City guides
Car hire in Richards Bay
By CarRentalZA editorial team · 6 min read · Updated 29 September 2026
- Main pickup point
- Richards Bay Airport (RCB)
- Nearest major airport
- King Shaka International, about 160 km
- Durban
- About 180 km, roughly 2 hours on the N2
- Small car, from
- About R202 a day nationally (Discover Cars, 29 September 2026)
- Note
- Sodwana and coastal sand tracks need a 4x4, hire cars are not permitted
Car hire in Richards Bay serves two very different groups: industrial and port business travellers, and holidaymakers heading north into Zululand for the game reserves and the coast, and both usually collect at the local airport, which is small, quick and about fifteen minutes from town.
This is where the northern KwaZulu-Natal road network starts to change character, with sand and gravel access roads becoming normal once you leave the N2.
Below: brand presence, national rate benchmarks, road advice for Zululand, and drive times to the reserves and the coast.
Where to collect a car in Richards Bay
Richards Bay Airport is small, with the counters in the terminal, and collection is quick. Fleets are modest, so book ahead rather than expecting walk up availability.
Empangeni nearby also has some rental presence, serving local business.
The alternative is King Shaka, about an hour and forty five minutes south, where the choice of brands and vehicles is far wider. If you are flying into KwaZulu-Natal from elsewhere and heading to the reserves, compare the two, because the drive north on the N2 is easy and the vehicle choice at King Shaka is much better.
Which rental brands have a presence in Richards Bay
Coverage for the other brands on this site varies in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and several serve the region from Durban or King Shaka. Check availability for your dates rather than assuming a local branch.
What you can expect to pay
Richards Bay is a business heavy market during the week, and a holiday market in school holidays, so the two demand patterns overlap awkwardly.
| What price comparison sites showed on 29 September 2026 | Per day |
|---|---|
| Discover Cars, small car, from | R202 |
| Discover Cars, average rental in South Africa | R271 |
| Discover Cars, premium car, from | R837 |
| Cheapflights, average paid over the last 12 months | R556 |
These figures come from Discover Cars and Cheapflights. Most are national, not Richards Bay quotes. A "from" price is the cheapest car found on the day; an average includes bigger cars and longer rentals, which is why the two sites differ so much. Discover Cars puts December at about R474 a day against about R387 in September, so holiday dates cost more.
The vehicle groups that disappear first are SUVs and bakkies, because of game reserve demand. Book those early rather than hoping for an upgrade at the counter.
Driving in and around Richards Bay
The N2 is the main road and it is in good condition through this stretch, with toll plazas that need a card or cash.
Things to plan for:
- Heavy truck traffic serving the port, particularly on the roads around the industrial area.
- Livestock on the secondary roads once you leave the N2, and pedestrians near settlements.
- Sand. Access roads towards the coast north of here are often sand rather than gravel, and an ordinary car gets stuck easily.
- Summer heat and humidity, which make working air conditioning worth checking at collection.
Parking in town and at the shopping centres is easy and mostly free, with car guards at the busier spots.
Drive times from Richards Bay
Approximate one way driving times:
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Empangeni | About 20 km | 20 minutes |
| St Lucia | About 90 km | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park | About 100 km | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| King Shaka International | About 160 km | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Durban | About 180 km | 2 hours |
| Sodwana Bay | About 250 km | 3 hours |
| Eswatini border | About 250 km | 3 hours 15 minutes |
The reserves are the main reason people hire here, and both St Lucia and Hluhluwe are comfortable day trips.
Which vehicle makes sense here
A hatchback or sedan is fine for the town, the N2 and the tarred approaches to the main reserve gates. Hluhluwe iMfolozi has tarred and graded gravel roads that a normal car manages, though a higher seating position helps for game viewing.
Where it changes is the coast. Sodwana and several iSimangaliso tracks are soft sand, which requires a proper 4x4 and which an ordinary rental should not attempt. Beach driving is also illegal in most of South Africa.
Check the unsurfaced road clause in your agreement before planning anything off the tar, and if the coast is your destination, speak to your accommodation about how people actually get there.
Frequently asked questions
Which car hire companies are in Richards Bay?
Avis and Budget have a presence in Richards Bay and Empangeni. Coverage for the other brands varies in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and several serve the region from Durban or King Shaka, so check availability for your dates.
How far is Richards Bay from Durban?
About 180 km and roughly two hours on the N2, with toll plazas along the way. King Shaka International is closer at around an hour and forty five minutes, and it offers a much wider choice of rental brands and vehicles.
How much is car hire in Richards Bay?
On 29 September 2026 Discover Cars showed small cars across South Africa from about R202 a day and an average rental of R271 a day, and Cheapflights' average over the previous 12 months was R556 a day. Prices move with the season, how early you book, how long you keep the car and the excess cover you choose, so get a quote for your dates.
Can I drive a normal car in Hluhluwe iMfolozi?
Yes. The park has tarred and graded gravel roads that an ordinary car handles. A higher vehicle mainly helps with visibility for game viewing. Check your rental agreement's position on gravel roads before you go, since terms vary between brands.
Do I need a 4x4 for Sodwana Bay?
For the sandy coastal tracks, yes, and ordinary hire cars are generally not permitted on them. Beach driving is also illegal in most of South Africa. Speak to your accommodation about transfers if you are not in a suitable vehicle.
Is there an airport at Richards Bay?
Yes, Richards Bay Airport handles scheduled flights and has rental counters in the terminal, about fifteen minutes from town. Fleets are small, so book ahead. King Shaka is the alternative at about an hour and forty five minutes south.
