Car Rental in Durban

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Pick-up location

Durban, South Africa

Return car in same location

Pick-up date

Drop-off date

Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65

700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

King Shaka International Airport

Mini

Kia Picanto or similar

5
1
5
A/C
Man.

per day

Downtown

Economy

Volkswagen Polo or similar

5
2
5
A/C
Man.

per day

King Shaka International Airport

Compact

Nissan Almera or similar

4
2
5
A/C
Man.

per day

King Shaka International Airport

Intermediate

Toyota Corolla Quest or similar

5
2
4
A/C
Man.

per day

Travel Information

Languages

IsiZulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English

Currency

ZAR

Drive on

Left-hand side

Country code

+27

Average car rental price

$31 per day

Average car rental length

9 days

Speed limit within town

60 km/h or 37 mph

Speed limit out of town

100 - 120 km/h or 62 - 75 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Rating

9.1 / 10

Average gas price

$1.31 per liter or $4.96 per gallon

Lowest gas price

$1.21 per liter or $4.60 per gallon

Highest gas price

$1.46 per liter or $5.54 per gallon

Why rent a car in Durban?

Durban is a great place to visit. As known for its beautiful beaches and exciting tourist attractions as it is for its history and multicultural environment, the city is considered by many to be one of the most interesting metropolises in this part of Africa. Getting a rental car will also provide you with access to a number of nature preserves that can be found in the area.

One-Way Car Rentals in Durban

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Durban and drop off in another city include:

From Durban to Johannesburg - 117 offers from $20.37 per day
From Durban to Cape Town - 199 offers from $21.49 per day
From Durban to Hoedspruit - 14 offers from $21.49 per day
From Durban to Margate - 14 offers from $17.74 per day
From Durban to Richards Bay - 46 offers from $18.24 per day

Top ways to enter Durban

Durban King Shaka Airport: Open since the 2010 Fifa World Cup and nowadays serving more than 5 million passengers every year, this is one of the busiest international airports in South Africa. Named after a Zulu leader, the airport is located about 35km (22 miles) north of Durban’s city center.
Pietermaritzburg Airport: Located in the city of the same name, Pietermaritzburg Airport is a small airport that only has domestic flights. The airport is about 78km (48 miles) northwest of Durban, a distance that can be driven in about one hour.
Richards Bay Airport: Another small domestic airport, Richards Bay Airport is located in the northwestern corner of South Africa. The distance between here and Durban is 177km (110 miles) and takes about 2 hours of driving along the coast of the Indian Ocean.
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport: With 21 million travelers every year and plenty of flights to other African countries, as well as to all the other parts of the world, O.R. Tambo Airport is the busiest in Africa. Flying here is often the best way to reach South Africa. The airport is about a six-hour drive northwest of Durban.

City facts

Durban has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild, short winters. The average temperature is 24°C (75°F) in February, the hottest month, and 16.5°C (61.7°F) in June and July when it’s winter in the Southern hemisphere. Summers are significantly more humid than winters, with June and July especially dry.
Durban is an ethnically and culturally diverse city, having one of the largest Indian diasporas in Africa. Around every fourth inhabitant of Durban is of Indian or other Asian descent. This influence can be observed in the city’s many cultural centers, Hindu and Buddhist places of worship, and local cuisine.

Top sights and activities

The Golden Mile. A collective nickname for a number of beaches that stretch along the coast near Downtown Durban, the Golden Mile is one of the city’s symbols. It is characterized by a sandy shoreline and beautiful promenades, as well as beachside restaurants, inland pools, and great opportunities for surfing and other watersports.
Durban Botanic Gardens. The oldest botanical gardens in Africa, this green area has many native tropical plants, as well as unique flora from the rest of the continent and the world. If visiting during September, don’t miss out on the Indigenous Plant Fair that takes place here every year. Even if you visit at some other time, the gardens hold frequent public events, gatherings, and concerts.
uShaka Marine World. A large theme park with a huge aquarium, uShaka is home to many unique water creatures such as short-rail stingrays, different types of sharks, Nile crocodiles, Burmese pythons, and bearded lizards. It is possible to snorkel or scuba dive, as well as to go on river rides or simply enjoy the uShaka beach.
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve. There are a number of famous national parks and protected areas somewhat near Durban that you can reach with a rental car (more on them below), but if you’re short on time, Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve is a place where you can enjoy nature without leaving the city. Located southwest of the city center, the reserve is fairly small, but has a number of nature trails and provides a home to wildlife species such as zebras, duikers, bushbabies, and impalas.
KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts. Despite its very hard-to-pronounce acronym, KZNSA is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Durban. Open since 1902, it showcases important works of South African creators that have been made over the last century, as well as the most recent contemporary art. It also frequently hosts various events, not least the Durban International Film Festival.
Indian culture. Facing the Indian Ocean, Durban has always had special ties with the Indian subcontinent, having by far the most notable diaspora of people originating in that distant part of the world. There are many opportunities to enjoy Indian culture in Durban, whether by taking a trip to the Mahatma Gandhi Settlement (the world-famous peace activist spent 21 years of his life in South Africa), visiting the Hare Krishna Temple, or eating in one of the city’s many Indian restaurants.

