Cheap Rental Cars in Cape Town – Affordable Car Hire in South Africa
Cape Town offers a wide range of car rental companies with vehicles for every budget. Major international brands like Avis, Hertz and Sixt are available, along with many local providers. You can easily pick up and return your rental car at Cape Town Airport.
It’s best to compare prices across various rental platforms to find the best deal.
Cape Town rental car: find cheap deals
Table of Contents
- Driving a Rental Car in South Africa
- Driving on the Left
- Traffic Rules & Special Features
- Road Safety
- Fuel & Gas Stations
- Parking in the City
- Parking Signs & Restrictions
- Unofficial Parking Guards
Driving a Rental Car in South Africa
Cape Town has many car rental companies, offering everything from compact cars to SUVs.
A rental car gives you flexibility and independence – essential for exploring the Cape region. We recommend comparing prices online and booking your rental car in advance from home.
Driving on the Left
South Africa drives on the left, with right-hand steering.
The adjustment is easy: roads are wide, and markings are clear and intuitive.
Traffic Rules & Special Features
South Africans drive more loosely than Europeans, but they are friendly and relaxed.
Traffic rules are mostly similar to European standards.
Highlights:
- Four-way stops: first come, first go.
- N roads: national routes, not full motorways.
- M roads: metropolitan expressways.
- R roads: rural roads with extra shoulder lanes for slow cars to let faster cars pass.
Speed limits:
- Towns: 60 km/h
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- Highways: 120 km/h
Note:
Speeding fines are often charged later via your rental company.
Road Safety
Important points:
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists – sometimes even on highways.
- Animals like cows may wander onto roads.
- Night-time driving is riskier due to alcohol-related traffic.
- Legal alcohol limit: 0.5.
Fuel & Gas Stations
There are many gas stations, but fueling works differently:
- You stay in your car
- An attendant fills the tank, checks tires, oil and water
- A small tip is customary
Most cars use unleaded 95.
Parking in the City
Parking in central areas can be difficult.
Parking garages are safe, inexpensive and shaded.
Street parking usually involves official parking marshals selling tickets.
Parking Signs & Restrictions
Key indicators:
- Red line: no parking
- Crossed-out S: no stopping
- Crossed-out P: parking prohibited
- B: bus parking only
- Yellow L: loading zone
Unofficial Parking Guards
At shopping centers and restaurants, unofficial parking guards in yellow vests keep an eye on your car.
A tip is normal.
If they offer to wash your car, agree on a price beforehand.