Mthatha - Airport

Affordable, Eco-Friendly & Convenient Car Hire in the Eastern Cape

If you’re looking for reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly car rental at Mthatha Airport, you’re in exactly the right place. Green Motion offers high-quality car hire in Mthatha, South Africa, with a modern fleet of low-CO₂ and fuel-efficient vehicles designed to deliver comfort, reliability, and excellent value.

Whether you need a compact city car for local travel, a comfortable sedan for business use, or a larger vehicle for longer journeys into the Eastern Cape, our flexible rental options make it easy to choose the right car and get on the road quickly. With transparent pricing, clear rental terms, and unlimited mileage available on selected rentals, Green Motion ensures a smooth and dependable car hire experience from start to finish.

Mthatha is a key gateway to South Africa’s Wild Coast and the Eastern Cape interior, making it a popular pickup point for travellers visiting surrounding towns, rural communities, heritage sites, and scenic coastal routes. Renting a car at Mthatha Airport gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace, especially where public transport options are limited.

Check out our latest offers and book your Mthatha Airport car rental today.

About Mthatha Airport (UTT)

Mthatha Airport serves as the main gateway to the Eastern Cape’s rural heartland, offering travellers easy access to the cultural home of the amaXhosa people and some of South Africa’s most meaningful heritage sites. 

Located just outside the city of Mthatha, the airport is ideally positioned for travel to:

Nelson Mandela Museum (Bhunga Building, Mthatha)

Qunu, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela

Hole in the Wall and the breathtaking Wild Coast

Coffee Bay, Port St Johns & surrounding coastal routes

Mthatha city centre, business districts, and government hubs

Hiring a car from Mthatha Airport is essential and highly recommended, as public transport in the region is limited and many attractions, villages, and coastal destinations are spread across rural or remote areas - best accessed via reliable self-drive travel.

About Mthatha Airport (UTT)

Mthatha Airport serves as the main gateway to the Eastern Cape’s rural heartland, offering travellers easy access to the cultural home of the amaXhosa people and some of South Africa’s most meaningful heritage sites. Located just outside the city of Mthatha, the airport is ideally positioned for travel to:

Nelson Mandela Museum (Bhunga Building, Mthatha)

Qunu, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela

Hole in the Wall and the breathtaking Wild Coast

Coffee Bay, Port St Johns & surrounding coastal routes

Mthatha city centre, business districts, and government hubs

Hiring a car from Mthatha Airport is essential and highly recommended, as public transport in the region is limited and many attractions, villages, and coastal destinations are spread across rural or remote areas, best accessed via reliable self-drive travel.

Tips for Renting a Car at Mthatha Airport

Before You Rent

Choose the vehicle that best suits your travel needs using our multi-product system, which allows you to compare options and clearly see your final rental price upfront. Car rental insurance can sometimes be confusing, but by booking directly with Green Motion, you’ll receive the correct cover for your rental with no hidden surprises.

When You Collect Your Vehicle

Plan your onward journey in advance, particularly if you’re travelling beyond Mthatha into surrounding towns or rural areas. Your booking confirmation includes full location contact details, so we recommend saving the number to your phone before arrival.

Have the Correct Documents Ready

To ensure a smooth and efficient vehicle handover, please have your booking confirmation, valid driving licence, passport, and credit card ready. Having these documents prepared helps speed up the collection process.

Complete a Vehicle Check

When collecting your vehicle, carefully complete the Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and record any existing damage, paying special attention to  five damage hotspots. If damage is not logged at pickup, you may be held responsible when returning the vehicle. To help avoid this, we also provide a handy vehicle inspection video.

While You Rent

Drive with care, as responsibility for the vehicle remains with you throughout the rental period and may vary depending on the cover selected. Be especially mindful when parking in busy or confined areas, as minor damage often occurs in car parks.

When You Return Your Vehicle

Before returning your car, carry out a final VCR inspection and report any new damage, no matter how small. This ensures you are fully covered and allows us to process your return quickly and efficiently. As before, check all key damage hotspots carefully.

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Why Choose Green Motion Car Rental at Mthatha Airport?