Traffic and parking

Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120km/h (74.5mph) on freeways, 100km/h (62mph) on any public road outside of an urban area that is not a freeway, and 60km/h (37mph) on any public road within an urban or built-up area.
Plan your route around the city in advance, consulting the latest information online and asking your hotel, local tourism authority, and trustworthy locals for advice. While most parts of Durban are safe, certain areas are not, and you would not want to drive or get stranded in them.
The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% per 100ml of blood and 0.24% per 1000 ml of breath for experienced drivers and is 0.00% for novice drivers. Exceeding the allowed limit can lead to large fines, deportation, or imprisonment.
Proof of insurance and the car’s registration needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
If you are the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.

Toll roads

There are many toll roads in South Africa. Unlike in most of the world, no payments are made on the highway, neither in cash nor by credit card. Instead, a vehicle is identified either by an electronic tag that is on the vehicle or by the vehicle’s license plate number.

Many rental cars are equipped with an e-tag that will be used for making toll payments. Some rental car providers will charge an additional fee for this service. Ask your car rental provider about it beforehand.

The exact fee for using the toll roads depends on the type of road. See more information about the latest toll road fees on this website.

If your rental car is not equipped with an e-tag, the bill for using the toll roads will be sent to your car rental provider. Due to delays in the South African toll road system, you could be billed and charged after the end of your rental period.

Ideas for day trips

Crocodile Creek. Located on the Tongaat River, Crocodile Creek is a unique sanctuary that has more than 7000 crocodiles, caimans, alligators, and other types of snakes and reptiles. Many of these magnificent beasts can be closely observed from the tree-top walkways. Crocodile Creek is less than 1 hour’s drive north of Durban.
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature reserve. A tranquil and picturesque scenic area, the nature reserve consists of a lagoon and a forest. Within picnic spots and hiking trails, it is the perfect place to spend the day outdoors. Although Umhlanga doesn’t have any large animals like some other nearby nature reserves, you can still spot some interesting birds and small mammals. The reserve is just a 20-minute drive north of Durban.
Pietermaritzburg. A quiet and picturesque city, Pietermaritzburg offers a nice escape from the more upbeat and crowded Durban. The city has some interesting architecture, as well as a number of museums, art galleries, and cultural centers. A bit further afield in the hills above the city is the Queen Elizabeth Park where you’ll find zebras, bucks, and other animals. About 78km (48 miles) northwest of Durban, Pietermaritzburg can be reached by car in an hour.
The Hibiscus Coast. Hibiscus Coast, or simply the South Coast, is the collective name for the beautiful shoreline of the state of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban is located near its northern end, so the best way to explore is by simply traveling the road south along the Indian Ocean. Some of the Hibiscus Coast’s attractions, like the scenic beach town of Amanzimtoti, are just a short drive away, while other attractions like the spectacular Oribi Gorge and its neighboring Valley of the 1000 Hills, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, and a number of cultural villages are about a two-hour drive away.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Durban is the Kia Picanto, followed by the Chevrolet Spark and the Ford Fiesta. The most popular rental car types are the mini, economy, and intermediate.

