• English
Drive South Africa Drive South Africa
Drive South Africa
  • Car Hire
    • All Car Rentals
    • South Africa
    • Cape Town
    • Cape Town Airport
    • Johannesburg
    • Johannesburg Airport
    • Lanseria Airport
    • Durban
    • Durban Airport
    • Namibia
    • Windhoek
    • Botswana
    • Maun
  • 4x4 Hire
    • All 4x4 Rentals
    • South Africa
    • Cape Town
    • Johannesburg
    • Durban
    • Namibia
    • Windhoek
    • Swakopmund
    • Walvis Bay
    • Botswana
    • Gaborone
    • Kasane
    • Maun
    • Mozambique
    • Maputo
    • Tanzania
    • Dar es Salaam
  • Camper Hire
    • All Camper Rentals
    • South Africa
    • Johannesburg
    • Cape Town
    • Durban
    • Namibia
    • Windhoek
  • Luxury Car Hire
    • All Luxury Car Rentals
    • South Africa
    • Cape Town
    • Cape Town Airport
    • Johannesburg
    • Johannesburg Airport
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Customer Reviews
    • Meet Our Team
    • Our Blogs
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
  • Tools
    • Road Trip Explorer
    • EV Charging Stations
    • Fuel Cost Calculator
    • Newsletter Sign Up
Contact Us
Drive South Africa
  • Car Hire
    • All Car Rentals
    • South Africa
    • Cape Town
    • Cape Town Airport
    • Johannesburg
    • Johannesburg Airport
    • Lanseria Airport
    • Durban
    • Durban Airport
    • Namibia
    • Windhoek
    • Botswana
    • Maun
  • 4x4 Hire
    • All 4x4 Rentals
    • South Africa
    • Cape Town
    • Johannesburg
    • Durban
    • Namibia
    • Windhoek
    • Swakopmund
    • Walvis Bay
    • Botswana
    • Gaborone
    • Kasane
    • Maun
    • Mozambique
    • Maputo
    • Tanzania
    • Dar es Salaam
  • Camper Hire
    • All Camper Rentals
    • South Africa
    • Johannesburg
    • Cape Town
    • Durban
    • Namibia
    • Windhoek
  • Luxury Car Hire
    • All Luxury Car Rentals
    • South Africa
    • Cape Town
    • Cape Town Airport
    • Johannesburg
    • Johannesburg Airport
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Customer Reviews
    • Meet Our Team
    • Our Blogs
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
  • Tools
    • Road Trip Explorer
    • EV Charging Stations
    • Fuel Cost Calculator
    • Newsletter Sign Up
Drive South Africa
COMPARING THE BEST RENTAL BRANDS SO THAT YOU SAVE!
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result
searching for cars found vehicle result

Searching...

  • Home
  • Car Hire
  • South Africa
  • East London, South Africa

Car Hire in East London, South Africa

East London is a coastal city in the Eastern Cape, known for its relaxed atmosphere, warm beaches, and access to the Wild Coast. Hiring a car here is the best way to explore the Sunshine Coast, nearby game reserves, and off-the-beaten-track villages in a land of endless rolling hills.

Car Hire in East London, South Africa


  • ✓Easily compare prices
  • ✓Flexible cancellation & unlimited mileage
  • ✓No credit card fees

Robert Banfield

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
"Excellent service and back up."

Craig Knight

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
"Efficient service, and highly recommended."

Wanda Kamnqa

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
"I noticed that your rates a not what I thought they are...they are so affordable..please..."

Nadine

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
"Excellent friendly service."

Jerry Ngobese

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
"Road worthy Toyota Quantum clean and comfortable for our excursion ... it was a blast."

Anna Jane Meeks

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
"The process of booking the vehicle and then subsequent communication were efficient and easy. Leon..."

4.9 star rating from 91 reviews

Rent a Car in East London

Our expert consultant, Kenneth Meyer, has selected four vehicles that might interest you. Book a vehicle, and our dedicated team will be available to assist you with any questions.