Eco-Friendly, Low-Emission Fleet

Travel more sustainably with Green Motion’s range of low-CO₂ and fuel-efficient vehicles. Our fleet is designed to reduce environmental impact while still providing comfort, performance, and reliability for both short trips and longer regional journeys.

Transparent Pricing & Great Value

We believe in clear, upfront pricing with no hidden surprises. Our multi-product booking system allows you to compare vehicles and protection options easily, so you always understand the final rental cost before you book.

Unlimited Mileage on Selected Rentals

Planning a Wild Coast route, Qunu, Coffee Bay, or a longer Eastern Cape drive? Unlimited mileage is available on selected rentals, making it easier to explore without worrying about distance limits. Your mileage allowance is clearly shown during booking and confirmed in your reservation details.

Convenient Airport Collection

Collect your vehicle directly at Mthatha Airport from the car rental terminal. Our local team ensures a straightforward, efficient handover so you can start your journey without unnecessary delays.

Ideal Gateway to the Wild Coast & Eastern Cape

Mthatha Airport is perfectly positioned for travel to Qunu, Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Hole in the Wall, and other Wild Coast destinations. Hiring a car gives you reliable access to rural areas and coastal routes that are not easily reached by public transport.

Friendly Local Support

Our knowledgeable local team is on hand to assist with bookings, collections, and any questions during your rental. If you need help while on the road, support is just a phone call away.

Clean, Safe & Well-Maintained Vehicles

Every Green Motion vehicle is thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and serviced before each rental. Whether you’re driving in town or heading into more remote areas, you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

Good to Know About Car Rental in Mthatha, South Africa

Once you have landed in Mthatha and collected your rental vehicle from Mthatha Airport, we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey.

If you’re navigating the Eastern Cape for the first time, take a moment to familiarise yourself with your vehicle, review South Africa’s driving regulations, and plan your routes before setting off — especially if you’re travelling beyond the city into more rural areas.

In South Africa, driving is on the left-hand side of the road. A valid driving licence from your home country is required, and depending on your nationality, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Speed limits generally follow these guidelines:

- 60 km/h in urban areas

- 100 km/h on secondary roads

- 120 km/h on highways
(Always follow posted signage, as limits can vary.)

Fuel stations are available in and around Mthatha, but if you’re heading out on longer routes or into less populated areas, it’s a good idea to fill up before leaving town.

As with any destination, stay alert and take standard precautions: keep doors locked, avoid leaving valuables visible in the vehicle, and choose secure parking where possible.

If you need assistance while in Mthatha, our local team is ready to help. 

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

Useful Information - Car Hire at Mthatha Airport

Where do you pick up your car?

You can collect your rental vehicle at Mthatha Airport. Please head to the car rental terminal/desk to complete the check-in process and receive your vehicle handover details. If you need help on arrival, please call +27 87 095 8918 or +27 41 180 4418.

Side of road

South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Nearest petrol station

Fuel stations are available within a short drive of the airport and in Mthatha town - ideal for topping up before vehicle return.

Public transport

Local transport options (taxis/shuttles) are available in the area. If you’re travelling beyond Mthatha, self-drive is often the most flexible option.

Local currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Average temperatures

Winter: 6–10°C (lows) to 18–22°C (highs) Summer: 15–18°C (lows) to 26–30°C (highs)

FAQ - Car Rental at Mthatha Airport

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

Prices vary by season, vehicle type, and availability. For the most accurate rates, please check our online booking system for your travel dates.

Do I need a car in Mthatha?

A rental car is highly recommended if you’re travelling outside central Mthatha or exploring the Eastern Cape, where public transport options can be limited.

Do you offer unlimited mileage?

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

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

Yes, you can drive across South Africa. Please let us know your travel plans before-hand so we can advise on routes, road conditions, and any rental requirements.

What documents do I need to collect my rental car?

Bring your booking confirmation, a valid driving licence, a passport/ID, and a credit card. Some drivers may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on their licence country.

Is it safe to drive in Mthatha?

Driving is generally safe with awareness and sensible precautions. Stick to main routes where possible, avoid driving late at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep valuables out of sight.