Cape Town Car Rental Guide: Best Routes, Tips & What to Expect
Published 1 May 2025 · By Car Rental Plus · 9 min read
Cape Town is consistently rated one of the world’s most beautiful cities — and the best way to experience it is by car. From the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive to the sprawling Cape Winelands and the legendary Garden Route, the Mother City and its surroundings reward those with the freedom to explore on their own schedule. This complete guide to car rental in Cape Town covers everything from airport pickup to the best driving routes.
Picking Up Your Car at Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is approximately 20 km from the Cape Town city centre. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall, and most major operators also offer off-airport collection a short distance away.
Car Rental Plus offers both on-airport and off-airport collection in Cape Town. Our team will confirm your pickup point when you book. The drive from the airport into the city centre takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Pre-book your Cape Town car hire at least 48 hours in advance — especially during December and January when demand peaks significantly.
What Vehicle Should You Rent in Cape Town?
The right vehicle depends on your plans:
- City & day trips: A compact or economy car is perfectly adequate and fuel-efficient for urban driving.
- Cape Peninsula & Winelands: A standard sedan or compact SUV handles all roads comfortably. Note that Chapman’s Peak Drive has tight bends.
- Garden Route road trip: A mid-size or larger SUV is recommended for long distances with luggage. Consider an automatic gearbox for relaxed driving.
- Cape Point & nature reserves: Gravel sections exist on some reserve roads — a SUV or 4x4 is advisable if you plan off-road excursions.
Best Driving Routes from Cape Town
Cape Peninsula Drive
~150 km loop
Follow the coastal road via Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak, Noordhoek, and Cape Point. One of the world's most scenic drives — do it with a good vehicle and a full tank.
Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek)
45–80 km from Cape Town
Drive east on the N2 to Stellenbosch or take the R45 to Franschhoek. Both offer world-class wine estates, restaurants, and mountain scenery.
Hermanus Whale Route
~120 km (2 hrs)
Head east on the N2, then south on the R43. Best from July to November for Southern Right Whale sightings from the coastal cliffs.
Garden Route (Mossel Bay to Knysna)
500+ km from Cape Town
The ultimate South African road trip. Take the N2 east along the coast through Swellendam, George, Wilderness, and Knysna.
Driving Tips Specific to Cape Town
- The South Easter wind (Cape Doctor): Strong winds are common in summer (Nov–Feb). High-profile vehicles like SUVs can be affected on exposed coastal roads.
- Parking in the CBD: Use paid parking garages in the city centre. Street parking is managed by informal car guards — tip R5–R10 per visit.
- Load shedding: Petrol stations may be affected by power outages. Keep your tank above half when possible.
- Night driving: Avoid certain routes in the CBD and township areas after dark unless familiar with the area.
- Chapman’s Peak: This road is occasionally closed due to rockfall — check status before visiting.
- Speed cameras: Cape Town has active speed cameras and traffic officers. Adhere strictly to posted limits.
Popular Destinations & Distances from Cape Town City Centre
Cape Point / Cape of Good Hope
70 km (~1 hr 15 min)
Stellenbosch Wine Route
45 km (~45 min)
Boulders Beach (Penguins)
50 km (~55 min)
Hermanus
120 km (~1 hr 30 min)
Franschhoek
80 km (~1 hr)
Paarl
55 km (~50 min)
Book Your Cape Town Car Hire
Car Rental Plus offers a wide selection of vehicles for Cape Town — from economy city cars to premium SUVs for road trips. Book online through our vehicle fleet page or call +27 10 825 5706 for personalised assistance. We also offer one-way rentals between Cape Town and Johannesburg — ask about our availability and pricing.