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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Blantyre
Blantyre
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Blantyre
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Blantyre
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Blantyre
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Blantyre?
Blantyre, Malawi's commercial hub, offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. While public transport is available, a hire car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, reaching destinations that are otherwise difficult to access.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. Many attractions, like the Mandala House and the surrounding tea estates, are best accessed by car. A hire gives you the flexibility to visit these sites without the constraints of public transport schedules.
Convenience and Comfort. If you're travelling with family or equipment, a hire car makes navigating Blantyre and its surroundings much easier than relying on public transport or taxis.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, hiring a car can be more economical than paying for multiple taxi fares or bus tickets, especially for longer trips outside Blantyre.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Blantyre
Before hiring a car in Blantyre, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driving licence, and understand the hire agreement's terms, including insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
228 square kilometres (88 square miles)
Population
Approximately 800,000 residents
Time Zone
CAT (UTC+2)
Ideal for
Exploring urban and rural areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Blantyre require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Some providers may have higher age requirements for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges might apply for hirers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driving licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. A passport and a credit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard hires include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually held on the hirer’s credit card and is refunded upon the vehicle's return, provided there are no damages.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some hires offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way hires, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Hire Prices in Blantyre – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
Not commonly available
Classic:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €57 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €68 per day
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
SUV:
from £45 / $56 / €51 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (September to November): Higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to July): Often comes with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way hires. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Blantyre?
Compare prices, select the right vehicle, and carefully review the hire terms to avoid unexpected issues. Booking early is recommended to secure better rates, especially during peak seasons. Remember to bring your driving licence, credit card, and identification when collecting the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use car hire comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring rural areas.
3. Check Hire Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driving licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your hire.
General Information About Blantyre
Blantyre is a bustling city with a mix of commercial and residential areas. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access is essential, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city centre.
Blantyre, Malawi's oldest major urban hub, is a gateway to the country's diverse landscapes. While Blantyre offers some public transportation, hiring a car is ideal for exploring beyond the city. However, driving within Blantyre requires care due to traffic congestion and varying road conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Mandala House
A historical building showcasing Malawi's colonial past.
La Caverna Art Gallery
Features contemporary art from local artists.
Carlsberg Brewery
One of the oldest breweries in Africa offering tours.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking options are available in the city centre and at major shopping malls.
On-Street Parking
Limited metered parking is available, but be mindful of parking restrictions.
Hotel Parking
Most hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Blantyre
Total, Puma, and Engen
Major fuel chains are readily available throughout the city.
Plan Ahead
It's advisable to refuel when you have the opportunity, especially when travelling outside the city.
Check Fuel Levels
Ensure you have sufficient fuel, especially when venturing into more remote areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Blantyre
Allow Extra Travel Time
Traffic congestion can be heavy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
Drive Defensively
Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
Check Road Conditions
Some roads may be unpaved or in poor condition, especially in rural areas.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
To prevent theft, keep valuables out of sight when parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in Blantyre
Major Bus Stations
Blantyre Bus Station
Serves both local and long-distance routes to various destinations in Malawi.
Railway Stations
Blantyre Railway Station
Limited passenger rail service, primarily for freight transport.
Airports
Chileka International Airport (BLZ)
Located approximately 14 kilometres (9 miles) from Blantyre, serving both domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Blantyre?
Hiring a car in Malawi is a straightforward process, but meeting specific requirements is essential before you start your journey. Here’s what you’ll need:
A valid driving licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in English.
Most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some hire companies might only accept credit cards.
A passport or another form of photo identification may be required for international hirers.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Blantyre as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Blantyre was surprisingly efficient for my business trip. Having a car made everything so much easier!
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 18.08.2024
Exploring Blantyre by car was a breeze! So convenient for our road trip.
David Lee
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Summer in Blantyre: driving around was fantastic!
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 23.08.2024
Blantyre was wonderful! Having a car gave me the freedom to explore, and I especially loved the coastal relaxation time.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Okay, but kinda dusty
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
Blantyre exceeded expectations! Getting around with a car was effortless, and the coastal relaxation was perfect.
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, yeah
Ashley Wilson
Reviewed: 20.09.2024
Pretty chill, really
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 11.07.2025