RENTAL VS UBER VS TAXI VS DRIVER
Renting a car, gives you the flexibility to explore Cape Town and the surrounding areas without the need to look for adequate public transport or relying on UBER and private drivers. Then it's easy to explore also some nearby areas such as scenic Langebaan Lagoon, a mere one-hour-drive north of Cape Town, but booking a day with a tour company or private driver will cost you dearly.
It pays if you do your homework before renting a car and research all your car hire options. Read below what we found out about hiring cars in Cape Town and which companies come highly recommended.
Great Car Rental Companies in Cape Town.
There are many Cape Town car rental agencies operating in the Mother City. The prices vary widely depending on the season and the length of the rental period. It always is advisable to get at least three quotes from Cape Town car rental companies or compare on one of the international price comparison sites. The major car rental agencies that also have an office desk at Cape Town International Airport and at various points throughout the city are as follows: Avis Car Hire, Budget Car Rental, Dollar Thrifty, Europcar Rentals, FirstCarRental, Hertz, National Alamo and Tempest Sixt.
However, smaller Cape Town car rental companies might offer much better car rental deals which are still reliable and thus will be more valuable. We had recommendations for the following sites listed below, however, please note that only few of them offer longer term rentals, i.e. longer than one month. Please see their websites for contact details.
It pays if you do your homework before renting a car and research all your car hire options. Read below what we found out about hiring cars in Cape Town and which companies come highly recommended.
Great Car Rental Companies in Cape Town.
There are many Cape Town car rental agencies operating in the Mother City. The prices vary widely depending on the season and the length of the rental period. It always is advisable to get at least three quotes from Cape Town car rental companies or compare on one of the international price comparison sites. The major car rental agencies that also have an office desk at Cape Town International Airport and at various points throughout the city are as follows: Avis Car Hire, Budget Car Rental, Dollar Thrifty, Europcar Rentals, FirstCarRental, Hertz, National Alamo and Tempest Sixt.
However, smaller Cape Town car rental companies might offer much better car rental deals which are still reliable and thus will be more valuable. We had recommendations for the following sites listed below, however, please note that only few of them offer longer term rentals, i.e. longer than one month. Please see their websites for contact details.
- Motorent: Started by an expat knowing what expats, students and interns coming to Cape Town look for. They offer value-for-money car rentals knowing about the need of private transport when relocating to Cape Town. They have growing fleet of reliable cars for both short- or long term rentals. Make sure to check them out and get a quote.
Which documents does the car rental company need?
- Valid Driver’s Licence: An International Driver's Licence is advisable, as many car rental agencies prefer you have one. However, if your national driver's licence has got a picture and is in English, this should suffice. Nevertheless enquire about requirements with the specific companies.
- Passport or Picture ID Card
- Credit Card or Cash Payment. Credit cards are generally preferred as they are used for deposits too. Some companies will also accept small cash deposits instead of a credit card down payment. Always make sure you read the fine print in the contracts!
Copy the locals and drive
The safest way to travel is by car, allowing you to road trip through the scenic Cape Town area too. The region has a good road system, with South Africans driving on the left, and hiring a vehicle from the likes of AroundAboutCars is affordable.
Parking is readily available and you’ll likely encounter car guards, who you should tip around R5 for watching your vehicle.
Drivers have to be confident and alert, as locals are often aggressive and erratic behind the wheel. Cape Town has a notorious rush hour, from around 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6.30pm.
Major car hire companies have desks at the airport and offices in town, offering everything from 4WD vehicles to motorbikes, although the latter is only recommended for experienced riders.
Tip for driving around town: When it comes to driving, the primary local idiosyncrasy is the four-way stops at junctions. These operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Relax in an Uber
Uber is a popular option, but you may prefer an UberX to the cheaper Uber Go options, which are sometimes odorous and barely roadworthy.
Taxis wait around the city center, including hotels and backpacker hostels, although fares are likely to be higher from popular tourist spots such as the V&A Waterfront. If a taxi has a meter, ask the driver to use it, as this will likely be cheaper than agreeing on a fare in advance.
Negotiating a price for the duration of your stay is a convenient option, giving you both wheels by day and a designated driver by night.
Tip for taking taxis: As with most forms of transport in Cape Town, it's better to avoid traveling in a taxi alone after dark.
Catch the bus
Cape Town’s two main bus networks are Golden Arrow, which has been in operation here for 160 years and serves the poorer neighborhoods in the Cape Flats, and the modern bus fleet owned by MyCiTi.
A good option for traveling around the city center and Atlantic suburbs, the MyCiTi's more modern buses cover the center up to Gardens and out to the Waterfront; along the Atlantic seaboard to Camps Bay and Hout Bay; up to Tamboerskloof along Kloof Nek Rd, with a shuttle service to the cableway; to Woodstock and Salt River; to Bloubergstrand and Table View; to Khayelitsha; and to the airport.
Tip for catching MyCiTi buses:Fares have to be paid with a stored-value "myconnect" card (a non-refundable R35), purchased from station kiosks and participating retailers.
