Cape Town International is one of Africa's premier car hire hubs — competitive pricing, a wide range of vehicles from economical hatchbacks to 4WD overland vehicles, and outstanding proximity to some of the world's most iconic driving routes. Whether you're heading for the Cape Peninsula, the Garden Route or the Winelands, collecting your hire car at CPT is the start of an extraordinary South African adventure.

Picking up your hire car in Cape Town Airport

  • Cape Town International Airport (CPT) — Car hire centre in the arrivals terminal. Major South African suppliers: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Tempest, First. Local independents: Around About Cars, Bidvest often offer better rates on longer rentals.
  • Vehicle choice: Standard sedans handle Cape Peninsula, Winelands and Garden Route (paved). A 4WD is needed for the West Coast 4WD tracks, the Cape of Good Hope reserve roads and any venture into the Cederberg.
  • Garden Route one-ways: Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (now called Gqeberha) is a popular one-way — the Garden Route section (Mossel Bay to Storms River) is spectacular. One-way fees apply — compare suppliers carefully.

Driving in and around Cape Town Airport

  • Drive on the left. All South African road rules apply — see the South Africa country guide for full details.
  • The airport is 22km from the city via the N2. The N2 then continues east all the way to the Garden Route — the same road you'll use to leave Cape Town.
  • Chapman's Peak Drive may be closed periodically for rockfall clearance — check beforehand. The alternative route via the M6 through Noordhoek is less scenic but reliable.
  • Allow time for the Cape Flats section of the N2 between the airport and the city — traffic can be slow during rush hours.

Where to go — best drives from Cape Town Airport

Cape Peninsula (1 day) — see the Cape Town city page for the full circuit. From CPT airport you can head directly south along Baden Powell Drive to Muizenberg and pick up the False Bay coast road — arriving at Boulders penguin colony and Cape Point via Simon's Town without entering the city at all. Stellenbosch & Winelands (45 mins) — take the R310 from the airport through Stellenbosch to Franschhoek. The entire Winelands circuit can be done in a day from CPT. Garden Route (3 hrs east on the N2) — the George and Mossel Bay area begins the most celebrated section of the South African coast. Hermanus (1.5 hrs east) — whale watching capital of the world (July–November). The cliff path walk can be bookended by driving the R43 coastal road.

Airport hack: Instead of heading into Cape Town city on arrival, turn left out of the airport on the M12 to Somerset West, then the R44 to Stellenbosch. You're in the Winelands within 25 minutes of landing, avoiding city traffic entirely.
Price tip: Cape Town Airport is one of the world's most competitive car hire markets — always compare at least 4–5 suppliers before booking. Local and regional companies often undercut the big brands significantly.
Book for Cape Town Airport now: Compare live prices from 900+ suppliers at Cape Town Airport car hire. Prices from $22/day. No booking fees.