How to find a cheap car hire deal in East London
Searching for a cheap rental car in East London? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging $159 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can search less, save more, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices in East London start from just $19.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from $127 and say yes to more adventures.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Around three weeks in advance gives you better odds at securing the best price on a East London car hire.
Check out the offers available with U-Save, Green Motion and First - Car Hire. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you go with U-Save or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your East London car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in East London.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging $105 a day.
Coming in second is [this provider](this provider), which offers daily rates of around $103.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $121 a day.
The Large rental category is a reliable option if you're unsure which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's rented the most in East London.
Flying to East London? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at East London Airport. If you're flying to East London through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 8 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in East London
Small: These cheap rental cars in East London may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives fly by in this East London car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in East London makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different East London car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make your trip smoother 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
Age requirements often vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on 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, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you should add a child car seat to your East London car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you've never driven in South Africa, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 7am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
The South African rand (ZAR) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with your card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Best hotels in East London for drivers
Offering parking, Stratfords Guesthouse and Conference Venue gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 6 kilometres from central East London and also comes with a laundry and ironing services.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Quarry Lake Inn. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this option, which also features a laundry and a bar.
Need more ideas? Browse the selection of hotels in East London. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in East London and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at popular attractions like Orient Beach, Nahoon Reef and Eastern Beach.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from East London
Stutterheim is roughly 64 kilometres northwest of central East London and brings a nice change of pace to your itinerary. Stationary Engine Museum is just one reason to go.
Butterworth, located 80 kilometres or so north of the city, could easily steal the title of your favourite place. Collect your cheap car hire in East London and then start exploring Butterworth's highlights, including Nongqawuse Pool.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Set out for Queenstown, around 153 kilometres northwest of East London. From Queenstown and Frontier Museum to Queenstown Railway Graveyard, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
Hit the hay in Queenstown at either The Gallery or Luxe-Molen Boutique Hotel. They have a room waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
