How to find a cheap car hire deal in East London Airport (ELS)
Searching for a cheap East London Airport rental car? With prices averaging $77 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after a compact ride, a family sedan, or something in between, we compare all the best deals to get you more for your money.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at East London Airport is $34.
Staying on a bit longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $164 and take the time to discover more of East London.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a ELS car hire.
Grab your wheels from U-Save, Green Motion or First - Car Hire, some of the most popular providers at East London Airport.
The coverage U-Save or another company offers for your East London Airport car hire can vary, so be sure to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in ELS.
Skip the hidden fees by booking a car hire in East London Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Go wherever the road takes you by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/sixt/673, with average prices coming in at $119 a day.
Next up is https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/budget/686, which offers daily rates of around $150.
https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/thrifty/660 also performs well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $136 a day.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Economy rental category is the number one choice for travellers at ELS.
Compare car hire types from East London Airport (ELS)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap East London Airport rental car is all about getting you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this ELS car hire option includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in East London Airport takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your ELS car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in East London Airport.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in South Africa may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat regulations vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Find out if you need to add one to your ELS car hire booking.
Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in South Africa, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 55kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
In South Africa, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to drink, get someone else to do the driving or find a safe alternative way to get around.
The language most often spoken in this country is English.
Drive smarter from the start
Travel wherever you want in your ELS car hire. If central East London is where your adventure begins, you'll find it around 5 kilometres north of the airport.
During peak hour, expect the drive from East London Airport to the centre to take as long as 20 minutes.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also reserve a car hire in East London. If you don't need a set of wheels immediately on arrival, hold off until you're in the city and save on rental costs.
Hit the road: Where to drive from East London Airport (ELS)
Start with some of the top attractions in East London, such as Orient Beach and Nahoon Reef. Whether you drive or choose a different way to get there, you'll want to tick off these highlights before leaving town.
Around 64 kilometres northwest of ELS, Stutterheim should be on your itinerary. Head to must-see sights like Stationary Engine Museum and Wattlechop.
Add Butterworth to your travel plans. Roughly 80 kilometres north of the airport, head there in your East London Airport car hire to see highlights such as Bawa Falls and Main Park.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Queenstown is a fun road trip destination that's about 153 kilometres northwest of ELS. Walter Everitt Sunken Gardens (Queens Casino) and Ruth Lock Shell Art Gallery make perfect pit stops.
