Car Rental at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Intl. Airport (BUQ)

Reasons to book a car rental at Bulawayo International Airport

Renting a car at Bulawayo airport is an excellent choice for adventure seekers, cultural explorers, and nature lovers. It provides the freedom to explore the surrounding attractions at your own pace while offering easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit notable sites such as the National Art Gallery Bulawayo and the Natural History Museum, both located 10 miles away from the airport. Additionally, the historic City Hall, also 10 miles away, is a must-see for culture enthusiasts.

For those looking to venture further, cities like Highmount, situated 7 miles from Bulawayo airport, boast attractions like Centenary Park, while Southdale, 14 miles away, features the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and Hillside Dams Conservation. A rental car makes it easy to experience these popular destinations, making it ideal for families or business travelers seeking a friendly atmosphere. Overall, renting a car at Bulawayo airport ensures a convenient and enriching travel experience throughout your stay.

Most popular car rentals near Bulawayo International Airport

• Economy: This car type is a popular choice for solo travelers, couples, and families. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travelers and can handle up to 2 medium suitcases, making it ideal for those looking to explore the area around Bulawayo airport without the hassle of excess luggage. With its affordability and compact size, renting an Economy vehicle allows you to navigate the roads of Zimbabwe easily while enjoying the freedom of flexible travel plans.
• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is another favored option, perfect for small groups or families. It fits 5 travelers and can carry up to 3 medium suitcases, providing ample space for your belongings. This vehicle type is well-suited for those who want a bit more room without sacrificing maneuverability. Whether you're venturing into urban areas or exploring the outskirts of Bulawayo, the Compact SUV offers a balance of comfort and capability, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
• Fullsize Pickup: Ideal for adventure travelers, families, and groups, the Fullsize Pickup is designed to accommodate up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for those who require extra space for their luggage or gear, making it a great choice for anyone planning to embark on an adventurous journey from Bulawayo airport. With a robust build and ample storage, the Fullsize Pickup enables you to take on various terrains while ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone on board.

Top rated car suppliers near Bulawayo International Airport

• Europcar: Europcar is a popular choice for travelers at Bulawayo airport, located a mere 0.1 miles away. Known for its great selection, the most booked vehicles include Economy and Compact SUVs, making it an excellent option for those looking for efficiency and comfort on their journey. With a convenient location and quick access, Europcar provides flexibility for exploring the surrounding attractions at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget is another top rental supplier situated just 0.1 miles from Bulawayo airport. It is particularly favored for its Economy cars, which offer budget-friendly options for travelers. With a reputation for competitive pricing and easy access, Budget allows visitors to manage their luggage and itinerary with ease, ensuring a smooth start to any adventure in Zimbabwe.
• Avis: Avis stands out with its rental location 0.7 miles from Bulawayo airport, providing another solid option for car rentals. The most booked vehicles include Economy and Fullsize Pickup, catering to those who may need extra space or power for their travels. Avis is well-regarded for its reliable service, making it a trustworthy choice for visitors looking to explore the Bulawayo area comfortably.

Where to go near Bulawayo International Airport

• Highmount: Highmount is a charming village located 7 miles away from Bulawayo. It offers a variety of cultural highlights, including the historic City Hall, perfect for those interested in local history, and the National Art Gallery Bulawayo, ideal for art enthusiasts. Families can enjoy the outdoor spaces at Centenary Park, making it a suitable destination for a city vacation. Visitor numbers peak in April, August, and December, providing a lively atmosphere during these months.
• Southdale: Southdale is a village situated 14 miles from Bulawayo. It features several attractions that cater to diverse interests. The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair offers a vibrant atmosphere for outdoor and family vacations, while the Hillside Dams Conservation area provides a natural retreat for nature lovers. The National University of Science and Technology adds a modern touch to the area, making Southdale great for a city vacation. Similar to Highmount, visitor numbers peak in April, August, and December.

9 tips to save on your Bulawayo International Airport car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: To secure lower rates and a wider selection, it's advisable to book your BUQ car rental as early as possible. Ideally, make your reservation 1-3 months ahead of time, particularly before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and the availability of certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be restricted. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other rentals might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well—just make sure to return the car empty in this case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend a significant amount of time on the road, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Bulawayo International Airport

The best value period for renting a car from Bulawayo Airport is June, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. Following closely, May offers similar low demand, though prices are average. March and February also present good options, with slightly low prices and average demand. However, October stands out as the most expensive month, showing slightly high prices and average demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travelers. November also maintains this trend with moderately high prices and steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
February	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
June	58.6°F (14.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
September	70.9°F (21.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
October	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average