Car rental in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

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Choose from 29 pickup spots

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There are 29 car rental providers in Port Elizabeth. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Port Elizabeth

Choose from the best car rental companies in Port Elizabeth

Renting a car in Port Elizabeth: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyU-Save
Most popular carCompact, SUV
Average daily priceAED 398
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Port Elizabeth

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Port Elizabeth car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Port Elizabeth

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Port Elizabeth? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging AED 398 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Port Elizabeth is AED 66.

  • Staying a little longer? Book a weekly rental from AED 278 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • If you want to time it right, book about two weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a Port Elizabeth car hire.

  • U-Save, Green Motion and Europcar are among the top-rated providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Port Elizabeth car rental policy, whether you book with U-Save or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.

  • Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Port Elizabeth.

  • Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Want to explore without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra costs.

Best value car rental options right now

  • The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at AED 345 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around AED 349, this provider is next in line.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly AED 433 a day with this supplier.

  • If you're not sure which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Port Elizabeth.

Flying to Port Elizabeth? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by booking a car rental at Port Elizabeth Airport. If you're flying to Port Elizabeth through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and roll out. The drive to the city center is about 6 kilometers and takes around 15 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Port Elizabeth

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for longer drives, this Port Elizabeth car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Port Elizabeth is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Port Elizabeth car rental providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Take your ride to the next level with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Port Elizabeth.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your rental in South Africa.

  • If the kids are tagging along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Port Elizabeth car rental booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.

  • You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.

  • Familiarize yourself with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in South Africa.

  • Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say 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.

  • Around 7am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.

  • The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't available.

Best hotels in Port Elizabeth for drivers

  • Offering parking, City Lodge Hotel Gqeberha takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is about 10 kilometers from central Port Elizabeth and also comes with Wi-Fi and a fitness center.

  • Nova Boutique Hotel and Spa makes travel simpler with parking and features like an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant. It's roughly 8 kilometers from the city center.

  • Explore the full lineup of hotels in Port Elizabeth and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.

  • You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car rental deal in Port Elizabeth and your hotel. From Mount Kilimanjaro to King's Beach and Brighton Beach, you'll find plenty to fill your days here.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Port Elizabeth will set you back around AED 398 per day or AED 1,981 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Port Elizabeth is a mini crossover (similar to an SUV). The most popular is Compact, SUV.
The cheapest car rental companies in Port Elizabeth are currently Firefly and Thrifty.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Port Elizabeth is currently June.
On average, around AED 1,981. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Port Elizabeth is AED 278.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Port Elizabeth for a whole month is AED 3,405. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Port Elizabeth, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Port Elizabeth that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Port Elizabeth.
Most places – Port Elizabeth included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 71 per day. The average price per day is around AED 218.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like U-Save, Carwiz and Green Motion offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated First Rent a Car as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the Internet for all kinds of vehicle rental deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van rental in Port Elizabeth.