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Your Port Elizabeth Adventure Starts at PLZ

Pick up your rental car at Port Elizabeth Airport and explore the Sunshine Coast with ease.

Terminal Guide
Finding Your Rental Car at PLZ Airport
Port Elizabeth Airport makes renting a car simple and convenient. All major car rental companies are located on-site within the main terminal building, allowing for a seamless transition from your flight to your vehicle.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+13 más
Main Terminal
After collecting your luggage in the arrivals hall, proceed directly opposite the domestic baggage claim area. You will find the car rental counters clearly signposted. The rental cars are located in a dedicated parking area just a short walk from the terminal exit.
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Best Car Rentals in Port Elizabeth for Every Journey

From city streets to Garden Route adventures, discover the perfect wheels for your South African road trip from Port Elizabeth Airport

Por tipo de viaje
Marcas populares

Safari & Bush

SUV

Adventure-Ready for Addo Wildlife
5
3
Auto

Port Elizabeth is the gateway to Addo Elephant National Park. A SUV handles gravel safari roads and offers high clearance for wildlife viewing while keeping you safe on South Africa's mix of paved and unpaved routes.

Coastal Cruising

Convertible

Open-Air Garden Route Dreams
4
2
Auto

The famous Garden Route from Port Elizabeth winds along the stunning Indian Ocean coastline. A convertible lets you soak in the sea breeze and capture breathtaking ocean views from Cape Recife to Mossel Bay.

City & Suburbs

Medium

Urban Agility Meets Comfort
5
2
Auto

Navigate Port Elizabeth's downtown with ease in a midsize sedan. Tight parking spots and busy urban streets call for a compact vehicle that still delivers comfort for trips to the Boardwalk casino area and local shops.

Elige tu vehículo

Encuentra el vehículo perfecto para tu viaje. Compara las opciones a continuación.

Airport Pickup
Downtown Pickup

For Maximum Convenience

Renting directly at PLZ Airport is the fastest way to get on the road. Benefit from a wide selection of vehicles and the convenience of dropping off your car just moments before your departure. It's the perfect choice for travelers who want to start their trip without delay.

See Real Reviews for Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) Car Rentals

Read authentic reviews from real customers who rented cars at Port Elizabeth Airport before your trip

Compañía de alquilerCalificaciónTarifa media diariaMétodo/distancia de recogidaDepósitoAcepta tarjetas de débitoVentajas clave
SixtBest Overall
4.3
9600+ reviews
$64In terminal, Walk to counter
$525 - $1,191
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • New and clean vehicles
  • Competitive pricing and value
Fox rent a car
3.1
21897+ reviews
$63Walk to counter-
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Good vehicle condition
  • Easy rental process
Hertz
2.7
17128+ reviews
$79In terminal, Walk to counter
$822 - $1,581
  • Easy Pickup and Return
  • Friendly and Helpful Staff
  • Good Vehicle Condition
First car rental
2.0
180+ reviews
$71441 ft
$949
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Quick efficient service
  • Good price no hidden fees
Bluu car rental
1.8
42 reviews
$1000.2 mi-
  • No hidden costs
  • Reliable vehicles
  • Easy pickup return process
Avis
1.5
4700+ reviews
$68In terminal, Walk to counter
$299 - $36,177
  • Smooth pickup and return process
  • Professional staff assistance
  • Clean vehicles available
Europcar
1.5
3,800+ reviews
$98In terminal, Walk to counterDepósito bajo
  • Friendly and efficient staff
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
  • Smooth airport pickup process
Tempest car hire
1.4
48 reviews
$72In terminal, Walk to counter-
  • Responsive customer service
  • Transparent fee structure
  • Professional rental experience
Carwiz
1.3
1470+ reviews
$155Pick-up service
$1,015
  • Easy pickup and return
  • Fast deposit refund process
  • Competitive rental rates
Budget
1.2
5700+ reviews
$67In terminal, Walk to counter
$289 - $2,500
  • Easy Online Booking
  • Clean Vehicles Available
  • Smooth Pickup Process

Los datos de valoraciones y opiniones se obtienen de Trustpilot. Los detalles de la póliza pueden variar según la ubicación y el tipo de vehículo. Por favor, confírmelo en el momento de la reserva.