Find the best deal now. Pick your dates

Volkswagen Polo Vivo

4 seats | 5 doors | 2 Medium Bags
  • Aircon
  • Power Steering
  • ABS
  • Petrol

R450.00/day

Toyota Starlet Automatic

4 seats | 4 doors | 2 Medium Bags
  • Aircon
  • Power Steering
  • ABS
  • Petrol

R615.00/day

Toyota Corolla Quest Automatic Transmission

5 seats | 4 doors | 2 Medium Bags
  • Aircon
  • Power Steering
  • ABS
  • Petrol

R780.00/day

Volkswagen Polo TSI

4 seats | 5 doors | 2 Medium Bags
  • Aircon
  • Power Steering
  • ABS
  • Petrol

R535.00/day

Toyota Hilux 4x4 Double Cab

5 seats | 4 doors | 2 Medium Bags
  • Aircon
  • Power Steering
  • ABS
  • Petrol or Diesel

R1519.00/day

Volkswagen T-Roc Automatic Transmission

4 seats | 5 doors | 2 Medium Bags
  • Aircon
  • Power Steering
  • ABS
  • Petrol

R945.00/day

BMW 3 Series Automatic Transmission

5 seats | 4 doors | 1 Medium Bags
  • Aircon
  • Power Steering
  • ABS
  • Petrol or Diesel

R1320.00/day

Hyundai Venue

4 seats | 4 doors | 1 Medium Bags
  • Aircon
  • Power Steering
  • ABS
  • Petrol

R890.00/day

Find a vehicle

3 Reasons You Can Trust Drive South Africa

Ample choices

We have a wide selection of vehicles for every need and preference.

Value for money

Our great prices ensure maximum value for your budget.

Rental expertise

We have an expert team providing seamless and reliable rental services.

What Our East London Travellers Have to Say

Still unsure? Read testimonials from satisfied Drive South Africa customers who’ve explored the Eastern Cape from East London.

Gerrit Casteleijn

Alles ging zoals afgesproken en verwacht. Auto's stonden klaar. Keurig geholpen aan de balie. Zonder pech onze reis kunnen maken. Voor een volgende keer zeer...

August, 2018

Stephan Guenther

Very good service, communication was excellent and replies were prompt. I would recommend Drive South Africa to other tourists.

August, 2018

Patience Mthembu

I had the best experience with drive South Africa and would recommend them to my friends.

October, 2019

Tebogo Nthite

Great experience thank you.

May, 2023

Lena Fourie

We had to book a car after hours and Brad was very helpful even after my link expired. At Bloemfontein Airport the guy from Bidvest...

December, 2019

Nontuthuko Ndaba

Had no problems when getting a car making amendments.

August, 2022

Top Tips for East London Car Rental

Best Cars to Hire in East London

Hatchbacks like the Toyota Starlet or Renault Kwid are perfect for city and coastal drives. For rural roads or travel along the Wild Coast, a high-clearance SUV such as the Suzuki Fronx or Toyota Urban Cruiser is a smart choice.

Exploring Nearby Destinations

With a rental car, it’s easy to reach:

  • Chintsa and Morgan Bay: Quiet seaside escapes less than 90 minutes away.
  • Addo Elephant Park: A four-hour drive to one of South Africa’s best national parks.
  • Hogsback: A scenic inland retreat with forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Collecting Your Vehicle at East London Airport

East London Airport (ELS) is the city’s main airport, with all major car hire companies located on-site. Collections are simple, and vehicles are parked within walking distance of the terminal.

What To Do If You're in an Accident in East London

  1. Check for injuries and call emergency services (112).
  2. Move the vehicle if it’s safe to do so.
  3. Notify your rental provider.
  4. Gather relevant info and take photos.
  5. Report the incident to the police within 24 hours.

