St. James Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around St. James

Renting a car in St. James offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the stunning attractions surrounding this charming neighborhood at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit Boulders Beach, only 9 km away, where you can enjoy the picturesque beach experience and observe the local penguin population. For those seeking scenic views, Hout Bay Beach, located 12 km from St. James, provides breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. Adventure enthusiasts can take a short drive to Chapmans Peak, just 9 km away, for memorable outdoor experiences. The convenience of having a car also allows for easy luggage management, making it ideal for families or groups. You can effortlessly explore nearby destinations such as Kalk Bay, just 1 km away, featuring Kalk Bay Beach and the vibrant Kalk Bay Harbour, or Clovelly, located 2 km from St. James, which offers access to Boulders Beach and Hout Bay Beach. Whether you're after beach relaxation, outdoor adventures, or scenic drives, renting a car in St. James enhances your travel experience in and around Cape Town.

Most popular car rentals around St. James

• Midsize Van: Ideal for families and groups, the midsize van accommodates up to 9 travellers along with 6 large suitcases. This option provides ample space for everyone’s comfort and is perfect for those looking to travel together without the hassle of multiple vehicles. Renting a midsize van allows you to explore the beautiful surroundings of St. James while ensuring that your luggage is easily managed, making it a top choice for larger parties.
• Fullsize SUV: The fullsize SUV is another excellent option for families and groups, offering seating for 6 travellers and room for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This vehicle type combines comfort and versatility, making it suitable for various travel needs. With a fullsize SUV, you can enjoy the scenic routes around St. James while having enough space for passengers and their belongings, making it a popular booking choice.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or smaller families, the economy car accommodates up to 5 travellers and can fit 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for those who appreciate efficiency and cost-effectiveness while exploring St. James. With its compact size, the economy car is easy to manoeuvre and park, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of travel without the burden of excess space or fuel costs.

Top rated car suppliers around St. James

• Greenmotion: Greenmotion is a popular choice for car rentals, situated 20 km away from St. James. This supplier is known for its excellent selection of vehicles, with the Midsize Van and Fullsize Van being the most booked options. Many travellers appreciate the flexibility that comes with renting from Greenmotion, allowing for easy exploration of the stunning surroundings at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget is conveniently located 12 km from St. James, making it an accessible option for tourists. This supplier is well-regarded for offering competitive rates and a strong selection of vehicles, particularly the Midsize SUV and Compact models. Travellers often highlight Budget’s efficient service, making it a great choice for those looking to manage their itinerary smoothly.
• Avis: Avis boasts two rental locations, with the nearest being just 12 km from St. James. Known for its reliable service, Avis offers a variety of vehicles, with the Economy and Compact SUV being the most popular choices among renters. Customers frequently commend Avis for its straightforward rental process, making it a preferred option for those seeking quality and convenience during their travels.

Where to stay around St. James

• St. James: A charming coastal area within Cape Town, St. James is ideal for families looking for a beach holiday. The area boasts beautiful beaches and stunning mountain views, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby attractions include the scenic Boulders Beach, known for its unique penguin colony, and the family-friendly beach that provides a relaxing atmosphere for visitors. The local restaurants offer delightful dining options, enhancing your stay.
• Kalk Bay: Located 1 km away from St. James, Kalk Bay is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its artistic flair and picturesque harbour. This area is perfect for those seeking a beach or outdoor experience. Visitors can enjoy Kalk Bay Beach, a great spot for sunbathing, or explore the bustling shopping area filled with local boutiques. The nearby Kalk Bay Harbour also offers scenic views and delightful dining options, making it a favourite among tourists.
• Clovelly: Situated 2 km from St. James, Clovelly is an excellent choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities and sports. The neighbourhood features access to golf courses and a country private club. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to beautiful beaches like Boulders Beach and Muizenberg Beach, which are perfect for beach holidays. Clovelly offers a tranquil atmosphere, while still being close enough to explore the scenic Hout Bay Beach, renowned for its stunning views.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around St. James

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for those warm summer days, or an economy car to keep costs down, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover 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 vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to snag lower rates and ensure better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 might encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—may not be accessible. Renters over the age of 70 may also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you need to return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Alternatively, some may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can be acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worth the extra cost for the convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help protect you from unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind should any unforeseen issues arise during your journey. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning to embark on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around St. James

The best value period to rent a car in and around St. James is July, when both prices and demand are low. This is followed by May, which also offers reasonable rates and average demand. In contrast, June tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and prices. Additionally, February through April see higher demand, contributing to increased rental costs during that timeframe. Meanwhile, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	70.7°F (21.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
February	70.7°F (21.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
March	68.5°F (20.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
April	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
May	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Low
June	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	High
July	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Low
August	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	57.7°F (14.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	High
October	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	High
November	64.6°F (18.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Low