Car Hire Cape Town Airport

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.

Renting a car at Cape Town International Airport is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city and the surrounding Western Cape region. Many visitors choose this option because it provides flexibility to travel beyond the city centre to scenic destinations such as coastal drives, wine regions, and national parks. Rental cars are particularly popular among tourists planning road trips along the famous Cape Peninsula or the Garden Route.

If you plan to explore areas outside the city, renting a car is often the easiest option since public transport in the region is limited.

Where Car Rental Companies Are Located

Car rental facilities at Cape Town Airport are located in front of the Central Terminal Building near the Transport Plaza. Pedestrian subways connect the terminal with the car rental area, allowing travelers to reach the offices safely without crossing busy roads.

Most companies have service desks inside the terminal arrivals area, while the vehicles are parked in nearby airport parking zones.

Booking your vehicle online in advance usually results in lower prices and shorter waiting times at the counter.

Typical Rental Prices

Car rental prices vary depending on the season, vehicle category, and booking time.

Typical daily prices include:

Vehicle Type	Approximate Price per Day
Economy car	$20 – $40
Compact car	$30 – $50
SUV	$50 – $90
Minivan / family vehicle	$70 – $120

Average rental prices are often around $38 per day, although cheaper deals can sometimes be found from about $24 per day.

The cheapest deals are often available if you book about one week before your trip. (

Most Popular Rental Car Types

Travelers arriving at Cape Town Airport typically choose vehicles suited to both city driving and longer scenic routes.

The most popular categories include:

Economy cars
Ideal for city travel and short trips.

Compact cars
Popular with couples or small families.

SUVs and 4x4 vehicles
Frequently chosen by travelers exploring mountain roads or rural areas.

Minivans and people carriers
Best for larger groups or families with luggage.

Small cars are generally the most commonly booked rental vehicles at the airport.

Popular Destinations to Visit by Car

Cape Town Airport is an excellent starting point for exploring the Western Cape by car.

Popular driving destinations include:

Table Mountain – about 25 minutes
Cape Winelands – about 45 minutes
Cape Point – about 1.5 hours
Chapman’s Peak Drive – about 1 hour
Garden Route – multi-day road trip starting from Cape Town

Many visitors rent cars to enjoy the region’s famous coastal drives and national parks.

Car Rental Insurance Explained

When renting a car, the price usually includes basic insurance coverage, but additional protection may be offered.

Basic Insurance (usually included)

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Limits the amount you must pay if the car is damaged.

Theft Protection (TP)
Provides coverage if the vehicle is stolen.

Third-Party Liability Insurance
Covers damage to other vehicles or property.

Optional Insurance

Super CDW / Excess reduction
Reduces the deductible amount you must pay if damage occurs.

Personal Accident Insurance
Covers medical costs for the driver and passengers.

Always check the excess amount (deductible) in the rental contract. Some policies may require the renter to pay several hundred dollars if the vehicle is damaged.

Requirements for Renting a Car

Most companies require:

A valid driver’s license
A credit card for the deposit
Minimum driver age of 21 years (some companies charge extra for drivers under 25)

International travelers may also need an International Driving Permit depending on their country of origin.

Renting a car at Cape Town Airport is one of the best ways to explore the region. With a vehicle, travelers can easily reach beaches, vineyards, mountains, and scenic coastal routes that are difficult to access by public transport.