How To Stay Safe in East London

  • Park in secure areas and don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
  • Avoid driving in remote areas after dark.
  • Stick to main roads and keep your phone charged for navigation.

FAQs About Hiring a Car in East London

A valid driver’s license in English is accepted. Otherwise, carry an International Driving Permit.

Yes, automatics are widely available across most vehicle classes.

Yes, but take common-sense precautions like locking your vehicle, especially in busy or unfamiliar areas.

Standard insurance, roadside assistance, and options for extras like car seats, navigation devices, and cross-border clearance (if applicable).

Yes, long-distance travel is allowed. Inform your rental company and verify mileage limits if applicable.

East London Partner Information

Explore our trusted partners in East London, their locations, and customer ratings.

Europcar South Africa Domestic logo
2 Locations in East London
  • Europcar East London Airport(King Phalo)
  • Europcar East London Downtown
Hertz South Africa Domestic logo
1 Location in East London
  • Hertz East London Airport
Sani South Africa (Domestic) logo
2 Locations in East London
  • Sani Car Rental East London Airport
  • Sani Car Rental East London Down Town
First South Africa Domestic logo
1 Location in East London
  • First Car Rental East London Airport
Tempest South Africa logo
1 Location in East London
  • Tempest Car Hire East London Airport
Bluu Car Rental South Africa (Domestic) logo
1 Location in East London
  • Bluu East London Airport BS
Avis Domestic logo
2 Locations in East London
  • Avis East London Airport
  • Avis East London Downtown
Kenings Car Van And Truck Hire Domestic logo
1 Location in East London
  • Kenings Car Van and Truck Hire East London Airport
View All Partners

Join our newsletter

Sign up now to receive exclusive deals, road trip inspiration, and expert car rental tips delivered straight to your inbox. Stay ahead with our latest offers and make your next journey unforgettable!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

By proceeding you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Loading

4x4 Hire Locations

  • 4x4 Hire Cape Town
  • 4x4 Hire Durban
  • 4x4 Hire Johannesburg
  • 4x4 Hire Gaborone
  • 4x4 Hire Kasane
  • 4x4 Hire Maun
  • 4x4 Hire Windhoek

4x4 Hire Countries

  • 4x4 Hire Southern Africa
  • 4x4 Hire Botswana
  • 4x4 Hire in Mozambique
  • 4x4 Hire Namibia
  • 4x4 Hire South Africa
  • 4x4 Hire Zambia
  • 4x4 Hire Zimbabwe

Car Hire Locations

  • Car Hire Cape Town
  • Car Hire Johannesburg
  • Car Hire Durban
  • Car Hire Port Elizabeth
  • Car Hire Maun
  • Car Hire Kasane
  • Car Hire Windhoek

Airport Hire Locations

  • Car Hire Cape Town Airport
  • Car Hire OR Tambo Airport
  • Car Hire Lanseria Airport
  • Car Hire Durban Airport
  • Car Hire Windhoek Airport
  • Car Hire Gaborone Airport
  • Car Hire Upington Airport

Latest Blog Posts

  • 5 Reasons to Take a Road Trip to Marakele National Park
  • 4 Exciting New EVs in South Africa
  • 5 Reasons to Visit the SA 4x4 & Outdoor Show This Year
  • First Car Rental Expands to Namibia and the Cape Winelands
  • The 3 Best Navigation Apps in South Africa
  • How to Self-Drive Kruger National Park in One Week
  • The Traveller's Guide to Whale Season in South Africa

Quick Links

  • Customer Reviews
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Blog
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Drive South Africa

Unit 4 & 5 (2nd floor), Fedgroup Place
35 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville
Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0) 21 423 1912
info@drivesouthafrica.com

© 2002 - 2025 Drive South Africa. All Rights Reserved.

Robyn Kannemeyer

Robyn Kannemeyer

Typically responds in under 15 minutes

Background

Hi! How can I help you?

09:01