Car rental in Cape Town

Cape Town is South Africa's legislative capital and one of the world's most beautiful cities. The blend of European architecture with pristine African nature gives it a unique character. Renting a car is the optimal way to explore the city and surrounding areas—it's the most comfortable mode of transport in Cape Town.

With a vehicle, you'll have access to the best locations: the Cape of Good Hope, Stellenbosch wineries, whale capital Hermanus, and Chapman's Peak. Traveling around the region by public transport is inconvenient and unsafe, while taxis prove uneconomical.

Benefits of Rental Through Localrent

The Localrent service offers competitive deals from verified local rental companies. They provide flexible terms, reasonable rates, and personalized support throughout your rental period.

Advantages of booking through Localrent:

1. Advance payment 15-20% of rental cost. You pay the remaining amount on-site when signing the contract.
2. Low deposit. Some vehicles require no deposit at all.
3. Vehicle delivery available. This is a significant advantage in Cape Town, where tourists are advised to drive rather than walk. Companies typically deliver vehicles to the airport terminal, hotel, or your accommodation for onward travel.
4. Transparent contract terms. The exact rental cost is known at the booking stage.
5. Customer support. Throughout the entire rental period, you can contact service managers with any questions or issues.

Choose your vehicle using filters that allow you to specify everything from payment method to specific make. Once you've found the right option, you can proceed directly to booking.

Requirements for Car Rental in Cape Town

Before renting a vehicle, verify the age and driving experience requirements. These are specified in the vehicle description and may vary between companies. To save time, use the age and experience filters.

To complete a rental agreement, you'll need:

• Passport.
• Valid driver's license (Category B).

Bank card required for advance payment during booking. Available payment methods for the balance are indicated in vehicle descriptions.

Credit card not mandatory for Cape Town rentals. Most rental companies accept debit cards.

You may wish to add a second driver to the contract. They must meet the same age and experience requirements. The second driver presents their passport and license when signing the agreement.

Traffic Characteristics in Cape Town

Roads in Cape Town and the Western Cape province are considered among South Africa's best. Road markings are clear, signs are understandable and predominantly in English, with only some in Afrikaans.

You may encounter aggressive driving, though such cases are less frequent in Cape Town than in other South African cities. Main offenders are minibus taxis (white microbuses), which often speed, make sudden maneuvers, and run red lights.

For your safety, avoid emergency stops in deserted areas. Keep windows closed and doors locked, even while inside the vehicle. Travel during daylight hours and don't pick up unfamiliar hitchhikers.

Traffic Rules Essentials

• Left-hand traffic operates in South Africa, with overtaking on the right.
• No left turns on red lights. Exception: when the traffic light shows a green arrow pointing left.
• At four-way stop intersections, priority goes to vehicles that arrived first.
• At roundabouts, traffic moves clockwise and yields to vehicles from the right.
• Mobile phone use permitted only with hands-free device.
• All passengers must wear seat belts.
• Children under 10 must be transported in car seats in the back seat.
• Headlights on low beam from sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility conditions (such as rain).

Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on rural roads outside cities, maximum 60 km/h in urban areas. These limits are lower at night and in adverse weather.

Two toll roads run through Cape Town: the scenic Chapman's Peak Drive and Huguenot Tunnel, part of the N1 national route. Note that insurance coverage applies only on paved roads.

Fuel Stations

Cape Town has ample fuel stations, including 24-hour locations. Major international corporations operate here—Shell, BP—alongside national brands like Engen and Sasol.

All stations are staffed; self-service is prohibited in South Africa for security reasons. Attendants may additionally check oil levels, tire condition, and clean windscreens. Small tips for their services are appreciated.

Parking

Street parking in Cape Town is free except in central districts: City Bowl, Sea Point, Green Point, Waterfront. Parking meters aren't used—look for "Pay and Display" signs with additional information about parking duration.

Payment is made through dedicated apps, or by bank card or cash to parking attendants who approach you. The city center also has paid underground parking at shopping centers and multi-level garages.

At free parking areas, unofficial "guards" watch over vehicles. Tipping them is customary.

Parking zones are marked in white. Yellow markings permit brief stops, red prohibits any parking. You cannot park facing oncoming traffic.

How to Book a Car in Cape Town

Arrange your rental in advance online—it's convenient and cost-effective. The Localrent service makes booking straightforward, clear, and quick.

Detailed instructions:

1. Select pickup and return city—these can differ, though this service is typically paid. Specify rental dates.
2. Indicate specific locations in the city for pickup and return using the "Specify location" filter.
3. Use filters to select important vehicle parameters, payment and deposit methods, and additional services if needed.
4. The service displays all available vehicles with brief specifications and preliminary rental costs. You can quickly compare offers and choose what suits you.
5. Open the desired vehicle's card and review specifications. Select additional options: second driver, child car seat, and others.
6. On the right, you'll see the rental cost with added options. Basic insurance is included; extended coverage can be purchased if necessary.
7. Fill in the primary driver's details and proceed to payment. The final cost is definitive. Pay the 15-20% advance by card.

After completing the booking, an electronic voucher with order details arrives in your email. Download or print it to present when finalizing the contract on-site.

Your vehicle is now reserved. All that remains is completing the contract and collecting the car keys in Cape Town.

Top 5 Popular Destinations to Visit by Car in Cape Town

You'll gain the greatest enjoyment from the city by exploring its surroundings. Here are several top routes:

1. Chapman's Peak Drive. An iconic highway offering stunning Atlantic Ocean views. Numerous lookout points allow for photos and scenery appreciation.
2. Franschhoek Pass. Renowned for magnificent vineyards where you can tour and enjoy exquisite wines.
3. Cape Peninsula. Features several popular locations: Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach with its African penguin colony, and the unique Cape Point nature reserve.
4. Paternoster. South Africa's oldest fishing village with white cottages and endless beaches. Be sure to try local seafood dishes.
5. Hermanus. Visit during winter months to observe rare southern right whales. It's also an excellent location for beach and culinary experiences.

For trips around Cape Town's surroundings and within the city, choose a mid-size crossover or SUV. This is the most versatile and accessible option.

Where to Rent a Car in Cape Town

Three options are typically available:

• Cape Town International Airport
• Rental company office
• Hotel or other address where you're staying

Not all rental companies offer delivery to any address; some transfer vehicles only at their office. Use the location filter, and the aggregator will show vehicles available for your location.

Cape Town Rental Tips

Stay alert during your journey and prioritize your safety. This ensures your Cape Town trip leaves only positive impressions.

Choose Automatic Transmission

If you're unaccustomed to left-hand traffic, rent a model with automatic transmission. You'll pay more, but driving will be easier.

Select Vehicles with Large Boot Space

Compact hatchbacks are convenient and relatively affordable but won't suit you if you have substantial luggage. Bags and suitcases should be stored in the boot, not visible on the back seat.

Frequently Asked Questions