Car hire in Grahamstown, South Africa

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Choose from 3 pick-up spots

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There are 3 car hire providers in Grahamstown. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Grahamstown

Hiring a car in Grahamstown: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carCompact, Crossover
Average daily price£106
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Grahamstown

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Grahamstown car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Grahamstown

  • Whether you need a small car for zipping around town or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Grahamstown. Choose from options averaging £106 a day and travel your way for less.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Grahamstown is £25.

  • Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? £175 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • Book early to secure the best price for a Grahamstown car hire. In addition to lower rates, you'll be choosing from the full lineup, not what's left.

  • Bluu Car Hire, Avis and Budget are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.

  • The coverage Bluu Car Hire or another company includes with your Grahamstown car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.

  • Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can score some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Grahamstown.

  • Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at £65 a day.

  • Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around £69.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly £59 a day with this supplier.

  • If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Grahamstown.

Compare car hire types in Grahamstown

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Grahamstown gets you moving without breaking the bank. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A reliable pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and improved tech features, this Grahamstown car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Grahamstown is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're tough, dependable, and ready to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Grahamstown car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so always compare your options.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Grahamstown.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals vary by provider 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 additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary from one place to another, and the best setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Check if you need to add one to your Grahamstown car hire booking.

  • You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a current driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.

  • Driving in South Africa may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the left side of the road.

  • Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph (35mph) in urban areas and 110kph (70mph) or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.

  • One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 7am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.

  • You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) for all your purchases throughout your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards so you always have a backup option.

Best hotels in Grahamstown for drivers

  • Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at The Graham Hotel. Offering parking as well as a bowling alley and a laundry, this hotel is around 2 kms (1 mile) from central Grahamstown.

  • Browse through the range of hotels in Grahamstown for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.

  • After you've locked in a car hire deal in Grahamstown and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to go first. Get started with popular attractions like 1820 Settlers National Monument, Albany Museum and Cathedral of St Michael and St George.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Grahamstown

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Grahamstown and then set out for Port Alfred. About 48 kms (30 miles) southeast of Grahamstown, Great Fish Point Lighthouse and The Toposcope are standout attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Port Alfred at MyPond Stenden Hotel or The Halyards Hotel & Spa. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.

  • Why slow down now? Cruise on over to Uitenhage, about 121 kms (75 miles) southwest of Grahamstown. From Volkswagen Factory and Museum to Volkswagen AutoPavillion, South Africa, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Grahamstown will set you back around £106 per day or £411 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Grahamstown is a compact SUV. The most popular is Compact, Crossover.
The cheapest car hire company in Grahamstown is currently Budget, followed by Avis.
On average, around £411. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Grahamstown is £175.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Grahamstown, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Grahamstown that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Grahamstown.
Most places – Grahamstown included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is £30 per day. The average price per day is around £60.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Bluu Car Rental and Avis offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Budget as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Grahamstown.