Find car hire deals

Frequently asked questions

• How does KAYAK find such low car hire prices?

  KAYAK compares car hire prices from all major car hire companies such as Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt, Payless and more to find you the best deal.

• How do I find the best car hire deals on KAYAK?

  A simple car hire search at https://www.za.kayak.com/cars scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather car hire deals from across the web and put them in one place. On the search results page you can then use various filters to compare your options for your preferred hire car type and easily choose the best car hire deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

• What is special about comparing car hire deals on KAYAK?

  Looking for the lowest price? We can make that happen. Our car hire price sorting gives you quick access to the cheapest and/or the most expensive deals—it’s your trip, so it’s up to you. Sometimes, the same car hire deal will be available on several provider sites. All of these providers are made visible for you to choose from, but we highlight one main car hire provider based on factors like customer popularity or ratings.

• Which kinds of cars can I hire on KAYAK?

  On KAYAK you can find deals on all types of hire vehicles, including small, medium, large, SUV, van, luxury, lorries, convertibles, and passenger and cargo vans.

• What is the minimum age to hire a car?

  The minimum legal age to hire a car depends on the country where you’re hiring. In the USA and Canada, drivers must typically be at least 21. However, some states and provinces allow drivers as young as 18 years old to hire a car. In Europe and Asia, the minimum age varies between 18 to 21 years old but some agencies might require drivers to be at least 25. Keep in mind that most agencies add daily fees for drivers below 25 years old.

• Can I return a hire car to a different location?

  You want to pick up a hire car in one city and drop it off in another location? We can arrange that for you. When performing a car hire search on KAYAK, simply select the option "Different drop-off". You'll then be able to enter both your desired pick-up and drop-off locations. Most car hire agencies call this option a "one-way hire" and charge a return fee.

• Can new drivers hire a car?

  New driver policies vary for each car hire agency. While some require drivers to hold a driving licence for a minimum of 1 year, others only ask for a valid driving licence for the duration of the hiring period. We recommend new drivers to confirm the requirements directly with the car hire agency.

• Can I hire a car without a credit card?

  Renting a car without a credit card is less common but not impossible. Many agencies allow debit card car hires from airport locations as long as you provide proof of return travel. Be aware that the agency might run a credit check on you and will most likely place an authorised hold on your account as a security deposit. If you plan on paying with a debit card, it’s always a good idea to check the conditions with the rental agency before booking.

• Can I drive cross country in a hire car?

  In the USA, it's typically not an issue to drive across state lines or to cross the border to Canada. However, you'll most likely pay an extra insurance fee if you want to travel to Mexico. Similar rules apply to Europe, as you'll need to cover a cross-border fee if you want to cross from one country to another. Failing to do so will most likely invalidate your car hire insurance. Crossing borders in Africa and Asia is generally more difficult and additional border documentation is necessary. We recommend always informing the hiring agency about your planned itinerary.

• Is it cheaper to hire a car at the airport or off-site?

  You will generally find the best deals if you select an off-site airport location. Airport car hire agencies offer a very convenient option for those wanting to pick up a car directly on-site. However, as demand is often higher, prices also tend to get slightly more expensive. Some off-site car hire agencies offer shuttle service from the airport.