Cape Town is consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful cities, and the roads around it are equally spectacular. The Cape Peninsula drive from the city through Chapman's Peak to Cape Point and back via the winelands is considered one of the world's great circular road trips. The Garden Route begins just three hours east. And the Winelands of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are within an hour.

Picking up your hire car in Cape Town

  • Cape Town International Airport (CPT) — 22km from the city centre. Car hire centre is in the arrivals area with all major South African suppliers (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Tempest, First) represented.
  • City centre pick-up — Several suppliers operate from the V&A Waterfront and the CBD, though airport collection is usually cheaper.
  • 4WD not required for Cape Peninsula and Winelands — a standard economy car handles all the paved roads. If you're heading to the West Coast National Park's 4WD tracks or remote Cederberg routes, upgrade to a 4WD.

Driving in and around Cape Town

  • Drive on the left. Speed limits: 120 km/h freeways, 100 km/h national roads, 60 km/h urban. Speed cameras are active on the N1 and N2.
  • The N2 from Cape Town towards the Garden Route is one of South Africa's most scenic highways. The Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 to Paarl is a toll road — have R75 ready (cash or card).
  • Chapman's Peak Drive (Hout Bay to Noordhoek) can close in wet weather due to rockfall risk. Check thecape.co.za for road status.
  • Avoid driving through certain Cape Flats townships at night. Stick to main routes after dark.
  • Parking in Cape Town: the V&A Waterfront has secure parking. City Bowl on-street parking is metered and actively managed.

Where to go — best drives from Cape Town

Cape Peninsula Drive (1 day) — the ultimate Cape Town road trip. Drive the M3 through Constantia and Hout Bay, take Chapman's Peak Drive (when open), continue to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, then return via Boulders Beach (penguins) and the False Bay coast. Allow a full day and start early. Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Winelands (45 mins–1 hr) — the R310 through the wine farms is one of South Africa's most beautiful drives. Franschhoek Pass (the R45) has mountain views of exceptional quality. Garden Route (3 hrs east) — the N2 from Cape Town through Hermanus (whale capital of the world), Swellendam and onwards to Mossel Bay begins one of Africa's great road journeys. West Coast Flower Route (1.5 hrs north, Aug–Sep) — the West Coast National Park and Postberg section explode with wildflowers in August and September, a genuinely astonishing natural spectacle.

Best short drive: Franschhoek Pass (R45) from Franschhoek to Theewaterskloof is 30 minutes of mountain fynbos, vineyard views and absolute silence. Pack a picnic.
Price tip: Cape Town 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 now: Compare live prices from 900+ suppliers at Cape Town car hire. Prices from $23/day. No booking fees.