Car Hire at Port Elizabeth Airport: Every Supplier, Every Counter Explained

If you’re landing at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) — still widely known as Port Elizabeth Airport — and you need a rental car, you’re in the right place. This guide covers every car hire supplier operating from the airport, where their counters are, what vehicles they offer, and how to lock in the best rate before you even board your flight.

Whether you’re a business traveller needing a quick sedan to get to a meeting in Greenacres, a family picking up an SUV for a Garden Route road trip, or a surfer after a bakkie to haul boards out to J-Bay, the airport’s rental setup is compact, efficient, and surprisingly competitive.

Where Are the Car Hire Counters at PLZ Airport?

All car hire companies have their counters inside the Arrivals Hall, directly opposite the baggage carousels. You literally walk through the sliding doors from baggage reclaim, and the row of rental desks is straight ahead. It’s one of the smallest and most convenient airport layouts in South Africa — no long walks, no shuttle buses.

The following suppliers have permanent desks at Port Elizabeth Airport:

1. Avis — One of the largest fleets at PLZ; wide range from economy hatchbacks to luxury sedans.

2. Budget — Same counter area as Avis; often shares fleet; slightly lower price point.

3. Europcar — The dominant operator in the Eastern Cape with a large selection of vehicles.

4. Tempest — Locally focused; often the cheapest on small cars.

5. Hertz — Global brand with a solid presence; good for premium options.

6. Thrifty — Value-oriented; popular for long-term rentals.

7. First Car Rental — South African-owned; competitive on SUVs and family vehicles.

8. Sixt — Newer to PLZ but growing fast; German standards, decent fleet.

Some smaller local brokers also serve PLZ, but the eight names above cover 95% of the airport’s rental traffic.

Europcar at Port Elizabeth Airport (Detailed)

Since many readers land on this page searching specifically for “Europcar Port Elizabeth Airport,” here’s the deep dive.

Location: The Europcar counter is in the arrivals hall, clearly branded, and staffed for all incoming flights. If your flight is delayed, they’ll track the arrival time — no need to panic.

Fleet highlights: At PLZ, Europcar’s fleet includes:

• Economy (Hyundai i10 / Toyota Aygo): Great for solo travellers or city hops.

• Compact (VW Polo / Ford Figo): Ideal for two people with light luggage.

• Intermediate (Toyota Corolla Quest / Kia Cerato): The sweet spot for business trips.

• SUV (Haval Jolion / Toyota Urban Cruiser / Nissan X-Trail): Perfect for the Garden Route and Addo.

• Double Cab Bakkies (Toyota Hilux / Ford Ranger): The ultimate SA road trip machine.

Insurance & excess: Europcar includes standard liability cover. You can reduce the excess significantly by taking out Super Cover or using third-party excess insurance (much cheaper). Read the fine print on the fuel policy — most rentals at PLZ operate on a full-to-full basis.

Pick-up process: Walk-up is possible, but pre-booking online is strongly recommended, especially during the summer holiday season (December/January) and around the Ironman event. Pre-booked keys are ready, paperwork is minimal, and you’ll be on the road within 10 minutes if you’ve done online check-in.

How to Get the Best Car Hire Deal at PLZ

The counter price is almost never the best price. Use a comparison aggregator like our airport car hire search widget on this page to see all suppliers side by side. Here are a few insider tips:

• Book early. PLZ is a seasonal market. December cars sell out, and prices triple. Booking 2-3 months ahead locks in sensible rates.

• One-way rentals. Many travellers pick up at PLZ and drop off in Cape Town, Durban, or Joburg. Not all suppliers allow this without a hefty fee. Europcar and Avis are usually the most flexible for one-ways.

• Check for weekend specials. Local suppliers like Tempest and First Car Rental often run aggressive weekend rates.

• Avoid airport surcharges by checking off-airport depots. There are a few depots within 5km of the airport that can be cheaper, though you’ll need a transfer. For most, the convenience of an airport desk is worth the small premium.

• Use a credit card that covers rental excess. This can save you hundreds of Rand per day.

What You Need to Collect Your Car

• Driver’s licence: A valid South African licence, or an international driving permit if your overseas licence is not in English.

• Credit card: The card must be in the main driver’s name and have enough available funds to hold the excess deposit (typically R5,000–R15,000 depending on the vehicle).

• Printed or digital booking voucher: Speeds up the process.

• Proof of address (sometimes): Not always asked for, but if your licence has your old address, a utility bill can be helpful.

Driving from PLZ Airport: First 5 Minutes

Exiting the airport is straightforward. The car rental parking bays are directly outside the terminal, about 30 metres from the counter. Once you exit the airport gate onto Allister Miller Drive, you’ll reach a T-junction. Turn left to head towards the city centre (Summerstrand, Humewood, Greenacres) or right to get onto the N2 for the Garden Route, Addo, and beyond.

Quick FAQ: Car Hire at PLZ

1. Which car hire companies have a counter inside PLZ airport?
   Avis, Budget, Europcar, Tempest, Hertz, Thrifty, First Car Rental, and Sixt all have desks in the arrivals hall.

2. Is Europcar reliable at Port Elizabeth Airport?
   Yes, Europcar has one of the largest fleets and most experienced teams at PLZ, with a strong track record for vehicle quality and customer service.

3. Can I rent a car at PLZ and drop it off in Cape Town?
   Yes, several suppliers offer one-way rentals to Cape Town, though a cross-city fee usually applies. Europcar and Avis are the most common choices for this.

4. Do I need a credit card to rent a car?
   Most companies require a credit card to hold the deposit. Some may accept debit cards, but you’ll need to confirm with the specific supplier in advance.

5. Is it cheaper to pre-book or just walk up?
   Pre-booking is almost always cheaper, sometimes by 30–50%, especially during peak periods.

6. What’s the minimum age to rent a car at Port Elizabeth Airport?
   Typically 21, but drivers under 23 may pay a young driver surcharge and are limited to smaller vehicle classes.

7. Are automatic cars available at PLZ?
   Yes, but they’re in shorter supply. Book well in advance if you specifically need an automatic.

8. Do any PLZ car hire companies offer after-hours returns?
   Many do, especially Avis, Budget, and Europcar. You’ll need to arrange this when collecting the car.

9. Is it safe to leave luggage in the car while sightseeing?
   As with anywhere in South Africa, never leave valuables visible. Use the boot and park in secure areas.

10. How do I find the best deal on a rental car at PLZ?
    Use a comparison tool like the on this page to compare all suppliers at once and book with free cancellation.