Garden Route from PLZ: How to Start Your Road Trip from Port Elizabeth Airport

The Garden Route is one of the most spectacular road trips in the world, and Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) is the traditional starting point. Flying into PLZ, picking up a rental car, and driving west towards Cape Town is the classic South African holiday — winding coastal roads, ancient forests, lagoons, and mountain passes. This guide tells you exactly how to get from the airport onto the open road, with stops for your first day, car hire tips, and where to stay.

Why Start the Garden Route from PLZ?

• Proximity to the route: The airport is 3 km from the N2, the main Garden Route artery. You can be on the highway literally 5 minutes after leaving the car hire parking lot.

• Logical direction: Driving west from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town means you’re driving with the ocean on your left, making scenic stops easier and safer.

• Plenty of car hire options: All major rental companies are at PLZ, with one-way drop-off options to Cape Town Airport (CPT) or George Airport (GRJ), so you don’t have to backtrack.

• Beats Cape Town start: Starting from PLZ means you’ll hit the quieter eastern stretches first, building up to the busier Garden Route hotspots like Knysna and Hermanus.

Step 1: Pick Up Your Car at PLZ Airport

The first decision: what kind of car? For the Garden Route, you want comfort, space, and reasonable fuel economy. Here’s what we recommend:

• Solo / couple: A compact SUV (Haval Jolion, Toyota Urban Cruiser) — good visibility, high enough for gravel side roads, easy on petrol.

• Family of four: A midsize SUV (Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Trail) or a full-size sedan (Toyota Corolla) with a big boot.

• Group or surf trip: A double-cab bakkie (Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger) gives you space for boards, luggage, and that open-road feeling.

Booking tip: Pre-book your car online and specify a Cape Town drop-off if needed. Companies like Europcar, Avis, and Budget all handle one-way Garden Route rentals. Expect a one-way surcharge (R500–R1,500), but it’s worth it.

Pick up your car from the airport’s onsite parking bays, set your GPS to “Tsitsikamma National Park” or “Storms River Mouth,” and head out.

Step 2: The First Hour — From PLZ to Jeffreys Bay (70 km)

Get on the N2 west. In about 45 minutes, you’ll reach Jeffreys Bay — the surfing capital of South Africa. Even if you’re not a surfer, J-Bay is worth a pit stop. Park at the Supertubes viewpoint and watch the world’s best right-hand point break. Grab a coffee at a beachside café in town (InFood Bakery is a personal favourite). If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins.

Stop for breakfast/lunch: J-Bay has plenty of options. Nina’s Real Food is a health-focused deli; The Mexican offers surprisingly good tacos.

Step 3: J-Bay to Tsitsikamma / Storms River (90 km)

Back on the N2. The landscape changes dramatically — fynbos, dairy farms, and then the dense forest of the Tsitsikamma. About 1 hour from J-Bay, you’ll reach the turn-off for Storms River Mouth (part of Garden Route National Park). This is your first “big” stop.

Must-do: Walk the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. The short hike (1 km) takes you through coastal forest to a dramatic gorge where the ocean surges in. Keep an eye out for dassies (rock hyrax) and the occasional otter. It’s an iconic Garden Route experience and takes about 1.5 hours.

Entry to the park is around R80 per adult (SA residents) or R200 (international visitors) — worth every cent.

Step 4: Overnight Options for Day 1

You can either push on or stay overnight near Storms River/Bloukrans. Recommended lodges:

• Tsitsikamma Village Inn — charming old-school hotel with a Swiss alpine vibe. Good for families.

• Misty Mountain Reserve — cliff-top luxury chalets with ocean views. Pure romance.

• Tube ‘n Axe Backpackers — budget-friendly, social, and great for solo travellers.

Book accommodation in advance, especially in December and Easter.

The Next Days: Storms River to Knysna, Plett, and Beyond

• Day 2: Bloukrans Bridge (bungy jump or just admire the view), then Plettenberg Bay for lunch and a swim at Central Beach. Stay overnight in Plett or Nature’s Valley.

• Day 3: Drive to Knysna — visit the Heads, eat oysters at the Waterfront, take a sunset boat cruise on the lagoon.

• Day 4+: Continue to Wilderness, George, Mossel Bay, and beyond. The route is fully sealed and easy to navigate.

Car Hire Considerations for the Garden Route

• One-way drop-off: Book this option when you reserve the car. Don’t just show up and hope.

• Kilometre limits: Most car hire companies offer unlimited kilometres for rentals over 3 days. Double-check if you’re renting short-term.

• Gravel roads: Many scenic detours (Nature’s Valley, Robberg Peninsula) are on well-maintained gravel. Your rental agreement will often allow driving on “proper gravel roads,” but not off-road 4×4 tracks. Read the fine print.

• Fuel stations: There are plenty along the N2. No need to carry extra fuel.

FAQ: Garden Route from PLZ

1. Is Port Elizabeth Airport a good starting point for the Garden Route?
   Absolutely. It’s the closest international airport to the eastern start of the route.

2. How far is the first Garden Route town from PLZ?
   Jeffreys Bay is about 70 km / 45 minutes’ drive.

3. Can I rent a car at PLZ and drop it off in Cape Town?
   Yes, all major car hire companies at PLZ offer one-way rentals to CPT, with a surcharge.

4. Do I need a 4×4 for the Garden Route?
   No. A standard sedan or small SUV handles all the main roads and most gravel detours perfectly.

5. How long does it take to drive from PLZ to Knysna?
   About 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on stops.

6. Where should I stop on the first day?
   Storms River Mouth and Jeffreys Bay are the essential first-day stops.

7. Is the Garden Route safe for solo travellers?
   Yes, it’s one of the safest tourist routes in South Africa, with good infrastructure and many other travellers along the way.

8. What’s the best time of year to drive the Garden Route?
   Late summer (February–March) is ideal — fewer crowds, warm weather. Spring (September–October) is also beautiful with fynbos in bloom.

9. Can I start the Garden Route from George instead?
   Yes, many people fly into George (GRJ) and explore the central section, but PLZ gives the full classic experience.

10. Do I need to pre-book accommodation along the route?
    In peak season, yes. In off-peak, you can be more flexible, but it’s wise to book at least a few days ahead.