Car Hire
Car Hire in Cape Town
Want to explore beyond the city centre? You'll need wheels. Whether you're planning a road trip along Chapman's Peak, a wine tour in Constantia, or just need a reliable ride to the airport, we've compared the major car rental companies and local operators to help you find the best deal. Drive safe, and don't forget the sunblock.
Hertz Rent a Car
Location: Cape Town International Airport
Category: International Car Rental
Highlights: One of the world's best-known vehicle rental brands, offering everything from compact city cars to premium SUVs with convenient airport collection.
Best For: Business travellers, families, self-drive holidays and Garden Route trips.
Pricing: Mid-range.
Hours: Daily 06:00 - 00:00.
Avis Rent a Car
Location: Cape Town International Airport, Wynberg and other branches
Category: International Car Rental
Highlights: Extensive South African branch network with a large fleet, one-way rentals and corporate travel solutions.
Best For: Business travel, airport rentals and long-distance touring.
Pricing: Mid-range.
Hours: Generally 08:00 - 17:00 weekdays; limited Saturday hours.
Budget Rent a Car
Location: Cape Town Airport and city branches
Category: Budget Car Rental
Highlights: A trusted international brand offering reliable economy vehicles at competitive rates for travellers looking to keep costs down.
Best For: Budget-conscious holidaymakers and short city breaks.
Pricing: Budget to Mid-range.
Europcar Cape Town
Location: De Waterkant and Cape Town International Airport
Category: International Car Rental
Highlights: Offers a modern fleet ranging from compact hatchbacks to luxury sedans and SUVs, with flexible rental options.
Best For: International visitors and business travellers.
Pricing: Mid-range.
Hours: Daily 08:00 - 17:00 (shorter weekend hours).
SANI SIXT Car Rental
Location: Cape Town International Airport and Green Point
Category: Premium Car Rental
Highlights: Modern fleet of economy, premium and luxury vehicles backed by excellent customer service and fast airport collections.
Best For: Premium rentals, business executives and international visitors.
Pricing: Mid-range to Premium.
Hours: Airport: Daily 05:00 - 23:00.
First Car Rental
Location: Cape Town Airport, Bellville and city branches
Category: South African Car Rental
Highlights: One of South Africa's largest independent rental companies with more than 9,000 vehicles, ranging from compact cars to executive SUVs.
Best For: Families, business travellers and long-term rentals.
Pricing: Budget to Premium.
Hours: Typically 08:00 - 17:00 daily.
Tempest Car Hire
Location: Cape Town International Airport
Category: South African Car Rental
Highlights: Well-established national rental company known for competitive pricing and a broad selection of economy and family vehicles.
Best For: Holidaymakers looking for value.
Pricing: Budget.
Hours: Daily 06:00 - 22:00.
Bidvest Car Rental
Location: Cape Town Airport and city branches
Category: South African Car Rental
Highlights: Offers reliable vehicles with nationwide coverage and strong corporate rental services.
Best For: Business travel and one-way rentals.
Pricing: Mid-range.
Woodford Car Hire
Location: Cape Town International Airport
Category: Independent Car Rental
Highlights: Highly regarded local operator offering competitive pricing, quick airport collections and a modern fleet.
Best For: Value-conscious travellers wanting personalised service.
Pricing: Budget to Mid-range.
Hours: Daily 06:00 - 23:00.
Rentacheapie Car Hire
Location: Paarden Eiland
Category: Budget Car Rental
Highlights: One of Cape Town's best-known independent rental companies specialising in affordable daily, weekly and monthly rentals.
Best For: Long-term rentals, students and budget travellers.
Pricing: Budget.
Hours: Monday - Friday 08:00 - 17:00; Saturday 09:00 - 15:00.
AroundAboutCars
Location: Cape Town CBD
Category: Independent Car Rental
Highlights: Family-owned Cape Town company renowned for personalised service, transparent pricing and airport meet-and-greet options.
Best For: International visitors seeking local expertise.
Pricing: Budget to Mid-range.
Hours: Monday - Friday 07:30 - 19:00; weekends 08:00 - 13:00.
Bluu Car Rental
Location: Cape Town CBD and Airport
Category: South African Car Rental
Highlights: Modern fleet of economy, family and executive vehicles with competitive pricing and nationwide coverage.
Best For: Domestic travellers and affordable airport rentals.
Pricing: Budget.
Smart Car Hire
Location: Woodstock
Category: Independent Car Rental
Highlights: Local rental company specialising in economical vehicles with flexible rental periods and personalised customer service.
Best For: Local residents, short-term rentals and affordable city driving.
Pricing: Budget.
Cape Town Luxury Car Rentals
Location: V&A Waterfront
Category: Luxury Car Rental
Highlights: Specialises in luxury sedans, prestige SUVs, convertibles and exotic sports cars for premium travel experiences.
Best For: Luxury holidays, weddings, VIP transport and special occasions.
Pricing: Premium.
Xtreme Car Rental
Location: Airport Industria
Category: SUV & Utility Vehicle Rental
Highlights: Offers SUVs, bakkies, passenger vans and utility vehicles suitable for business and adventure travel.
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, contractors and larger groups.
Pricing: Mid-range.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Location: Cape Town International Airport
Category: International Car Rental
Highlights: Globally recognised rental brand offering reliable vehicles backed by one of the world's largest mobility networks.
Best For: International tourists and business travellers.
Pricing: Mid-range.
National Car Rental
Location: Cape Town International Airport
Category: International Car Rental
Highlights: Premium international brand known for fast airport service, loyalty benefits and executive vehicle options.
Best For: Frequent business travellers and premium rentals.
Pricing: Premium.
Alamo Rent A Car
Location: Cape Town International Airport
Category: International Car Rental
Highlights: Popular with international holidaymakers thanks to competitive pricing, online booking and straightforward self-drive rentals.
Best For: Leisure travellers and families.
Pricing: Budget to Mid-range.
