How to find a cheap car hire deal in East London
Pick up a cheap rental car in East London and start your adventure for around $67 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in East London is $36.
Making it more than a quick visit? Grab a weekly rental from $164 and explore more than just the top attractions.
If you like to plan with precision, book around three weeks ahead to land the best price on a East London car hire.
Browse the offers available with U-Save, Green Motion and First - Car Hire. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your East London car hire policy, whether you go with U-Save or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in East London.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with average prices of $116 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around $121.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $147 a day.
The Mini rental category is a reliable choice if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in East London.
Flying to East London? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into East London, get on the road sooner by picking up a car hire at East London Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 8 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in East London
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in East London gets you moving without breaking the bank. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and extra tech features, this East London car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in East London that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your East London car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so always compare your options.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in East London by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your car hire in South Africa.
Travelling with kids? Car seat requirements differ from place to place, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Check if you need to add one to your East London car hire booking.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and a second photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Get familiar with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the left side of the road in South Africa.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In South Africa, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, get someone else to do the driving or choose another way to travel.
Try 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.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) here. Along with your bank cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
English is the language spoken by most people in this country.
Best hotels in East London for drivers
Offering parking, Premier Hotel East London ICC gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 6 kilometres from central East London and also comes with a 24-hour front desk and massage services.
Or make use of the parking at Premier Hotel Regent. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this stay, which also features a 24-hour front desk and internet access.
Explore the full range of hotels in East London and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car hire deal in East London and your hotel. From Orient Beach to Nahoon Reef and Eastern Beach, there's plenty to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from East London
Stutterheim should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Stationary Engine Museum and Wattlechop. This city is around 64 kilometres northwest of central East London.
Add Butterworth to your journey too. Pick up your cheap car hire in East London and drive about 80 kilometres north to explore top spots such as Bawa Falls and Main Park.
Up for a bonus adventure? Queenstown is a top road trip destination that's about 153 kilometres northwest of East London. Make a few pit stops at Walter Everitt Sunken Gardens (Queens Casino) and Ruth Lock Shell Art Gallery.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. Luxe-Molen Boutique Hotel and Queens Casino and Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Queenstown.
