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Road Genius makes it easy to find rental car deals in Johannesburg. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Johannesburg car rental pickup points include O.R. Tambo International Airport, Sandton and Rosebank, with 24/7 airport desks and usually shorter queues in town. Choose unlimited kilometers and a vehicle, from compact cars to SUVs, for trips to Pretoria, Sun City or Kruger National Park, and use the Gautrain to reach a city branch if you prefer a later pickup.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) |
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| Sandton City/Business District |
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| Rosebank/Melrose |
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On average, car rentals in Johannesburg cost around ZAR 1,186 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from ZAR 230 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Airport is convenient but adds surcharges. City branches in Sandton or Rosebank can be cheaper. Take the Gautrain from JNB to Sandton, then collect your car.
Shift your dates: In Joburg, weekends are often cheaper thanks to business demand patterns. Sunday pickups are commonly the best value.
Book early only for peak: For December holidays and long weekends, lock it in 3-6 months ahead. Outside peak, winter months like June-August and October usually have lower prices and great availability.
Pick the smallest car that fits your crew: Economy and compact classes are the best value in Johannesburg unless you truly need more space.
Match your mileage to your plans: If you’re driving to Kruger, Durban or Cape Town, look for unlimited km. Staying mostly in Gauteng? Compare limited-km deals too.
Trim on-the-ground costs: Use mall parking garages with validation and first-hour-free deals around Sandton and Mall of Africa. When time allows, pick routes with fewer tolls to save on N1/N3/N4 fees.
Where to Park:
| Area | Parking Type | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandton/Business Areas | Shopping center parking garages | Paid, sometimes validated |
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| City Center | Street parking/Parking garages | Paid or car guard tip expected |
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| Shopping Malls | Free parking lots/Parking garages | Free (some require validation) |
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| Residential Areas | Street parking | Free but car guard tip expected |
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Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Rent a car to get to:
Cradle of Humankind – Maropeng, Sterkfontein Caves
Magaliesberg – Hartbeespoort Dam
Sun City and Pilanesberg
Pretoria – Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument
Soweto – Vilakazi Street, Hector Pieterson Museum
Kruger National Park
Is it safe to drive in Johannesburg?
Yes, if you take the right precautions. You should keep your doors locked, plan your routes ahead of time, avoid driving in unfamiliar areas at night and park in secure places. Millions of people drive safely in Johannesburg every day.
How do I navigate Johannesburg's complex highway system?
You'll need a GPS or a navigation app on your phone. Waze and Google Maps work well and give you live traffic updates. Major highways are clearly signed, but voice navigation really helps for the complex interchanges.
Are there areas I should avoid driving in Johannesburg?
Some inner-city areas have higher crime rates. If you're a visitor, you should stick to main roads and tourist areas. You can ask a local for advice about certain neighborhoods if you're not sure, especially if you're driving at night.
How do e-tolls work with rental cars?
The government has stopped using e-tolls on Gauteng freeways, so you won’t be charged for driving under those gantries. Your rental car might still have an e-tag for other toll roads in South Africa. The rental company will bill any of those tolls to your credit card, along with a small admin fee.
What's the best vehicle type for touring Johannesburg and surrounding areas?
A standard sedan is fine for driving in the city and to most nearby sights. If you're planning trips to game reserves or country areas, you should think about getting an SUV that sits higher off the ground.
Is it necessary to rent a car in Johannesburg or can I rely on public transport?
If you're a business traveler staying in central areas like Sandton, you might find that Uber and the Gautrain are all you need. For tourists who want to explore lots of different places, a rental car gives you much more freedom and makes getting around easier.
How far is O.R. Tambo International Airport from central Johannesburg?
The airport is about 25 km (16 miles) from Sandton (the business hub) and 24 km (15 miles) from the city center. You can expect the drive to take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
What should I do in case of a minor accident?
You should swap details with the other drivers, take photos of the damage and the accident scene and report it to the police within 24 hours. You need to do this to get a case number, which your rental company will ask for. You should also tell your rental company right away.
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