Durban airport car rental is one of the easiest ways to explore KwaZulu-Natal on your own schedule, with King Shaka International Airport (DUR) offering a full range of car hire desks directly at the terminal. Whether you are landing for a beach holiday in Umhlanga, a business meeting in the CBD, or a road trip into the Drakensberg, hiring a car at the airport gives you immediate freedom and flexibility.
Where to rent at King Shaka
King Shaka International Airport has a dedicated car rental terminal connected to the main arrivals area, clearly signposted from baggage claim. Most major brands operate counters here, so you can compare offers on arrival or book in advance for faster collection.
International names such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Alamo, and Budget sit alongside respected South African brands like Woodford, First Car Rental, Bidvest, Capital, Tempest and SANI SIXT. Many comparison platforms list them side‑by‑side, making it simple to check prices, car categories and customer ratings before you travel.
Types of vehicles available
Durban airport car rental fleets are designed for everything from solo city trips to family holidays and group tours. Typical categories include:
Mini and economy hatchbacks (for example, VW Polo Vivo or similar) that are fuel‑efficient and easy to park in the city.
Compact and standard sedans suited to business travellers who need comfort and boot space without high rental costs.
SUVs and 4x4s for longer drives along the North or South Coast or into the mountains, offering extra clearance and space.
People-carriers and minibuses for larger families or tour groups, often available with 7–10 seats and generous luggage capacity.
Bakkies (pickup trucks) and light commercial vehicles for guests who need to move goods, sports gear or work equipment.
Many firms also advertise “bigger car for same price” upgrades when available, particularly outside peak periods.
Typical prices and deals
Daily rates at King Shaka International Airport vary by season, car type and lead time, but comparison tools regularly show low entry prices for economy models. In recent searches, basic hire from Durban airport has started from around the equivalent of budget international rates per day for small cars, with SUVs and minibuses costing more but often including extra cover and mileage.
Local companies frequently run specials such as:
Flat daily rates that bundle in Super Cover and a set amount of free kilometres (for example, 200 km per day).
Discounted weekend or long‑term packages for rentals of a week or more.
Loyalty programmes with points or tiered discounts for frequent renters.
Using metasearch sites or booking directly on brand websites often reveals promo codes and prepaid discounts compared with walk‑up rates.
Driver and age requirements
To rent a car at Durban airport, you will need a valid driver’s licence and a payment card in the main driver’s name. International visitors should carry both their home licence and, if required, an International Driving Permit; English‑language licences are widely accepted but must be legible and current.
Age policies differ slightly between companies, but many set a standard minimum age of 23–25 for unrestricted rentals, with limited categories available from 21 plus a daily young driver surcharge. Maximum age limits sometimes apply (for example, 85 years), and older drivers may need to show proof of health or recent driving history depending on the provider.
Insurance, deposits and extras
Most Durban airport rentals include basic cover for theft and collision, typically with an excess that the renter must pay in case of damage or loss. You can usually lower this excess by purchasing additional cover (often called Super Cover or similar), which raises the daily rate but reduces potential out‑of‑pocket costs.
Rental firms place a security hold or deposit on your payment card, the amount increasing with vehicle class—people carriers, luxury cars and SUVs require higher authorisations. Common extras you can add at the airport include:
GPS or built‑in navigation for easier city driving.
Child seats that meet local safety standards.
Additional driver coverage so more than one click here person can legally drive.
These are usually charged per day and should be reserved in advance during online booking to ensure availability.
Cross‑border and long‑distance travel
From Durban, many travellers want to drive on to nearby countries or distant South African regions. Some rental companies allow cross‑border travel into Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, but you must request permission in advance. Expect an extra fee per border crossing and make sure you receive written authorisation and relevant insurance documents before leaving South Africa.
Long‑term car rental is also easy to arrange from King Shaka International Airport, with providers offering discounted monthly rates for extended stays. If you plan to drop the car at a different South African city—such as Johannesburg or Cape Town—ask about one‑way fees when you book.
How to pick up and return your car
On arrival, follow the “Car Rental” signs from the arrivals hall to the car hire terminal, where you will find branded counters and kiosks. After signing your rental agreement and presenting your licence and card, you are directed to the parking bays where your vehicle is waiting; some providers even offer self‑service kiosk check‑in to skip the counter line.
When returning the car, follow airport signage to the car rental returns area and ensure you allow extra time at peak travel hours. Staff will check fuel levels, mileage and the car’s condition; returning the vehicle on time, with a clean interior and in line with your fuel policy, helps you avoid additional charges.
Tips for getting the best Durban airport car rental
A few simple habits can help you secure better value and a smoother experience at King Shaka International Airport:
Book early, especially for school holidays and long weekends, when popular categories sell out fast.
Compare several brands and brokers, not just one, to see differences in mileage limits, cover and deposits.
Check what is actually included—kilometre allowance, insurance type, roadside assistance—before choosing the cheapest offer.
Read fuel and cancellation policies carefully; many local firms now allow flexible, low‑penalty changes if your flight schedule shifts.
With a little planning, Durban airport car rental can be an affordable and convenient base for discovering the city, its beaches and the wider province at your own pace, from sunrise drives along the coast to sunset viewpoints in the hills.