Car Rental at Cape Town Airport

Cape Town International Airport is located approximately 20 km, or 12 miles from the city center of Cape Town, and is a very important gateway to the Western Cape area of South Africa. The airport, which was formerly known as D.F Malan Airport, handles around 10 million passengers per year, and is the second largest airport in the country. Cape Town is one of the most popular cities to visit, and has some amazing attractions to offer international and local tourists. It is also one of the most beautiful cities in the world, standing at the foot of the famous Table Mountain. The best way to travel in Cape Town, and South Africa, is by car, therefore a number of car rental companies are represented at Cape Town International Airport. A rented car can easily get you around the city, and to nearby destinations, such as Stellenbosch, Paarl and the popular vineyards.

The car rental facilities at Cape Town Airport can be found in front of the Transport Plaza and Central Terminal Building. In the recent years, the airport was quite extensively redeveloped and upgraded to include the new Central Terminal that now handles all check-in procedures for domestic and international flights. This new building now connects the once separate international and domestic terminals. The development also included two pedestrian subways located on either side of the terminal, so that passengers no longer have to cross any busy roads to reach the car rental facilities. The safer subways also lead to the shaded parking facilities of the car hire companies.

All Car Rental Companies at Cape Town International Airport:

• Alamo: +27 21 935 8600
• Avis: +27 21 927 8800
• Bidvest: +27 21 927 2750
• Budget: +27 21 927 8800
• Cabs Car Hire: +27 21 386 5500
• Dollar: +27 21 936 2121
• Enterprise: +27 219 347 165
• Europcar: +27 021 935 8600
• Firefly: +27 21 935 3000
• Firefly Powered By Hertz: +27 219 353 000
• First: +27 21 934 7499
• Green Motion: +27 21 555 9561
• Hertz: +27 21 935 3000
• Keddy By Europcar: +27 21 935 8600
• National: +27 21 935 8600
• Sixt: +27 11 230 9999
• Tempest: +27 21 935 8650
• Thrifty: +27 21 936 2121
• Woodford Exclusive Rentals: +27 21 934 7165

Many of the car hire companies available at Cape Town Airport are globally recognized, and have many years of experience in the car rental industry. They provide high quality vehicles in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and customers can choose from a variety of all-inclusive prices. Some vehicles are small, such as the Kia Picanto, and ideal for driving in the city, but without too much room for luggage, while others are considered to be large people carriers, seating up to eight or nine people, and perfect for groups of travelers. There are vehicles suitable for families of an average size as well, seating four or five people, and these may be similar to the Toyota Corolla Sedan and Audi A4. All the vehicle categories offered by the various car hire companies can be viewed online, as well as the company’s rental terms and conditions.

It is recommended to select your car size wisely, as a slightly larger car often drives much more efficiently on Cape Town’s main roads, and even off the main roads, as you may encounter roads in varying conditions. A larger vehicle with good suspension is often the key to a safer and more comfortable driving experience. Many vehicles come with air conditioning, and this is highly recommended in South Africa, since temperatures in the summer, and even the winter, can be very hot. Ensure that you always hire from one of the reputable companies at Cape Town Airport, which offer vehicles of excellent quality. It has happened that a vehicle in unacceptable condition is received from a company which is not as well-known. Perhaps consider giving yourself a day or two to get used to your rented car before driving long distances, and to ensure that all is in good working condition. Pay special attention to the tyres of the vehicle, as they can often be a problem.

If you are hiring a vehicle, there are certain things worth consideration to keep in mind. In terms of insurance policies, it is best to have a full/comprehensive insurance cover, and you should try to get insurance with zero excess, so that you are not liable for any damages to the car, for example, cracked windows or any scratches. Your rental company should also provide a 24 hour emergency breakdown and accident service, and their vehicles should come with unlimited mileage. Sometimes it is convenient to have a one-way rental. This is a service whereby you are able to collect your vehicle from Cape Town Airport, but return it to a different rental location of your chosen car hire company. There are charges for this service when the vehicle is returned to another city, but it is usually free of charge if returned within the same city. However, always ensure that a one-way booking is confirmed to you in writing.

South African road rules should be followed at all times. Speed limits should be taken seriously, and driving under the influence of alcohol is not tolerated. The speed limits in Cape Town are 120 km/h on the highways, 100 km/h on the open roads and 60 km/h in urban areas. Motorists in Cape Town are also advised to exercise general caution on the roads, for example, do not pick up hitchhikers or offer lifts to anyone you don’t know, keep your door locked and keep valuables out of sight. Drivers should treat a crossing like a four-way stop when traffic lights are out of order, generally keep out the way of mini-bus taxis, which can be rather recklessly driven, and passengers in the front seats should be wearing seat belts.

Cape Town International Airport is easily accessed via the major N2 highway, as well as indirectly from the R300, via the M12, M10 and M22. Roads in South Africa can be busy during rush hours, therefore allow plenty of time to reach the airport in good time to return your rented car, and check-in for your departure flight.