Car Hire Port Elizabeth Airport — Your Gateway to the Friendly City and Beyond
Landing at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) is usually the first step in exploring one of South Africa’s most diverse regions. Known as the ‘Friendly City’ or the ‘Windy City’, PE is a fantastic destination on its own, but the real magic lies just outside the city limits. While there are taxis and shuttle services available, they can quickly eat into your holiday budget and tie you to someone else’s schedule. Renting a car here isn’t just about moving from point A to point B; it’s about having the flexibility to chase the sunrise at Hobie Beach or take a spontaneous detour through the Eastern Cape countryside without checking a bus timetable.
What makes this destination truly special is its location. Port Elizabeth sits at the very start (or end) of the world-famous Garden Route, offers easy access to malaria-free Big Five game reserves, and boasts some of the best coastline in the country. Having your own vehicle means you can experience the laid-back surf culture of Jeffreys Bay one morning and be watching elephants at a waterhole by the afternoon. It transforms a standard holiday into a proper road trip adventure, giving you the freedom to explore the nooks and crannies that tour buses simply can’t reach.
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Port Elizabeth Airport
Picking up a rental car at Port Elizabeth Airport is refreshingly straightforward, which is a relief after a long flight. The airport is compact, so you won’t face the long treks common in major international hubs. Once you’ve collected your luggage and cleared customs, you’ll find the car rental desks located right in the arrivals hall. You’ll see the major international brands alongside trusted local providers, all competing for your business. Because the airport is relatively small, the queues can move quickly, but it’s always wise to have your booking confirmation ready on your phone to speed things up.
Before you sign the paperwork, ensure you have your valid driver’s licence and a credit card in the main driver’s name. If your licence isn’t in English, you’ll technically need an International Driving Permit, though many agencies will accept an official translation. Most of the car parks are located just a stone’s throw from the terminal building—you can usually see the cars from the exit doors. It’s a good idea to do a quick walk-around inspection of the vehicle with an agent before you drive off. Check for existing scratches or dents and make sure the fuel gauge matches what’s on the contract. It only takes a minute and saves a lot of hassle when you return the keys.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car in Port Elizabeth Airport
Once you have the keys, you have the entire Eastern Cape at your fingertips. Here are the top drives to add to your itinerary:
Addo Elephant National Park: This is the big one. Located just over an hour’s drive north of the airport, Addo is home to hundreds of elephants, as well as lions, buffalo, and endangered black rhinos. Having a rental car means you can enter the park at your own pace and spend the day driving the loops. Just remember to close your windows when you’re near the elephants!
Jeffreys Bay: If you’re chasing waves or just want a classic beach town vibe, drive about 45 minutes west on the N2. ‘J-Bay’ is a surfing mecca, but it’s also great for a relaxed lunch and souvenir shopping. It’s an easy drive that showcases the stunning coastline of the Sunshine Coast.
The Garden Route West: Port Elizabeth is the eastern gateway to the Garden Route. If you have time, take a drive towards Tsitsikamma National Park (about two hours away). You can cross the suspension bridges at Storms River Mouth or try the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge. The drive itself is lush and scenic, winding through forests and along coastal cliffs.
Sardinia Bay: If you want to stay closer to the city, drive out to Sardinia Bay. It’s a local favourite for fishing, horse riding, and simply enjoying a wild, unspoiled beach. It’s a short drive from the airport but feels a world away from the city bustle.
Tips for Driving in South Africa
Driving in South Africa is a unique experience, and a little local knowledge goes a long way. Firstly, we drive on the **left-hand side** of the road, which takes a bit of getting used to if you’re from Europe or the States. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car, so the driver is positioned near the centre of the road.
Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in urban areas and 120 km/h on open highways (freeways). Keep an eye out for speed cameras, especially on the N2 approaching the airport. Unlike many countries, fuel is not self-service here. You’ll pull up to the pump and an attendant will fill the tank for you. It’s customary to tip the attendant a few Rands in cash for the service—R5 to R10 is usually fine.
Be aware of ‘Stop/Go’ signs at intersections. In South Africa, these are treated strictly as four-way stops. The rule is ‘first to stop, first to go’. Traffic lights are called ‘robots’ locally—if a local tells you to ‘turn left at the robot’, they mean the traffic light. Finally, when driving in the Eastern Cape, keep an eye out for stray animals on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk. It’s beautiful country, but cows and goats sometimes wander onto the tarmac. Drive defensively and enjoy the view!
Ready to hit the road? Use the search widget on this page to compare prices from top suppliers and book your perfect rental car for Port Elizabeth Airport today.