Fuente de datos: Alquiler de coches QEEQ
Última actualización: Jun. 8 2026
Centro esencial de alquiler
Todo lo que necesitas saber antes de salir a conducir. Selecciona un tema para ver toda la información detallada.
Rental Car Accident Guide in South Africa
A comprehensive guide on what to do after a rental car accident in South Africa, prioritizing safety, legal requirements, and communication with rental companies.
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Expert Guide to Refueling Rental Cars in South Africa
Learn how to refuel your rental car in South Africa with this expert guide, covering fuel types, the full-service experience, payment processes, and essential tips for a smooth visit to petrol stations.
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Port Elizabeth Car Rental Guide 2026 Avoid Hidden Fees and Save More
Discover how to avoid hidden fees on car rentals in Port Elizabeth South Africa with a step by step checklist from booking to vehicle return Learn the difference between all inclusive and basic pay at counter rates understand insurance excess and SCDW tyre and windscreen cover fuel policies cross border rules gravel road restrictions and young driver surcharges so you can book confidently often via platforms like QEEQ and enjoy a transparent hassle free road trip
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Port Elizabeth Airport PLZ car rental guide with QEEQ for easy pickup
Step by step guide to renting a car at Port Elizabeth Airport PLZ with QEEQ, including how to find the on terminal car rental desks, what documents you need at the counter, how the rental agreement and deposit work, directions to the rental car parking lot, operating hours of rental companies, and local contact numbers for major providers like Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty, First, Tempest, Bluu and Sixt.
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Port Elizabeth Car Rental Insurance Guide — Zero-Excess Tips for Safer South African Road Trips
Comprehensive guide to car rental insurance in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Learn what ‘excess’ means, why South African excesses are high, and how to choose between rental-desk Super Cover (zero excess, hassle-free) and cheaper third-party reimbursement (pay first, claim later). Includes local driving risks, policy exclusions, real traveler case studies, and a step-by-step pre-flight and counter checklist to protect your trip and finances.
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Información de la plataforma

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Métricas de especialización

Reconocimiento de la plataforma

La mejor web de reserva de coches de Asia 2023 y 2024

Volumen de reservas

Revisar calidad

Más de 10.000 reseñas verificadas de 5 estrellas

Experiencia en el mercado

Autoridad de datos

Verificación de especialización

Datos de QEEQ verificados con fuentes de datos oficiales locales

Información clave de expertos

Análisis de la plataforma

"Airport locations dominate South Africa car rental with major players CMH, Motus, and Zeda controlling 65%+ market share. Online bookings now account for 60% of revenue, shifting from offline channels."

Patrones de reserva

"South Africa car rentals projected to reach US$353.28M by 2025, growing annually. January 2026 rentals reached 2M+ monthly with 88K fleet size, showing 13% YoY increase."

Puntos de dolor del cliente

"Industry faces trust challenges with customers; 45% of renters report confusion over insurance coverage options, while hidden fees remain the top complaint at 38% of negative reviews."

Fuentes de datos

  • Base de datos interna de reservas de QEEQ
  • Research and Markets - The Car Rental Industry in South Africa 2023
  • Statista Market Forecast - Car Rentals South Africa
  • SAVRALA Industry Statistics
  • Research and Markets - The Car Rental Industry in South Africa 2023
  • SAVRALA Industry Statistics
  • Statista Market Forecast - Car Rentals South Africa
  • Research and Markets - The Car Rental Industry in South Africa 2023
  • Department of Transport - Transport Statistics Bulletin 2023

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha): Your Premier South African Road Trip Gateway

Discover the Hidden Gems of South Africa's Eastern Cape with Affordable Car Rentals and Scenic Coastal Drives from Port Elizabeth Airport

