa, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. In general that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in South Africa. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
English is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Drive smarter from the start
With a CPT car hire, you're in charge when it comes to your next move. If central Cape Town is your first stop, it's around 19 kilometres west of the airport and a trip of about 25 minutes.
The drive from Cape Town International Airport to the city centre in peak travel times can take as long as 50 minutes.
Around 7am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
Don't need a set of wheels right away? Think about picking up a car hire in Cape Town instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
You'll want to explore the major attractions in Cape Town before you do anything else. Table Mountain and Cecilia, Table Mountain will kick off your adventure in style.
Around 40 kilometres northeast of CPT, Paarl belongs on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Zandwijk Wines and Skydive Africa.
Or grab the wheel of your Cape Town International Airport car hire and head for Worcester. Roughly 88 kilometres northeast of the airport, Karoo Desert Garden and Kleinplasie Living Open Air Museum are highlights that are worth going out of your way for.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Set out for Vredenburg, around 129 kilometres northwest of CPT. From Jacobs Bay Beach to Forest Fiends Urban Farm, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
