How to find a cheap car hire deal in Pietermaritzburg
Whether you need a small car for scooting around town or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Pietermaritzburg. Choose from options averaging $326 a day and travel your way for less.
Daily rental prices in Pietermaritzburg start from just $40.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $278 and pack in more adventures.
Book early to snag the best price for a Pietermaritzburg car hire. Besides saving money, you're more likely to get the vehicle you actually want.
Get behind the wheel with Enterprise, Firefly powered by Hertz or 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 Pietermaritzburg car hire policy, whether with Enterprise or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can bag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Pietermaritzburg.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Search for 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
Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of $96 a day.
Taking second place is [this provider](this provider), offering daily rates of around $170.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $117 a day with this supplier.
The Intermediate rental category is a reliable choice if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Pietermaritzburg.
Flying to Pietermaritzburg? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Pietermaritzburg Airport. If you're flying to Pietermaritzburg through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and roll out. The drive to the city centre is about 6 kilometres and takes around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Pietermaritzburg
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or just planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Pietermaritzburg car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Pietermaritzburg that can handle a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group excursions, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Pietermaritzburg car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so give them a quick comparison.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Pietermaritzburg.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in South Africa. Rules can differ, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a child car seat to your Pietermaritzburg car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the left side of the road in South Africa.
Local speed limits are often about 55kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In South Africa, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, get someone else to do the driving or use public transport instead.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) for all your purchases throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.
Best hotels in Pietermaritzburg for drivers
Offering parking, Bayside Hotel Pietermaritzburg adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Pietermaritzburg and also comes with a 24-hour front desk and air conditioning.
MS Self-Catering gets things right with parking and features like air conditioning and internet access. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Pietermaritzburg for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Pietermaritzburg and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Sri Siva Soobramoiniar And Marriamen Temples, KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden and Butterflies for Africa are a classic introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Pietermaritzburg
Buckle up and make tracks to Durban. Around 72 kilometres southeast of central Pietermaritzburg, it's home to must-see sights like Durban Beach and Ushaka marine.
You'll be well taken care of at Pavilion Hotel Durban and The Royal Hotel by Coastlands Hotels & Resorts, two accommodation options with parking in Durban.
Up for a bigger adventure? Vryheid is a popular road trip destination that's about 209 kilometres north of Pietermaritzburg. Plan to make a few pit stops at Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve and Hlobane Battlefield.
