How to find a cheap car hire deal in Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
Fresh off the plane? Grab a cheap Port Elizabeth rental car and get on your way for around $118 a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.
Daily rental prices at Port Elizabeth start from just $28.
Staying a while in Port Elizabeth and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $190 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
If you want to get the best price, book your PLZ car hire around two weeks in advance.
At Port Elizabeth, you'll have your choice of leading rental brands such as Europcar, Green Motion and U-Save.
The coverage Europcar or another company offers for your Port Elizabeth car hire can differ, so remember to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in PLZ.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Port Elizabeth with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $138 a day.
Up next is this provider, offering daily rates of around $113.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $140 a day with this provider.
If you're unsure which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type at PLZ.
Compare car hire types from Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, this cheap Port Elizabeth rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this PLZ car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra space and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Port Elizabeth that fits a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group excursions, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your PLZ car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Port Elizabeth.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals vary by company (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some companies in South Africa may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you should add a child car seat to your PLZ car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll need some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in South Africa.
Stay within the local speed limits. In general that's around 55kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in South Africa. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
With a PLZ car hire, you're in control when it comes to where you go. If central Port Elizabeth is your first port of call, it's around 6 kilometres north of the airport and a drive of about 15 minutes.
The drive from Port Elizabeth to the centre in peak travel times can take as long as 25 minutes.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, consider picking up a car hire in Port Elizabeth instead of at the airport. Simply collect your ride when it works for you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
You'll want to take in some of the top attractions in Port Elizabeth before you do anything else. Mount Kilimanjaro and King's Beach set the tone for a great trip.
Shift gears and make tracks to Uitenhage. Around 32 kilometres northwest of PLZ, you'll find well-known sights like Volkswagen Factory and Museum and Volkswagen AutoPavillion, South Africa.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Grahamstown, around 113 kilometres northeast of PLZ. First, visit 1820 Settlers National Monument, then follow it up with Albany Museum.
