Car rental in Durban

Durban is South Africa's third-largest city, a resort destination on the Indian Ocean coast in KwaZulu-Natal province. The city is renowned for its upscale beaches, nature reserves, and safari parks. Renting a car in Durban provides safe and convenient transportation throughout the city and surrounding areas.

You'll experience the region's wildlife and authentic culture while combining excursions with relaxation along the "Golden Mile" coastline. Without the hassle of public transport and considerably cheaper than car-sharing services or taxis.

Cost-Effective Localrent Booking Service

Localrent features the best local car rental companies offering competitive rates, flexible approaches, and personalized service for each client.

Advantages of renting in Durban through Localrent:

1. Transparent terms – Conditions are clearly defined. No hidden fees, commissions, or taxes that inflate the initially quoted price. You'll know the actual rental cost with all services included before making your deposit.
2. Simple booking process – Compare offers from local providers, select your vehicle, and complete the entire rental process online.
3. Small deposit – Just 15-20% upfront. You'll pay the remainder when collecting your vehicle.
4. Vehicle selection by class and brand – Find any category from budget models to luxury vehicles. Use filters to simplify your choice.
5. Reliable customer support – Localrent's service team is ready to assist throughout your entire rental period.

Localrent partners exclusively with verified local companies, guaranteeing that you'll rent a vehicle without excessive costs, concerns, or unpleasant surprises.

Car Rental Requirements in Durban

Most rental companies have age and driving experience restrictions. These vary, so check each vehicle listing for specific conditions.

Documents required for car rental:

• Passport
• Valid driver's license
• Bank card
• Voucher confirming your booking

The second driver listed in the agreement must meet the same requirements as the primary driver. Original documents—passport and license—are also required. The manager will add their details to the contract when collecting the vehicle.

Durban Traffic Regulations: What You Need to Know

Durban, like all South African regions, has left-hand traffic. Major roads are well-maintained with smooth surfaces, clear markings, and international signage in English. However, secondary and rural routes may have potholes—exercise caution, especially in adverse weather.

The N3 toll highway connecting Durban to Johannesburg is in excellent condition. Payment can be made by credit/debit card or cash.

Key traffic patterns to expect:

• Be prepared for aggressive local driving, particularly unpredictable minibus taxis
• Allow extra travel time due to frequent road construction
• Peak congestion periods affect journey planning
• Essential traffic rules:
• Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on highways. Reduced to 30-40 km/h near schools, residential areas, and national parks.
• Lane discipline: Drive in the left lane; overtaking is only permitted on the right. Left turns on red lights are prohibited.
• Intersection priority: At four-way stops, priority goes to vehicles that arrived first.
• Roundabouts: Yield to traffic from the right.
• Courtesy practice: With good visibility, move onto the shoulder or emergency lane to allow faster-moving traffic to pass.
• Mobile phones: Only use with hands-free devices.
• Safety restraints: Driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts. Children under 12 years and under 135 cm tall must be in appropriate restraint systems in the back seat.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.05 permille maximum.
• Headlights: Low beams must be on from sunset to sunrise, and in poor weather or visibility under 150 meters.

Night driving caution: Exercise extreme care on rural roads—many pedestrians, domestic animals, and wildlife are difficult to see in darkness.

Fuel Stations

For refueling in Durban, use major company stations: Shell, BP, Total, Engen, or Sasol. These operate 24/7, offering quality fuel and additional services. Find the nearest station through Google Maps or specific brand online locators.

Vehicles run on 93 or 95 octane petrol and diesel. Staff will handle refueling, with payment typically made on-site. While major stations accept cards, it's advisable to carry cash and leave small tips.

Parking Guidelines

Central Durban and areas near main attractions have paid parking facilities and garages. Watch for signs indicating rates and duration limits. Popular parking locations include uShaka Marine World and the Durban International Convention Centre.

Payment is processed through parking meters, mobile apps, or official parking attendants. You'll also encounter "unofficial guards" who, for small tips, can watch your vehicle, assist with parking, and carry belongings.

Free street parking exists on busy roads like Florida Road and near city parks, though finding available spaces is challenging.

Never park near yellow or red lines. Always remove valuables when leaving your vehicle.

How to Book Your Car in Durban

Localrent's navigation is straightforward and user-friendly. You can complete your booking even if you've never rented a car before.

Follow these steps:

1. Select your city and vehicle collection/return location. One-way rentals are available, typically with an additional fee. Indicate your required dates on the calendar.
2. Use filters to specify necessary vehicle parameters: transmission type, drive system, brand or class, deposit amount or no-deposit options.
3. Review the specifications of your chosen vehicle and add optional extras if needed, such as extended insurance or adding a second driver to the agreement.
4. Complete the primary driver's personal and contact details.
5. Review the final price showing rental costs, additional services, deposit amount (if applicable), and payment options. This price is final.
6. Pay a 15-20% deposit of the total rental amount by bank card.
7. Receive your voucher at the specified email address—this confirms your booking. Save it on your phone or print it to present to the rental company manager.

Your booked vehicle will be delivered to your specified address in Durban. Inspect it for damage, document any issues, and ensure they're noted in the handover report. Pay the balance and sign the agreement.

Top 5 Routes Around Durban with Your Rental Car

Durban's main attractions—uShaka Marine World, the Botanic Gardens, and Moses Mabhida Stadium—are spread across considerable distances. A car is essential both within the city and beyond.

Popular routes around Durban:

1. Tala Game Reserve and Natal Lion Park – Exceptional safari experience with the "Big Five" in their natural habitat.
2. Drakensberg Mountains – South Africa's highest mountain range featuring stunning waterfalls and panoramic views, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local caves preserve Bushmen rock art. Nearby is Howick town and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site with its distinctive monument.
3. Valley of a Thousand Hills – Picturesque region for experiencing Zulu traditions and culture.
4. Midlands Meander – Tourist route through villages of local artisans and artists.
5. Umkomaas – Small coastal town near Aliwal Shoal, one of the world's premier diving destinations.

A crossover or compact SUV is ideal for Durban. Benefits include: elevated ground clearance, spacious trunk, and comfortable cabin for extended journeys.

Important note: When traveling around Durban and surrounding areas in your rental vehicle, remember that insurance coverage applies only on paved roads.

Where to Collect Your Rental Vehicle

Local Durban rental providers offer convenient collection options for tourists:

• King Shaka International Airport
• Rental office locations
• City delivery service

When choosing your preferred collection point, verify availability with your rental provider. Some companies only offer vehicle handovers at their office locations.

Use the "Specify location" filter to find companies with suitable collection points.

First-Time Rental Tips for Durban Visitors

To ensure nothing disrupts your Durban experience, follow these simple but important safety guidelines.

Remove all valuables

Never leave valuable items or documents in your vehicle, especially when parking in outlying areas.

Offline maps

Mobile coverage can be unstable outside Durban. Download Google Maps for the region before your trip to ensure offline access and avoid getting lost.

Safari safety protocols

Exercise caution in safari parks and reserves around Durban. Never exit your vehicle, don't extend arms or head out of windows, and maintain distance from wild animals. If animals cross the road, turn off your engine and remain calm to avoid provoking aggression.

Frequently Asked Questions