Further destinations

Johannesburg. Often said to contain all of Africa inside its many neighborhoods, this large metropolis is a destination like no other. Although some find it intimidating at first, with some prior preparation of where to go or with the assistance of a local friend, you’ll soon start to see Johannesburg’s more charming and hospitable site. The city is about 566km (351 miles) northwest of Durban.
Lesotho. Surrounded by South Africa on all sides, the mountainous Kingdom in the Sky remains one of the most mysterious destinations on the continent. Those who dare to go there will be amazed by the impressive highlands, ancient rock art, and the extreme generosity of locals. Lesotho is not an easy place to get to, so before going, check to see the entry requirements. Also, if coming from Durban, you’ll have to cross an international border, so first, ask your rental car provider if they permit it. Alternatively, you can enter by plane and pick up another rental car in Maseru, Lesotho’s capital. The nearest border crossing is in Qachas Nek that is about a five hours drive southwest of Durban. On your way, you can visit the Maloti-Drakensberg Park and the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area that are still on the South African side.
The Wild Coast and the rest of the Eastern Cape. A large province between KwaZulu-Natal (Durban’s state) and the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape has an amazing variety of attractions. These include the city of Port Elizabeth; some of the best surfing beaches on the planet; Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra, and Tsitsikamma National Parks; and much more. Most of these attractions are divided from KwaZulu-Natal by the so-called Wild Coast, a vast sparsely populated area of stunning shoreline. It’s a good idea to stock up on provisions before traveling there. The Wild Coast can be just as fascinating to visit as some of the more famous Eastern Cape attractions farther west.
Mozambique. Unique among its neighbors, Portuguese-speaking Mozambique is another fascinating country near South Africa. With amazing surfing and diving opportunities on its coast and impressive mountain chains and lush jungle inland, it has the potential to be one of the world’s top destinations for adventure tourism. Still raw and with its fair share of troubles, Mozambique is not for everyone, but most of those who go there will be richly rewarded. Maputo, Mozambique’s capital city, is about a 7-hour drive north of Durban. Keep in mind that you’ll have to cross a international border, so first make sure your rental car provider permits it. Alternatively, you can make the trip by plane or other public transportation and pick up another rental car in Mozambique. Also, as Mozambique's immigration requirements are quite different than that of its neighbors, check in advance to see if a visa is required for your nationality and if it can be obtained at the border or must be obtained in advance.

Car rental prices in Durban

Large cars - from $23 per day
Medium cars - from $20 per day
Vans - from $37 per day
Premium cars - from $64 per day
Small cars - from $16 per day
SUVs - from $33 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try these simple tricks to get a good car rental deal in Durban:

Compare the rates of different rental car providers
Book your rental car well in advance
Plan your route before you go
Know your fuel and mileage requirements
Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Durban is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 41% cheaper than the yearly average and an entire 67% cheaper than renting a car in Durban in November when it’s springtime in the Southern hemisphere.

This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Fact checked by

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of the WildJunket travel blog. Currently based in Mexico, the Singapore-born globetrotter is a professional travel writer who contributes regularly to Lonely Planet and BBC Travel. She shares stories and tips toher adopted home on Mexicotravel.blog.

Top 20 cities near Durban

Pietermaritzburg from $15.74 per day

69.6 km / 43.2 miles away
Richards Bay from $16.84 per day

135.3 km / 84.1 miles away
Margate from $16.84 per day

157.4 km / 97.8 miles away
Mthatha from $14.47 per day

318 km / 197.6 miles away
Ermelo

361.1 km / 224.4 miles away
Nelspruit from $15.56 per day

470 km / 292 miles away
Bloemfontein from $15.56 per day

470.3 km / 292.2 miles away
Johannesburg from $13.43 per day

478.6 km / 297.4 miles away
East London from $15.74 per day

492.7 km / 306.1 miles away
Centurion from $15.56 per day

507.2 km / 315.2 miles away
Pretoria from $15.56 per day

515 km / 320 miles away
Kimberley from $15.56 per day

622.9 km / 387.1 miles away
Polokwane from $15.56 per day

661.8 km / 411.2 miles away
Port Elizabeth from $15.92 per day

711.7 km / 442.2 miles away
Sishen

821.6 km / 510.5 miles away
Knysna

907.5 km / 563.9 miles away
George from $15.74 per day

959 km / 595.9 miles away
Hermanus from $20.35 per day

1,239.9 km / 770.4 miles away
Stellenbosch from $16.10 per day

1,253.7 km / 779 miles away
Cape Town from $13.76 per day

1,277 km / 793.5 miles away

Top 19 locations near Durban

King Shaka International Airport from $15.74 per day
Downtown from $15.74 per day

28.3 km / 17.6 miles away
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from $15.56 per day

470 km / 292 miles away
Bloemfontein Airport from $15.56 per day

470.3 km / 292.2 miles away
Johannesburg Airport from $18.99 per day

478.6 km / 297.4 miles away
Tambo International Airport from $13.43 per day

478.6 km / 297.4 miles away
East London Airport from $15.74 per day

492.7 km / 306.1 miles away
Johannesburg Lanseria Airport from $15.74 per day

514.9 km / 319.9 miles away
Pretoria Hatfield from $15.56 per day

515 km / 320 miles away
Wonderboom Airport from $16.84 per day

524.1 km / 325.7 miles away
Port Elizabeth Rhodes University - Grahamstown from $27.48 per day

600.1 km / 372.9 miles away
Kimberley Airport from $15.56 per day

622.9 km / 387.1 miles away
Port Elizabeth Airport from $15.92 per day

711.7 km / 442.2 miles away
Sishen Airport

821.6 km / 510.5 miles away
George Airport from $15.74 per day

959 km / 595.9 miles away
Cape Town Franschhoek

1,230 km / 764.3 miles away
Cape Town Airport from $13.76 per day

1,277 km / 793.5 miles away
Cape Town Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

1,290.8 km / 802.1 miles away
Downtown from $15.69 per day

1,291.2 km / 802.3 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Durban?

