Great value rental rates and exclusive special deals
Why book a rental car with us?
We’re here for you when you need us
Thousands of vehicles to choose from worldwide
On most cars up to 72 hours prior to pickup
See The City By The Bay with a Port Elizabeth car hire
Welcome to one of the top seaside destinations in South Africa, and the country’s second-largest city, followed by Durban. Well-known by millions as a go-to spot for swimming, surfing, and water sports, adventure is always just a drive away. And with some of the most gorgeous sights and activities in South Africa, you’ll want to stay for at least a few days. Port Elizabeth is also the perfect stop-off point if you’re journeying through the Garden Route or Route 62. If you haven’t heard of either, we recommend you keep them in mind for your car rental Porth Elizabeth itinerary!
A guide to Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
Travelers ready to unwind will be happy to know Port Elizabeth Airport in the Eastern Cape is only a 10-15 minute drive away from the city center.
Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) has quite modern and easy-to-navigate terminals with readily available free WiFi. And once you clear customs, you’ll be able to pick up your vehicle at the many rental car companies around the baggage claim area. With a pre-booked Port Elizabeth Airport car hire through GoSee, you can make the process even faster and stress-free.
If you’re headed to, or coming from Cape Town, you can also pick up or drop-off your rental car at George Airport or East London.
Best seasons to visit Port Elizabeth in a rental car
With so many water-based activities and gorgeous surf beaches around, you’ll want to be in Port Elizabeth during its warm but not-super-hot months.
The ideal time to visit Port Elizabeth is from December to February. The weather is beyond perfect with the highest temperatures of around 98 degrees Fahrenheit only arriving in mid-March.
Understand the roads of Port Elizabeth
While Port Elizabeth has well-established infrastructure and manageable roads, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to avoid any unexpected problems while on your car hire trip in South Africa:
- Avoid driving after sundown—it’s hard to see pedestrians and the many animals in the area.
- Always wear your seatbelts—they are compulsory.
- Drive on the left side of the road, and give way to the right.
- The use of cellphones while driving is illegal.
- Pay attention to road signs for speed limits. In general, they are as follows: Urban areas are 60km, rural roads are 100km, and highways are 120km.
Top sights and activities in Port Elizabeth
Whether you lean towards water-bound adventures, local sightseeing, or basking in the gorgeous natural attractions, Port Elizabeth has something for you.
Its beaches might be considered world-class for surfers, but one quick look at the landscape, and you’ll realize, along with other cities like Cape Town and East London, you don’t need to do all that much to fall in love with this bay-side city.
Here are a few things we recommend you check out while you’re on your car hire Port Elizabeth trip:
Natural Must-See’s
Sardinia Bay Beach
Whether you want to climb and glide down its epic dunes, sunbathe on a pristine beachfront, or surf through its world-class waves, you need to check out this stunning beach.
Cape Recife Lighthouse
The perfect place to catch the sunset, unwind from an action-packed day, and take in the unforgettable view. This lighthouse is situated on a secluded beach with plenty of bird-watching opportunities, and even seal sightings.
Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
For a quaint break from the busy activities you have planned for your South Africa trip, check out this gorgeous and relaxing local natural attraction, perfect for a breezy stroll, a rejuvenating picnic, or for those curious to learn about local fauna and flowers.
Wildlife Attractions
Bayworld
Often regarded as one of the most exciting and beautiful aquariums in South Africa, this maritime and natural history museum is a must-see for anyone who loves the ocean, and its many friendly inhabitants like seals, penguins, and turtles.
Addo National Elephant Park
One of Port Elizabeth’s prized attractions, and a bedrock of local goodwill towards its fascinating and many inhabitants. From elephants to gazelles, zebras, and everything in between, see it all in one of the most peaceful and welcoming reserves in South Africa.
Kragga Kamma Game Reserve
Catch the ‘big 5’ animals, along with hundreds of other exciting and exotic animals in this world-class game reserve. The cherry on top? It’s just 15 minutes from the city center. And it was home to a local cheetah celebrity featured in the movie ‘Duma’.
Looking for a little more hustle and bustle in South Africa? Don’t forget to check out Durban or Lanseria hire cars! Find exclusive deals and offers when you book through GoSee!
What our customers say
Car hire Port Elizabeth Airport: Frequently asked questions
Which car hire companies in Port Elizabeth have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Every car hire company we partner with in Port Elizabeth maintains a strict vehicle cleaning and safety policy in accordance with Coronavirus (COVID-19), so you can search through GoSee without any worries.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Port Elizabeth?
For as low as $41 per day you can find economy cars for hire in Port Elizabeth. For larger vehicles like SUVs, you can expect to pay as little as $77 per day. Search, compare and book now on GoSee.
What is the cheapest price for a car hire in Port Elizabeth?
At just $41, and with over 500 5-star reviews, the Suzuki Swift is the cheapest and one of the best rental vehicles available in Port Elizabeth. You can book it right now through GoSee.
Who can rent a vehicle?
Anyone can rent a car Port Elizabeth through GoSee, but there are some minimum requirements. You must be over the age of 21 with a full driver’s license, and have a valid credit card with enough funds to cover booking and excess fees.
Can a vehicle be taken across the border?
Many car rental companies offer transborder drop-offs. As long as there is a corresponding branch for the rental company (of the pick up location) in the next destination, you can cross the border and drop it off. You can verify this on the booking page at GoSee.
What will I need when collecting my car?
To collect your hire car, you will need your full driver’s license from your country of residence, a valid credit card with enough funds to cover the excess, and your booking confirmation (either printed or digital/on your phone.)
Can I extend my car rental after I collect my car?
While some car rental companies allow free extensions on current bookings, others charge an extension fee to extend the rental period or change the drop off time. Other car hire agencies don’t allow extensions at all, and will require you to make a fresh booking for your rental. Book through GoSee and you will see all your car rentals Port Elizabeth options ahead of time.
What is the most popular car hire agency in Port Elizabeth airport?
GoSee customers love booking through several of our car rental Port Elizabeth Airport agencies. The most popular ones include Budget, Avis, and Hertz.
Which car hire agencies are available at Port Elizabeth airport?
When you book with GoSee, you can find all the best and cheapest car hire companies in Port Elizabeth Airport before you even arrive. They include Thrifty Car Rental, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Bluu (previously Bidvest Car Rental.)
Can I request for a specific vehicle make and model before my rental?
You can search, compare, and find specific vehicle makes and models as part of the booking process directly with GoSee, and save money doing so. Just search for rental cars between your desired dates and take your pick from thousands of the best luxury cars to the cheapest hire car options available. Take a look now.