IDIOMAS

English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu

MONEDA

ZAR

Sigue conduciendo

Left-hand side

CÓDIGO DE PAÍS

+27

PRECIO MEDIO DE ALQUILER DE COCHE

$30-$35 per day

Duración media del alquiler de coche

3-5 days

Límite de velocidad dentro de la ciudad

60 km/h

LÍMITE DE VELOCIDAD FUERA DE LA CIUDAD

100-120 km/h

Límite aceptable de alcoholemia

0.05% (Strictly Enforced)

PRECIO MEDIO DE LA GASOLINA

$1.18/L

PRECIO DE GASOLINA MÁS BAJO / MÁS ALTO

$0.70/L - $1.56/L

Puntuación de los viajeros

5.1 / 10

Port Elizabeth Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and car rental FAQs for self-drive adventures in South Africa

Can I drive in South Africa with my US license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
You'll need both your valid US driver's license AND an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in South Africa. The IDP acts as a certified translation and is legally required by rental companies and police. You can get an IDP from AAA before departure (about $20). Without it, you risk being turned away at the rental counter or fined up to ZAR 1,000 ($55) if stopped by police.
I keep hearing South Africa drives on the LEFT side—will I survive as an American driver?
This is the biggest adjustment for US drivers. South Africa uses left-hand traffic (British-style), meaning the driver's seat is on the RIGHT and you must yield to traffic coming from the right at intersections. Most rental cars are manual transmission. Take time to practice at a quiet parking lot before hitting highways. Many Americans describe the first 2-3 days as mentally exhausting—stay patient and book an extra day to acclimate.
Are there toll roads, and how do I pay for them?
Yes, major routes like the N2 and N1 have toll plazas. For example, the N2 stretch through Port Elizabeth costs roughly ZAR 45-90 ($2.50-$5) depending on vehicle class. You can pay with cash (Rand) or credit card at toll booths. Avoid the e-toll system (e.g., in Gauteng) unless you want to deal with registration hassles—rental companies often charge admin fees for e-toll use.
What should I know about wildlife on South African roads?
Wildlife crossings are a serious hazard, especially on roads near game reserves like Addo Elephant Park (30km from Port Elizabeth). Animals like baboons, kudu, and hyenas often wander onto roads at dawn and dusk. Speed limits drop to 40km/h in wildlife zones—ignore them and you could kill an animal, damage your rental, and face fines up to ZAR 10,000 ($550). Always scan road shoulders and never swerve suddenly for animals.
Am I old enough to rent a car? What's the young driver surcharge?
The minimum age is typically 21, but most South African rental companies charge a 'young driver surcharge' for drivers under 25. Expect to pay an extra ZAR 150-300 ($8-$17) per day on top of your rental rate. Some luxury/sports cars require the driver to be 25 or older. If you're 21-24, budget this surcharge into your trip cost—it's rarely optional.
What fuel type do rental cars use, and is fuel easy to find?
Most rental cars in South Africa run on petrol (unleaded 93 or 95 octane) or diesel. Diesel is common in SUVs and larger vehicles. Fuel stations are plentiful along major highways but can be scarce in remote areas—never let your tank drop below quarter tank when exploring the Garden Route or Karoo. Rental companies operate on a full-to-full policy: you receive a full tank and must return it full to avoid refueling charges at higher pump rates.

Premios de la plataforma QEEQ

Reconocida a nivel mundial por la excelencia en los servicios de reserva de coches de alquiler y la satisfacción del cliente.

La mejor página web de reservas de coches de Asia 2025

La mejor página web de reservas de coches de Asia 2025

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2024

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2024

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2023

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2023

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2022

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2022

Premio al Mejor Socio Comercial de ABG 2023 y 2024

Premio al Mejor Socio Comercial de ABG 2023 y 2024

Premios a la Excelencia Empresarial 2024

Premios a la Excelencia Empresarial 2024

Los Premios Magellan en la Categoría de Servicio de Alquiler de Autos

Los Premios Magellan en la Categoría de Servicio de Alquiler de Autos

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