East London Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

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Explore East London with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
East London, Eastern Cape, ZAF
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
East London, Eastern Cape, ZAF
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
East London, Eastern Cape, ZAF
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
East London, Eastern Cape, ZAF
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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What you need to know for your East London car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around East London

Renting a car in East London offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can seamlessly manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your itinerary. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to enjoy beach, sports, and outdoor experiences. You can easily visit Nahoon Beach, renowned for its beautiful shoreline, or delve into the rich culture at the East London Museum. For those seeking adventure, Cove Rock provides stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Additionally, having a car allows you to explore nearby popular destinations such as Gonubie, where you can enjoy Bonza Bay Beach and Kwelera Nature Reserve, or Arcadia, which features both Nahoon Beach and the East London Museum. Beacon Bay is another nearby area worth visiting, with its access to Eastern Beach and Bonza Bay Beach. Whether you're a family with children or an adventure seeker, renting a car ensures that your travel experience in East London is convenient and enjoyable, allowing you to make the most of your visit.

Most popular car rentals in East London

  • Mini: This compact option is ideal for solo travellers or couples, accommodating up to 4 passengers and up to 2 small suitcases. Its small size makes it perfect for navigating the streets of East London with ease, providing flexibility and convenience for your travel plans.
  • Fullsize SUV: Perfect for families or groups, this spacious vehicle can accommodate up to 6 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. The Fullsize SUV offers ample room for both passengers and luggage, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and practicality during their explorations around East London.
  • Economy: This economical choice is suitable for solo travellers, couples, or families, accommodating up to 5 passengers with room for 2 medium suitcases. The Economy car offers a balance of space and efficiency, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore East London without compromising on comfort.

Top rated car suppliers in East London

  • Avis: Avis is a prominent choice for travellers in East London, boasting 2 rental locations within the city. Known for its reliability, Avis provides a range of vehicles to suit diverse needs, with the most popular options being Compact and Economy SUVs. This flexibility allows you to explore East London comfortably and at your own pace, ensuring a convenient travel experience.
  • Budget: Budget offers car rentals at competitive rates from its single rental location in East London. This supplier is particularly popular for its Premium SUVs and Economy vehicles, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. With Budget, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your itinerary as you discover the attractions of East London.
  • Sixt: Sixt stands out with its single rental location in East London, offering a unique selection of vehicles. Most frequently booked are their Mini and Fullsize SUVs, perfect for those looking for comfort and space while travelling. Sixt ensures a smooth rental process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip and exploring the beautiful surroundings of East London.

Where to stay in East London

  • Beacon Bay: A charming village in East London, Beacon Bay is perfect for eco-friendly and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy the nearby recreational areas and shopping options, while the stunning beaches like Nahoon Beach, Eastern Beach, and Bonza Bay Beach provide ideal spots for relaxation and family fun. The local nature reserve offers a glimpse into the area's natural beauty, complemented by various dining and bar options for unwinding after a day at the beach.
  • Quigney Beach: Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Quigney Beach, this area is well-known for its beautiful shorelines and family-friendly beaches. Key attractions include Nahoon Beach and Eastern Beach, both suitable for a beach holiday. Additionally, the East London Museum offers cultural insights and historical context, making Quigney Beach an excellent choice for those looking to blend beach time with cultural exploration.
  • Gonubie: Gonubie is a delightful village that attracts those seeking adventure and outdoor activities. The village features Gonubie Beach, a family-friendly destination, and Bonza Bay Beach, both ideal for enjoying the sun and surf. Nature lovers can explore the Kwelera Nature Reserve, which is nearby and offers a chance to connect with the local wildlife and scenery. Gonubie's recreational areas make it a fantastic choice for an active getaway.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around East London

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to assist you in finding the ideal match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain more favourable rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically less expensive to rent and are easier to manoeuvre and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise 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 types—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 booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which can also be acceptable; just ensure that you return the car empty in this scenario.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, although it might be worthwhile for the added convenience.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around East London

The best value period to rent a car in and around East London is June, as it tends to have the lowest prices and average demand. This month is followed by September, which also offers moderately low prices and average demand. March generally sees the lowest demand, but prices remain at an average level. However, October stands out as the most expensive month, with moderately high prices and steady demand, making it a busier time for rentals.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
February73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately High
March72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
April68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
May65.8°F (18.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June62.8°F (17.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageModerately Low
July61.9°F (16.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyLowAverage
August62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
September63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
October65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
November66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
December69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighModerately Low

Information on Car Rentals

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in East London?
Within the past seven days in East London, you could have driven away in a rental car for as little as a day.
Can I rent a car from East London Airport (ELS)?
East London Airport (ELS) has plenty of options just a quick commute away. Find a ride that suits you from Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Budget or Thrifty Car Rental.
What happens if I need to cancel my East London car reservation?
You should get a complete refund on your booking if you let us know a minimum of six hours ahead of the scheduled collection time. Look through your rental agreement for all the info. Our Customer Service Portal may have the answers too.
What types of cars can I rent in East London?
Many visitors opt for economy cars in East London. Motorists love them because they're good on gas and affordable. Plus, their small size makes them well-suited to getting around cities, where streets are crowded and parking can be tight. But your options don't end there. Full-size, mid-size and premium cars are part of our rental range too. Whether you're sticking around East London or venturing beyond, we'll have a ride that suits your needs.
Where can I go on a road trip from East London?
Once you've ticked off the terrific places in East London, there's loads more to see in the surrounding area. Grab the keys to a rental car, throw your luggage in the trunk and get out there. These are some drives we know you'll love:
  • Make tracks to Makhanda for a fantastic sightseeing adventure. About 129 kilometres from East London, it has tons of cool sights like African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve.
  • Why not enjoy everything on offer in Komani too? Major attractions here include Queenstown Mall. Komani is approximately 153 kilometres from East London.
  • Get into nature and appreciate the serenity at Addo Elephant National Park. You'll find it around 241 kilometres from East London.
How do I find the best car rental deals in East London with Expedia?
Whatever kind of wheels you're looking for, Expedia will help you nab the best deal. Simply compare offers from reliable rental providers and select the option that works for you. Want to drive away with even more in your wallet? Bundle your East London car rental with flight or hotel bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in East London?
If you're 18 and over, you can rent a vehicle in East London. Keep in mind that most rental companies will charge young drivers an additional fee, which is meant to cover the higher damage risk involved. Also, young motorists usually aren't permitted to rent luxury cars or larger vehicles. Check the fine print before you book to avoid any surprises at the rental counter.
What do you need to rent a car in East London?
Generally, all you'll need is a current driver's licence and credit card in your name when collecting the keys to your vehicle. You may also need your own proof of coverage if you'd like to opt out of the company's insurance policy. Rules often differ between providers, so be sure to check before you book.
What side of the road do you drive on in East London?
If you're renting a vehicle in East London or road-tripping around South Africa, remember that you'll be driving on the left. Also, the driver's seat and some controls will be on the opposite side of what you're accustomed to in the U.S. This may take a while to get the hang of, so drive with extra care.
What is the cheapest car rental in East London?
The two cheapest daily prices recorded in East London within the past seven days were and . Now that's what we'd call an awesome deal! These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in East London?
Yes, so you won't need to rebook a rental vehicle in the middle of your holiday. Check out our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip details and reserve a set of wheels to call your own for the duration of your getaway.
Where can I find an East London car rental if I am younger than 25?
Age policies differ between rental suppliers, so you'll have to do a little shopping around. Found an East London supplier that does rent to drivers under the age of 25? Terrific news! Just take note that an extra charge often applies to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. The terms and conditions of each rental car you're interested in should have all the information you need.

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