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  • 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

Putuma Zengetwa

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"I had a seamless booking and got the car without any hassles. Thanks."

Boudewijn

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"Just Frits with my expectatiins."

Nathi Ndlovu

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"Everything was perfect."

Pierre Theron

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"Good speedy service. Car was emmaculate."

Sabine

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"Very friendly and helpful."

Sifiso Gumede

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"Great services and excellent prices."

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.

Matome Mawasha

The booking process was user friendly and stress free. Acquiring the vehicle at my requested location was easy and the staff treated me with kindness.

June, 2023

Ellie May Pennington

Great service - very efficient and no problems when attending Europcar for collection.

January, 2024

Vincent Maluleke

Service was ok ; the only concern was there was no options of the cars, I was compelled to use a Toyota Etios , but...

August, 2018

Franoise Vassor

C'est la 2ème fois que je prends les services de Drive South Africa. Le service est fiable et simple. Merci.

April, 2024

Robert Swanson

Excellent service thanks.

June, 2019

Roger Wood

Most impressed with the speedy response that I received from my enquiry.

November, 2020

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

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