Cheap Car Hire in South Africa from $15
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 26/7 and drop-off date of 10/8. 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 4 July 2025.
Most popular company | CarWiz |
|---|---|
Most common car type | Compact |
Average price per day | $38 |
Cheapest price per day | $15 |
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 4 July 2025.
There are currently 1,369 hire locations operating in South Africa spread across 35 car hire agencies. In the past week, the cheapest car type to hire in South Africa is small car at $15 a day. Below are all the 5 car types available for hiring in the area, along with estimated starting prices:
Economy
$17+
Compact
$17+
Intermediate
$21+
People mover
$27+
Full-size SUV
$47+
Mini
$15+
Passenger van
$105+
Luxury
$72+
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 hire deals in South Africa. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect hire option for your needs. There are currently 8 hire car agencies in South Africa with an average daily rate of $33. Data was last updated on 4 July 2025.
These are some of the best options we've found for those looking for car hires in South Africa, including options within a close proximity to Johannesburg, Cape Town 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?
For the best savings on car hire in South Africa, make your reservation 1 day before pickup. The average price then is just $43/day – about 17% less than the yearly average.
What is the cheapest car hire company in South Africa?
In South Africa, the most affordable car hire company right now is CarWiz, offering prices from just $14.29/day over the past two weeks. Another budget-friendly choice is Firefly, with rates starting at $16.09/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 February, with an average daily rate of just $46. Conversely, October is the priciest month, averaging $70 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 February, with an average daily rate of just $46. Conversely, October is the priciest month, averaging $70 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
$49
February
$46
March
$48
April
$56
May
$46
June
$53
July
$54
August
$53
September
$60
October
$70
November
$62
December
$58
What car do most people hire in South Africa?
Mini cars (Kia Picanto or similar) are the most popular option for those visiting South Africa. SUV cars (Class Intermediate SUV or similar) are also a popular choice, followed by Standard cars (Hyundai H-1 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 672 pickup locations in South Africa to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on 4 July 2025.
Among the most popular cities in South Africa, Durban offers the lowest average car hire price at just $17/day. Other affordable options include Cape Town ($20/day), Johannesburg ($21/day), and Skukuza ($45/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 4 July 2025.
- If you're travelling with children in South Africa, make sure you're aware of the rules regarding safety seats for different ages. Children under the age of three must be in a fitted car seat appropriate for their size. Children between the ages of three and 14 must be in either a car seat or a booster. Car seats must meet certain regulations, so it may be easier to get one from your car hire company in South Africa.
- Be sure to keep an eye out for animals on the roads, particularly at dawn and dusk in rural areas. If you're doing a self-driving safari, be sure to pay attention to the signs indicating which animals are likely to be present in various areas at different times. While avoiding animal collisions is the main concern, travellers should also be aware that baboons have been known to open car doors, so be sure to keep your vehicle locked at all times if you know there are baboons in the area.
- In South Africa, avoid driving outside of major cities once it gets dark if possible. There is very little illumination and people often walk along the edges of the road without reflective gear. Additionally, the road markings may not be visible at night. If you're travelling between cities, it may be easier to make overnight stops instead of taking day trips that require you to drive back in the evening.
Top hire 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 4 July 2025.
Have a look at the top car hire agencies available in South Africa, including those that serve Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. See what past customers have to say, compare prices, and review other key details before deciding.
keddy by Europcar
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Firefly
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Thrifty
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1First Car Rental
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Budget
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Avis
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Europcar
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Sixt
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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 4 July 2025.
Should I hire a car in South Africa?
Hiring a car in South Africa is one of the best ways to explore the country. The country is home to several famous driving routes that are best explored with your own vehicle. For example, the Garden Route is a multi-day trip that takes travellers through national parks and along the country's coastline. There are also several areas in South Africa where you can do your own self-drive safari. You'll generally need to hire specific vehicles for this with some major international companies such as Avis offering this service. With your own vehicle, you'll have the freedom to explore South Africa at your own pace and you'll be able to visit places that are harder to reach via public transport.
What is driving like in South Africa?
Toll roads are quite common throughout the country. Your vehicle will likely be equipped with an e-tag that will add the cost of your tolls to your total costs. Petrol stations can be found frequently along the roads, even in more rural areas, but it's still a good idea to fuel up before a long drive. In South Africa, an attendant will usually fill your tank up. While planning your route, pay attention to the various types of roads. N and M roads are national roads and motorways respectively, and they are generally very well-maintained. N roads are usually toll roads. R roads are highways that may have potholes or other damage, and D roads are local roads that may be unsealed.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in South Africa?
Drivers must be at least 18 years old to hire a car in South Africa and most companies require you to have held a full licence for at least one year. Some companies will only hire vehicles to drivers over 21 or 23 years old, and most will add a young driver's surcharge for any driver under the age of 25. You will need to present a valid driving licence (written in English) and a credit card that matches the name on the licence. If your licence is not in English, you will also need an International Driving Permit. Make sure to keep your driving licence and passport on you at all times when driving in South Africa.
What is the most popular car hire provider in South Africa?
When hiring a car in South Africa, the most popular provider of hire cars among Cheapflights users is Woodford, and with prices around $41/day, it’s easy to understand why. The most popular car type from Woodford is SUV, which starts as low as $26/day.
What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in South Africa?
When visiting South Africa, it is typically cheapest to hire your car in Durban where rental cars typically will cost around $28/day (43% less than the country average). The absolute cheapest car hire price in South Africa was found in Durban for just $19/day.
What side of the road do you drive on in South Africa?
Cars travel on the left side of the road in South Africa.
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 4 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 ($14+).
Hybrid
$39+
Petrol/Diesel
$14+