Car rental prices in Durban vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in Durban

$30.30

January

$32.13

February

$31.58

March

$35.52

April

$41.32

May

$30.51

June

$41.04

July

$37.45

August

$39.97

September

$36.68

October

$33.78

November

$28.46

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in Durban is December (when prices average $28.46 per day). This is 18% cheaper than the yearly average and 31% cheaper than renting in May (when prices average $41.32).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Durban?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in May, the average renter keeps their car for 13 days, and in October, they keep their car for 6 days.

Average number of rental days in Durban

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Durban?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Durban is December, and the least popular is June.

Monthly searches in Durban by pick-up date relative to the average

154%

January

124%

February

117%

March

76%

April

60%

May

50%

June

73%

July

78%

August

68%

September

54%

October

83%

November

264%

December

Car rental information

Car rental locations	7
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	GreenMotion, Hertz, First Car Rental, Firefly, Alamo
Popular car categories	Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Vans
Lowest price	$16 per day
Cheapest supplier	Keddy

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
Hertz	Suzuki Swift	4	2	Small cars
Firefly	Toyota Agya	5	1	Small cars
Firefly	Toyota Corolla Quest	4	2	Medium cars
First Car Rental	Proton X50	4	2	SUVs
First Car Rental	Suzuki Celerio	5	1	Small cars
GreenMotion	Hyundai Grand i10	4	1	Small cars
GreenMotion	Hyundai i20	4	2	Small cars
Hertz	Volkswagen T-Cross	5	2	Medium cars
Hertz	Toyota Corolla Quest	4	2	Medium cars
Carwiz	Renault Kwid	5	1	Small cars

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

South Africa

Hyundai i20

2/12/24

Beautiful scenery, Midmar Mile Swimming Event

South Africa

Suzuki Swift

1/7/24

Familiar destination so nothing new.

New Zealand

Suzuki Celerio

1/6/24

Didn't travel much as we needed the vehicle for bare necessaties

South Africa

Hyundai i20

7/18/23

Much fun was had, from seeing animals on the reserve, to spending time with friends on a farm.

South Africa

Hyundai Grand i10

5/29/23

Business

Australia

Suzuki Celerio

11/12/22

Easy car to park and get around in

United States of America (USA)

Suzuki Celerio

9/8/22

Having a car was helpful in getting around the greater Durban area, and it was fairly easy to navigate, if not quite as easy as in other parts of South Africa due to less signage than in Gauteng.

South Africa

VW Polo

9/1/22

ran the comrades marathon

South Africa

Renault Clio

12/24/20

Service at your finger tips. Trustworthy cars

South Africa

Renault Clio

7/20/20

Durban very quiet ...miss Tigers Milk and its Vibe

South Africa

Mercedes Benz C Class

3/25/20

Hillside (Sibaya) is the new gem, will give Ballito a run for its money shortly!

South Africa

Kia Picanto

2/21/20

Ballito crock farm

South Africa

Hyundai i10

9/29/19

It was easy to rent in Durban.

South Africa

Kia Picanto

9/16/19

Stress free and user friendly

South Africa

Datsun Go

8/23/19

Durban is and always be will be my first place of choice for a holiday, it has a fully package

South Africa

VW Polo Vivo

8/13/19

i have only rented i durban

South Africa

Toyota RAV 4

3/6/19

Very Good Service. Quite Safe Location Hilton Hotel

Australia

VW Polo

3/5/19

Umhdloti was great

Zambia

Audi A3

9/27/18

7mshlanga hotels are nice and some restaurants too...Gateway shopping mall offers good variety for shoppers and pay a visit to a Sharks board, informative.

Australia

VW Polo

7/31/18

The beaches all along Durban are fabulous. My wife & I loved Balito on the north coast. We also stayed on Durban's Marine parade. where there are many activities for both young & old. There are a variety of excellent food outlets, restaurants and hotels. Shopping is also excellent. A point to remember is to be very careful of the surroundings while driving especially at night, also in your everyday activities. Fortunately, I did not encounter any problems. The crime is high but be careful of your personal belongings. Inquire before you venture out to any unknown places. Casio fanatics will love Sun Coast along Durban's beachfront and Sibaya on the north coast. The Mangwanani spa at Sibaya is a must do for the spa lovers. Check out the various offers and promotions.