Getting Around
Car Hire for Cricket World Cup 2027
With the tournament spread across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, renting a car is one of the most flexible ways to move between stadiums, cities and safari destinations. Here is what to know before you drive.
Freedom to explore
Why hire a car?
Matches across three countries
The 54-match tournament is spread across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with South Africa hosting the majority. A rental car gives you the flexibility to follow your team between venues.
Long distances between venues
South Africa alone spans around 1,400 km from Johannesburg to Cape Town (about 14–15 hours' driving). Your own car lets you travel on your own schedule and stop where you want.
Limited intercity public transport
Public transport between major cities is limited. A rental car is often the most practical option, especially for groups or anyone combining matches with safaris and sightseeing.
Host venues
Where you'll need a car
Confirmed venues across all three host nations. Exact match allocations for Zimbabwe and Namibia are yet to be finalised by the ICC.
South Africa
Most matches
- Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- SuperSport Park, Centurion (Pretoria)
- Newlands, Cape Town
- Kingsmead, Durban
- St George's Park, Gqeberha
- Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
- Buffalo Park, East London
- Boland Park, Paarl
Excellent road infrastructure. Modern highways connect all eight host cities.
Zimbabwe
Fewer matches
- Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
The main route between Harare and Bulawayo is well maintained (around 440 km, approx. 5 hours).
Namibia
Fewer matches
- Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- United Ground, Windhoek
Windhoek is the host city. Distances are vast if combining with safari — a 4x4 is recommended beyond the capital.
Distances
Key driving distances
Southern Africa is vast. These are the key routes between tournament cities — allow extra time for rest stops, fuel and traffic.
| From | To | Distance | Drive time | Main road |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Cape Town | 1,400 km | 14–15 hrs | N1 |
| Johannesburg | Durban | 590 km | 5–6 hrs | N3 |
| Johannesburg | Bloemfontein | 400 km | 4 hrs | N1 |
| Johannesburg | Gqeberha | 1,050 km | 10–11 hrs | N10 |
| Cape Town | Paarl | 60 km | 45 min | N1 |
| Harare | Bulawayo | 440 km | 5 hrs | A5/N1 |
Drive times are approximate under normal conditions and exclude stops.
On the road
Driving tips by country
All three countries drive on the left. Each has its own rules, road conditions and requirements to be aware of.
South Africa
- Drive on the left: All three host nations drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on rural roads, 60 km/h in urban areas — strictly enforced by cameras.
- Four-way stops: Common across South Africa. The first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right has priority.
- Minimum rental age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 23 with a licence held for two or more years. Under-25 drivers usually pay a surcharge.
- Safety at traffic lights: Keep doors locked and windows up at traffic lights (called 'robots' locally), especially in Johannesburg and Durban.
- Night driving: Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas — unmarked hazards and livestock on the road increase after dark.
- Licence requirements: Your home licence is valid. An International Driving Permit is strongly recommended, and required if your licence is not in English.
Zimbabwe
- Drive on the left: Same as South Africa.
- International Driving Permit required: Law enforcement and most rental companies require an IDP alongside your domestic licence. Obtain it before you travel.
- Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h rural, 60 km/h urban. Police roadblocks with speed checks are common.
- Road conditions: The A5/N1 highway between Harare and Bulawayo is well maintained; secondary and rural roads can be rough.
- Fuel: Availability has improved and US dollars are widely accepted. Keep the tank above half on longer routes.
- Documentation: Carry your passport, IDP, rental agreement and proof of insurance at all times. Checkpoints are common on main routes.
- Wildlife on roads: Be cautious at dawn and dusk near national parks — animals frequently cross roads.
Namibia
- Drive on the left: Same as South Africa and Zimbabwe.
- Minimum rental age: Companies generally require drivers to be 21–25. Carry a valid passport, credit card and original licence.
- International Driving Permit: Required if your licence is not in English. Obtain it in your home country before travelling.
- Gravel roads: Many scenic routes are unpaved. Legal limits are 80–100 km/h on gravel, but experts advise 60–80 km/h — excessive speed is a leading cause of rollovers.
- 4x4 recommended: Essential for Etosha, Sossusvlei and areas beyond Windhoek. Verify your insurance covers gravel and off-road tracks.
- Fuel stops: Petrol stations can be very sparse on intercity routes. Fill up at every opportunity and carry a jerrycan on remote routes.
- Long distances: Windhoek to Etosha is around 430 km (4–5 hours). Plan routes carefully and allow extra time.
Crossing borders
Driving between countries
Before you cross a border with a rental car
- Cross-border insurance: Not all rental policies cover travel between the three countries. Confirm explicitly with your rental company before booking.
- International Driving Permit: Required in Zimbabwe and Namibia if your licence is not in English. Obtain it from your national automobile association before you travel.
- Vehicle authorisation letter: Rental companies must provide a letter authorising cross-border use. Carry it with the rental agreement and your passport.
- Visa requirements: Check visa rules for each country — South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia have different entry requirements by nationality.
- Green card / SADC: Some companies provide a SADC green card for regional travel. Ask for this when booking.