The Port Elizabeth Car Rental Guide is your one-stop specialist for car hire in Port Elizabeth. You can compare rates from leading Port Elizabeth car rental agencies, choose your car, and book in real-time. In just a few minutes, you can compare rates and book your car rental, often finding that it's much less expensive than booking directly with the agencies.
Port Elizabeth is a major maritime port and one of South Africa’s largest cities. With car hire, you have unlimited mobility to explore the Eastern Cape and its outstanding beaches, making the city a premier tourist destination.
Finding the Best Car Rental Deals
KAYAK compares hundreds of rental car sites at once to find the best car rental deals in Port Elizabeth. Here’s why travelers choose KAYAK:
- Save up to 40%: Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
- Free to Use: No hidden charges or fees.
- Filter Your Deals: Filter by car type, brand, and more to customize your results.
- Book with Flexibility: Use the "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
Discover the best prices by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Read also: Renting a Car in Cameroon
Top rated Tourist Attractions in Port Elizabeth / ADDO
Essential Information for Renting a Car in Port Elizabeth
How far in advance should you book?
Book your rental car in Port Elizabeth around 55 days before your trip to get a below-average price.
Cheapest Car Rental Companies
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at:
- Hertz ($9.02/day)
- Global Rent A Car ($11.99/day)
- Europcar ($12.05/day)
The cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz, Port Elizabeth Airport (1.7 mi from city center).
Top Car Rental Companies
Based on user ratings and reviews, the best car rental companies in Port Elizabeth are:
- Budget (10.0)
- Hertz (10.0)
- Sixt (10.0, 2 reviews)
Most Popular Rental Car
Rentals in the Small category (Class Economy SUV or similar) are the most popular option in Port Elizabeth, costing $23/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $13/day.
Read also: Explore South Africa by Bike
Cheapest Month to Rent
The cheapest month to rent a car in Port Elizabeth is July, averaging $27/day. November is the most expensive, with prices around $38/day, about 22% above the yearly average.
Rental Car Company with the Most Locations
keddy by Europcar operates 4 locations in Port Elizabeth, more than any other rental company.
Car Rental Options and Costs
On average, a rental car in Port Elizabeth costs $40 per day. Prices vary between operators, so compare deals from different agencies to save money. The cheapest price found in the last 2 weeks is $16.
Average Rental Costs by Car Type:
| Car Type | Average Cost Per Day |
|---|---|
| Small | $23 |
| Medium | $28 |
| Large | $84 |
Car Rental Locations:
In Port Elizabeth, cars are most frequently rented at Avis Port Elizabeth Airport (2 miles from city center).
Read also: A Smooth Ride: Car Hire in Lagos, Nigeria
Car Rental at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
When flying into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), picking up car hire in Port Elizabeth saves you the bother of finding a vehicle after you arrive. There’s a good list of local and international providers such as Hertz, Avis and Woodford present at the airport. There are signs posted in the main terminal directing you to the car hire centre outside the building, or you can ask for assistance at the nearest information desk.
Car rental companies onsite at Port Elizabeth Airport include Europcar, Global Rent A Car, Thrifty, Budget, Avis, Rentacar, Tempest Car Hire, 1First Car Rental, and Sixt.
Some car rental companies offer shuttle or pick-up services from Port Elizabeth Airport to off-airport locations, including Europcar, Thrifty, Avis, Tempest Car Hire, and Sixt.
Navigating Port Elizabeth by Car
Port Elizabeth is known as a city where getting around by car is quite easy. Even during morning or evening rush hours, traffic congestion shouldn’t last very long.
Anticipate heavy pedestrian and cycle traffic in Port Elizabeth Central, the city's administrative and cultural heart. The city is a major tourist destination, with increased traffic from November to February, especially in the city centre and coastal beach districts.
The Settlers Highway interchange with National Road 2 and the M4 along the eastern flank of the city can cause traffic interruptions from 07:00 to 08:00 and again from 19:00 to 20:00. Inbound and outbound traffic flow along the major M4 motorway is also susceptible to slow-downs inbound and outbound during these times, whereas the NR2/R102/752 exchange near More Grove district can be troublesome westbound. Expect heavy pedestrian, cycle and vehicular activity in central districts from 13:00 to 16:00, which is a key period for shopping, lunch and sightseeing, particularly during the tourist season.
Speed Limits:
- Urban Areas: 60km/h (37mph)
- Rural Roads (excluding motorways): 100km/h (62mph)
- Motorways: 120km/h (75mph)
Be aware of active speed monitoring devices along freeways, major junctions, and urban centers. Pay attention to road signs at all times.
Parking:
Unless street signs indicate otherwise, on-street parking is free within Port Elizabeth. However, spaces are limited in the city centre, making private parking garages an attractive option. Alternatively, consider parking at Port Elizabeth Airport.
- Uncovered Parking: Around 14 ZAR (0.70 GBP) per hour
- Covered Parking: Starts at 20 ZAR (1 GBP) per hour
- Flat Rate (8h Stay): About 21 ZAR (1.05 GBP)
Additional Tips for a Smooth Car Rental Experience
Credit Card Requirement:
To rent a car, you need a valid credit card in the main driver's name. Prepaid credit cards, cash, or debit cards are not accepted. You cannot use someone else's credit card. If you cannot present a credit card in your name, the local agent will refuse to give you the car.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW):
Collision Damage Waiver is a damage insurance coverage usually included in the rental rate. It typically has an excess amount, which you are responsible for. The security deposit will be blocked on your credit card upon arrival at the local office.
The deposit is the amount for which you can be held liable in case of damage/theft of the vehicle. If you cause damage to the car during the rental period, that money can be taken from the blocked deposit. Damage to tires, windscreens, glass, and the undercarriage may not be covered by the CDW.
When the car is returned in the same condition as it was picked up, your security will be unblocked.
Security Deposit:
On arrival, you must provide a credit card in your name for a security deposit to be blocked for the rental period. The deposit is usually the same amount as the liability excess of the Collision Damage Waiver.
The amount of the deposit depends on the car category and the local rental car agency. You can find the deposit amount in the terms and conditions of the specific car rental.
MEET & GREET Service:
MEET & GREET is a service offered when the car rental company doesn't have an office at the airport. A representative will wait for you in the arrival hall, holding a poster with your name. They will then lead you to the car or the local office. If you cannot find them or experience a delay, call the number on your confirmation voucher.
Automatic vs. Manual Transmission:
Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Port Elizabeth. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.
Car Rental Insurance:
Most car rental providers in Port Elizabeth offer insurance, but the level of protection can differ significantly. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to rent a car in Port Elizabeth and enjoy your travels!
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