Car Hire at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) | Compare All Suppliers
CAR HIRE
Full guide to car hire at Port Elizabeth Airport. Europcar, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt and more – counter locations, prices, booking tips and Garden Route advice.
Car Hire at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
If there is one airport in South Africa where hiring a car genuinely transforms your trip, it’s Port Elizabeth Airport. The Eastern Cape’s road network — connecting the Garden Route, Addo Elephant National Park, the Sunshine Coast and the wider region – is built for self-drive exploration, and public transport options are limited once you’re outside the city. Fortunately, PLZ has one of the best-equipped car rental setups of any South African airport, with virtually every major national and international rental brand represented.
Car Hire Companies at Port Elizabeth Airport
The car rental area at PLZ is located in and immediately outside the terminal building, clearly signposted from the arrivals hall. Companies confirmed to operate at the airport include:
Europcar — one of the most prominent international brands at PLZ, with a dedicated counter in the terminal. Frequently searched directly by name (“Europcar Port Elizabeth Airport”), reflecting strong brand loyalty among regular Eastern Cape travellers.
Avis — a long-established presence at PLZ with a full range of vehicles from economy hatchbacks through to SUVs and minibuses, suited to both business travellers and families heading to game reserves.
Hertz — operates a counter located right at the baggage claim area for fast, convenient collection. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members benefit from expedited service.
Budget — also positioned at the baggage claim area, offering competitive value across economy and compact categories.
Sixt — a growing presence at PLZ with a modern fleet, popular with travellers who book through international comparison platforms.
First Car Rental — a well-regarded South African brand with strong value positioning, frequently recommended by local travel consultants for the PLZ route.
Tempest Car Hire — a South African-owned rental company offering competitive rates, often a strong choice for longer Eastern Cape road trips.
Bidvest Car Rental (Bluu by Bidvest) — part of the Bidvest travel ecosystem, with consistently competitive pricing on economy and compact vehicles.
Thrifty / Sani Car Hire — Thrifty has rebranded to Sani Car Hire in South Africa in recent years; it maintains a presence at PLZ for budget-focused travellers.
Firefly — a budget-oriented rental brand operating from PLZ, useful for short city-based hires.
Where to Find the Car Hire Desks
Once you’ve collected your luggage from the baggage claim area, the car rental counters are conveniently located nearby – Hertz and Budget specifically have desks right at the baggage claim area itself, making for one of the fastest collection processes of any South African airport. The remaining brands have counters within or directly adjacent to the main terminal, all clearly signposted. If in doubt, the tourist information desk in the arrivals hall can point you to any specific provider.
What You Need to Hire a Car at PLZ
A valid driver’s licence held for at least one year. International visitors must also present a valid passport and a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. Most companies require the main driver to be at least 18, though a young driver surcharge typically applies for drivers under 23–25 – check the specific terms with your chosen provider. Comprehensive insurance (collision damage waiver) is usually offered as an add-on; check whether your travel insurance or credit card already covers rental excess before paying extra.
Refuelling Before You Return Your Hire Car
Most car hire at PLZ operates on a full-to-full fuel policy. Conveniently, there is an Engen petrol station right at the roundabout as you enter and exit the airport — making it easy to top up the tank in the final minutes before your drop-off, avoiding the inflated refuelling charges that rental companies apply.
Why You Need a Car Hire From PLZ — The Garden Route and Addo
Port Elizabeth Airport sits at the eastern gateway to the Garden Route, one of the world’s most celebrated coastal road trips. From the airport, the M9 connects to Route 2, which runs along South Africa’s southern and eastern coasts through St Francis Bay, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma, Storms River, Knysna and on to Plettenberg Bay — reachable in around 2.5 hours from PLZ.
In the opposite direction, Addo Elephant National Park — South Africa’s third-largest national park and home to the Big Five — is under an hour’s drive from the airport, making PLZ arguably the single most convenient airport in the country for a short, accessible Big Five safari.
Without a hired car, neither of these experiences is realistically accessible. This is the single biggest reason car hire at PLZ converts so well — passengers landing here are, more often than not, beginning a road trip rather than ending a journey.
FAQs - Car Hire at Port Elizabeth Airport
FAQ A complete guide to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport / Port Elizebeth Airport – airlines, parking, facilities, transport options, charter services, check-in tips and more.
1. Which car hire companies are at Port Elizabeth Airport? Europcar, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt, First Car Rental, Tempest, Bidvest, Thrifty (Sani Car Hire) and Firefly all operate at or near PLZ.
2. Where are the car hire desks at PLZ? Hertz and Budget have counters directly at the baggage claim area. The remaining providers have counters within or just outside the main terminal building, all clearly signposted.
3. Do I need to pre-book car hire at Port Elizabeth Airport? Yes, strongly recommended — especially during the Garden Route peak season (December/January) and the Addo high season (April and July school holidays). Pre-booking also locks in better rates than walk-up hire.
4. How far is Addo Elephant National Park from PLZ? Approximately 70 km, around 45–60 minutes by car via the N2 and R335.
5. How long does it take to drive the Garden Route from PLZ? The full Garden Route from PLZ to Mossel Bay takes approximately 4–5 hours of driving, though most travellers spread it over 2–4 days with overnight stops in Storms River, Knysna or Plettenberg Bay.
6. Is there a petrol station near PLZ for refuelling a hire car? Yes. An Engen petrol station is located at the roundabout right at the airport entrance/exit.
7. What documents do I need to hire a car at PLZ? A valid driver’s licence held for at least one year, a credit card in the driver’s name, and a passport for international visitors. An international driving permit is recommended for non-English licences.
8. Can I do a one-way car hire from PLZ to Cape Town? Yes. Most major rental companies offer one-way hires between PLZ and Cape Town International, ideal for a Garden Route road trip, subject to a one-way drop fee.
9. Is car hire at PLZ expensive? Rates are generally competitive with other major South African airports, often slightly lower than Cape Town or Johannesburg in off-peak periods. Comparing multiple providers before booking typically yields the best rate.
10. What is the minimum age to hire a car at Port Elizabeth Airport? Most rental companies require the main driver to be at least 18, but apply a young driver surcharge for those under 23–25. Always confirm specific age requirements with your chosen provider.
