Pretoria Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Pretoria

Renting a car in Pretoria offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those interested in family, business, or city-themed experiences. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your needs.

Key attractions such as the Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, and Kruger Museum are all accessible by car, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can also venture into popular neighbourhoods like Menlyn, Brooklyn, and Hatfield, each featuring attractions such as the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum. Having a car makes it convenient to visit these sites without the constraints of public transportation schedules. Whether you are travelling alone, with family, or for business, a rental car enhances your experience by providing comfort and ease of travel, ensuring you make the most of your time in Pretoria.

Most popular car rentals in Pretoria

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice among travellers in Pretoria, accommodating up to 5 passengers alongside 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and families looking for an economical and efficient way to explore the area. With its compact size and manageable luggage capacity, the Economy car allows for flexibility and ease as you navigate the attractions of Pretoria at your own pace.
• Mini: If you’re travelling solo or as a couple, the Mini car is an excellent option, accommodating up to 4 travellers with space for 2 small suitcases. This vehicle is designed for those seeking a more intimate and economical travel experience. The Mini car is ideal for zipping around Pretoria, making it easy to find parking and enjoy the sights without the bulk of a larger vehicle.
• Premium Van: For larger families or groups, the Premium Van is the go-to choice in Pretoria, comfortably seating up to 12 passengers and accommodating 6 large suitcases. This option is perfect for those who want to travel together without sacrificing space or comfort. The Premium Van allows you to explore the area with your entire group, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to experience Pretoria’s attractions collectively.

Top rated car suppliers in Pretoria

• Budget: With 3 rental locations throughout Pretoria, Budget is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility and affordability. Known for offering excellent value, the most booked vehicles include Mini Vans and Premium Vans, making it ideal for families or groups. With Budget, you can easily manage your luggage and explore the city at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Located in Pretoria, Enterprise stands out for its focus on customer satisfaction and a diverse range of vehicles. The most popular options are Economy SUVs and Premium Vans, catering to various travel needs. Whether you're navigating the city streets or venturing out to nearby attractions, Enterprise provides reliable vehicles to enhance your travel experience.
• Avis: With 2 convenient rental locations in Pretoria, Avis offers a solid selection of vehicles, including Economy and Premium Vans. This supplier is well-regarded for its service and efficiency, ensuring you can get on the road quickly. Avis makes it easy to adjust your itinerary as you explore Pretoria and its surroundings, providing the freedom to discover at your leisure.

Where to stay in Pretoria

• Brooklyn: Brooklyn is an ideal neighborhood for those seeking a city-themed, family-friendly, or business-oriented experience. It offers easy access to landmarks such as the Union Buildings, an important cultural site, and the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, perfect for outdoor activities. Nearby dining options cater to various tastes, making it a convenient spot for travellers. The area also features a shopping centre and recreational areas, ensuring a well-rounded stay.
• Menlyn: Menlyn is known for its shopping centres and golf facilities, making it a great choice for city-themed and family trips. The area is home to key attractions including the South African Local Government Association and the Union Buildings, both notable for their historical significance. With a variety of dining options available, Menlyn serves as a vibrant base from which to explore the nearby Pretoria National Botanical Garden, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Arcadia: For those drawn to scenery and adventure, Arcadia offers a unique experience. This neighborhood features recreational areas and shopping centres, as well as proximity to the Union Buildings and Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum, both enriching cultural attractions. The nearby national park provides opportunities for outdoor activities, making Arcadia a suitable choice for visitors interested in a mix of relaxation and exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Pretoria

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices 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 lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium options—might not be available. This can also impact renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can be acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
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 you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out 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 Pretoria

The best value period to rent a car in and around Pretoria is October, when prices are at their lowest and demand is minimal. August is another good option, with low prices and average demand. Following this, November tends to see lower demand but average pricing. In contrast, June is typically the most expensive month, with high demand and elevated rates. January and February also experience high demand and prices, making them the busiest times for car rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	High
February	72.7°F (22.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Low
March	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
April	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	55.6°F (13.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	High
July	55.2°F (12.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
August	61.0°F (16.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Low
September	68.7°F (20.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Low	Low
November	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
December	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	High