Car Rentals in Pretoria, ZAF

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Pretoria

Renting a car in Pretoria offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a hire car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, and the Kruger Museum, all of which are ideal for cultural experiences. This convenience is especially beneficial for families, business travellers, or anyone seeking a city-themed adventure, allowing for easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. You can also venture into neighbourhoods like Menlyn, Brooklyn, and Hatfield, where you can discover local highlights such as the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum. Whether you’re hopping between cultural sites or enjoying the natural beauty of the area, having a rental car ensures you can navigate Pretoria’s diverse attractions with ease. Instead of relying on public transport, you can create your own itinerary, making impromptu stops along the way. This flexibility makes car hire an appealing choice for anyone looking to experience Pretoria fully.

Most popular car hires in Pretoria

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for travellers in Pretoria, accommodating up to 5 individuals with space for 2 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. It offers an excellent balance of affordability and comfort, allowing you to navigate the city and surrounding areas with ease while managing your luggage effectively.
• Mini: The Mini car type is perfect for those seeking a compact option, accommodating 4 travellers with room for 2 small suitcases. This choice is particularly suited for solo explorers or couples, providing an economical and agile driving experience. Its smaller size makes it easy to manoeuvre through Pretoria's streets, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
• Compact SUV: A Compact SUV is an excellent option for larger groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is ideal for families or couples who require a bit more room without sacrificing comfort. Its versatile design allows for smooth city driving as well as the capability to handle longer journeys, making it a reliable choice for various travel plans in and around Pretoria.

Top rated car suppliers in Pretoria

• Europcar: Europcar operates two rental locations in Pretoria, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for excellent service, they offer a selection of vehicles, with Economy and Standard SUVs being the most booked options. Customers appreciate the reliability and comfort of their cars, allowing for an enjoyable driving experience as you explore the attractions in Pretoria.
• Avis: Avis also features two rental locations in Pretoria, providing flexibility for your car hire needs. The most popular choices among customers are the Economy and Mini cars, which are ideal for navigating the city and surrounding areas. Avis is recognised for its efficient service and well-maintained fleet, ensuring a hassle-free rental experience.
• Hertz: Hertz has one rental location in Pretoria, making it a straightforward option for car hire. The Mini car is the most booked vehicle, perfect for those seeking an economical and easy-to-manoeuvre choice. Hertz is known for its reliable vehicles and customer service, ensuring a smooth experience for tourists exploring the region.

Where to stay in Pretoria

• Brooklyn: Located in Pretoria, Brooklyn is ideal for a city-themed, family, or business experience. Visitors can enjoy local attractions such as the historic Union Buildings, the Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum, and the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, all within a short distance. The area offers a variety of shopping centres and dining options, making it a convenient choice for travellers seeking both leisure and amenities.
• Menlyn: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Menlyn is a great spot for those interested in city life and family activities. The neighbourhood features shopping centres and golf facilities, along with key attractions like the Union Buildings and the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. Dining options range from casual eateries to bars, perfect for a variety of tastes and occasions.
• Arcadia: For those seeking a scenic outdoor adventure, Arcadia offers recreational areas and proximity to national parks. Visitors can explore cultural sites such as the Union Buildings and the Kruger Museum, along with the Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum. With local coffee shops to relax in, Arcadia is a charming neighbourhood for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Pretoria

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to book your car well in advance of your trip. By reserving early, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just be sure to return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards as a method of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. It's easy to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning lengthy road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is required to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Pretoria

The best value period to rent a car in and around Pretoria is November, when prices are low and demand is average. February and March also offer lower prices with less demand, making them appealing options. However, the months of May and July see high demand, with prices remaining steady. December is typically the most expensive month, as demand tends to be average, while October can also bring higher prices as demand begins to pick up.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
February	72.7°F (22.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Low
March	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low
April	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
June	55.6°F (13.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	55.2°F (12.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
August	61.0°F (16.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
September	68.7°F (20.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	High
October	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	High
November	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Low
December	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	High