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Car Rental at Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

Affordable, Eco-Friendly & Convenient Car Hire in Kwazulu Natal

If you're looking for reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly car rental at Durban King Shaka International Airport, you’re in the right place. Green Motion offers a modern fleet of low-CO₂ and fuel-efficient vehicles designed to reduce emissions without compromising on comfort, performance, or value. Choose from Economy/Compact cars (including VW Polo Vivo where available), family cars, 7 seaters, SUVs/4x4s, minivans, bakkies, 4x2 options, and Electric/Hybrid vehicles - ideal for everything from quick city trips to coastal road trips. Unlimited mileage is available on selected rentals, giving you the freedom to explore further with confidence.

Durban is one of South Africa’s most vibrant coastal cities, celebrated for its warm climate, golden beaches, and rich fusion of African, Indian, and colonial heritage. King Shaka International Airport is the main gateway to Durban’s world-famous Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World, the bustling promenade, and the city's renowned culinary scene, especially its distinctive Indian-influenced cuisine.

With Green Motion’s smooth meet-and-greet service at King Shaka International Airport, you can step off your flight and straight into your rental car with no queues, no shuttle transfers, and no delays. Start your trip with ease - check out our latest offers and book your eco-friendly rental car today.

About Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

Durban King Shaka International Airport serves as the main gateway to KwaZulu-Natal’s warm coastline, iconic attractions, and rich cultural diversity. Known for its year-round sunshine, world-class surf, and vibrant Indian Ocean flavour, Durban is one of South Africa’s most laid-back and beloved destinations. From DUR, travellers have easy access to:

uMhlanga & uMdloti Beaches

Durban Golden Mile & beachfront promenade

uShaka Marine World & Point Waterfront

Zulu cultural attractions & Midlands Meander

North Coast resort towns (Ballito, Salt Rock, Zinkwazi)

Hiring a car is the easiest and highly recommended way to explore Durban and the wider KwaZulu-Natal region. Public transport is limited, and many of the province’s best attractions, beaches, game reserves, and getaway spots are spread out along the coast or inland.

Tips for renting a car in Durban, South Africa

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

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Why choose Green Motion for car rental?

Our pricing is transparent

With Green Motion, you always easily see the total final price. Car rental insurance can sometimes be difficult to understand - by booking with us, you always get the right insurance easily.

Get your car with ease

Our car rental points are located within easy distances from central locations - near airports and train stations, as well as in the heart of cities.

Travel further with confidence

Unlimited mileage is available on selected rentals - your mileage allowance is shown clearly during booking and confirmed in your reservation details.

We are eco-friendly

We strive to minimize our environmental impact. We invest in, among other things, biodegradable chemicals and less water-consuming methods to clean our cars, such as steam cleaning.

We are always happy to help

You can get answers to frequently asked questions, and get in touch with us from the Contact-page: https://greenmotion.com/contact/ or contact us at [email protected].

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Good To Know About Car Rental In Durban, South Africa

Once you’ve landed at Durban King Shaka International Airport and collected your rental car, you're perfectly positioned to explore KwaZulu-Natal’s warm coastline, vibrant cultural hubs, and scenic inland routes. To make your journey safe and stress-free, here are a few important driving considerations.

Durban is known for its subtropical climate and busy coastal roads, so take a moment to familiarise yourself with your vehicle, plan your route, and check real-time traffic updates before setting off.

In South Africa, driving is on the left-hand side, and you’ll need a valid driver’s licence from your home country. Depending on your nationality, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be required.

Standard speed limits apply across KwaZulu-Natal:

- 60 km/h in urban areas

- 100 km/h on secondary roads

- 120 km/h on highways and major routes

These limits may vary based on signage and changing road conditions.

Road quality around Durban and along the North Coast is generally very good, especially on major routes like the N2 and the M4 coastal highway. However, traffic congestion is common during peak hours, especially around Umhlanga, Gateway, and the CBD.

Fuel stations are plentiful and many operate 24/7, offering tyre checks, oil, water, and convenience stores. If you're travelling into rural areas or game reserves toward St. Lucia or Hluhluwe, it’s best to fill up beforehand.

Safety is an important part of driving in South Africa. Always lock your doors, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Durban is a friendly and bustling city, but as with any major destination, staying alert is important.

If you need assistance from Green Motion while in Durban, our team is ready to help. 

For emergencies, dial South Africa’s national emergency number 24/7: 10111.

Useful Information about car hire in Durban King Shaka International Airport, South Africa

Where to Collect Your Car

Green Motion provides a meet-and-greet service at King Shaka International Airport. A rental agent will meet you outside the Domestic or International Arrivals area with a Name Board. You’ll receive an SMS confirming the exact meeting point when your flight lands.

Side of Road

Drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Nearest Petrol Station

The nearest fuel station is the Engen Skystop, located directly on the airport access road - perfect for refuelling before returning your car.

Nearest Bus Station

The airport has a dedicated bus stop with several shuttle and long-distance bus services linking to Durban CBD, Umhlanga, and surrounding areas.

Nearest Train Station

The closest railway access point is Verulam Station, approximately 8 km from the airport. Shuttle transfers or taxis can connect travellers from the airport to the station.

Local currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Average temperatures

Summer: 22–28°C (72–82°F) Winter: 15–23°C (59–73°F)

FAQ car rental in Durban Airport, South Africa

How much does it cost to rent a car in Durban?

Economy rentals typically start from around R900/day, depending on season and availability. Please check our online booking system for live rates.

Is unlimited mileage available?

Unlimited mileage is available on selected rentals. Your mileage allowance is clearly displayed during booking and confirmed in your reservation details.

Do I need a car in Durban?

Renting a car in Durban is strongly advised for visitors. Durban is spread out, and major attractions like Umhlanga, Ballito, the Golden Mile, and the Dolphin Coast are not well-served by public transport. A rental car offers convenience and flexibility.

Can I drive a rented car from Durban to other parts of South Africa?

Absolutely. Long-distance driving is allowed - just inform us of your travel plans so we can provide important guidance on road conditions and safety.

Are there any specific driving rules I should be aware of in Durban, South Africa?

Yes: Always drive on the left. Full stops are required at stop streets. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. South Africa has strict drink-driving laws (0.05% limit).

What do I need to know about tolls in South Africa?

South Africa has a toll road system, especially on major highways connecting cities and regions. Travelers should be prepared to pay toll fees, which vary depending on the road and vehicle type. Payments can be made in cash or via electronic toll collection systems like e-toll tags, available for purchase and top-up at various outlets. It's a good idea to keep cash on hand or set up an electronic payment method to streamline travel on these roads.

Is it safe to drive in Durban as a visitor?

Yes, provided you follow standard precautions: Stick to major roads. Avoid driving late at night in unfamiliar areas. Keep doors locked and windows up at intersections. Avoid displaying valuables.