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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Choose 24/7 on-airport pickup or compare off-airport providers with free shuttle transfer, then head to Sandton, Pretoria or Kruger National Park. Pre-book to secure low prices and add your flight number for faster pickup during peak times.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-site Airport Rental Center |
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| Off-airport Agencies |
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| Sandton/Rosebank |
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On average, car rentals at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport cost around ZAR 1,128 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from ZAR 230 per day.
Compare airport vs city pick-up. Airport is super convenient but can include surcharges. If you’re staying in Sandton or Rosebank first, take the Gautrain and rent there for potentially lower rates. Check opening hours.
Book smart for the season. For December–January and public holiday weekends, book 3–6 months ahead, especially for SUVs. In winter (June–August), prices are usually lower, so you can watch deals. October often shows good rates.
Shift your dates. Business demand drives weekday prices. Weekend and especially Sunday pickups at JNB often price better. Try moving pickup or return by a day when you compare.
Pick the right car and mileage. Economy/compact works for Gauteng and Kruger’s main roads. Only pay extra for higher clearance if you’ll do gravel. For long drives, filter for unlimited kilometres to avoid per-km costs.
Consider off-airport agencies. They can be cheaper, with free shuttles from JNB. Factor in transfer time and after-hours limitations when comparing total trip cost.
Plan for tolls and fuel. Kruger routes have multiple tolls (~R200). Rentals have e-tags, so tolls plus a small admin fee get billed later. Top up near the airport before return to pay pump prices.
Airport Car Parking Options:
| Parking Type | Location | Rates | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkade 1 & 2 | Next to terminals | Varies |
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| Shade Parking | Short walk to terminals | Varies |
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| Long-term Parking | Shuttle service to terminals | Varies |
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Local Driving Rules:
Car Return Process:
Get a rental car so you can see:
Sandton – business district
Pretoria
Cradle of Humankind
Sun City and Pilanesberg – resort, game reserve
How far is O.R. Tambo International Airport from Johannesburg city center?
The airport is about 24 km (15 miles) from the city center and 25 km (16 miles) from Sandton, the main business area. The drive can take you anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Is it necessary to pre-book a rental car at JNB Airport?
Yes, we recommend you pre-book, especially during busy times like December to January and over holidays. When you book ahead, you make sure a car is available and you usually get a better price than renting on the day.
What documents do I need to rent a car at JNB Airport?
You'll need to show a valid driver's license that you've held for at least one year, your passport and a credit card in your name. If your license isn't in English, you will also need an International Driving Permit.
How does the e-toll system work with rental cars from JNB?
The government switched off the Gauteng e-tolls in April 2024, so you won't have to pay for them. Other toll roads in South Africa that have toll plazas are still running. You can pay at the plaza using your card or cash. If your rental car has an e-tag, the rental company will bill the toll fees and a small administrative fee to your credit card after your rental is over.
Is there an alternative to renting a car directly at the airport?
Yes, you can take the Gautrain from the airport to Sandton or Pretoria. From there, you can rent a car from a city office. These offices often have lower prices because they don't have airport fees.
What's the best vehicle type for traveling from JNB to game reserves?
If you're visiting major parks like Kruger, a standard sedan will be fine because the main roads are in good condition. For reserves that are further out or have gravel roads, we recommend renting an SUV that sits higher off the ground.
How long does the rental pickup process take at JNB Airport?
It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes to pick up your car when it's not busy. During peak times, like midday or when big international flights land, you can expect it to take 30 to 45 minutes.
Are there any low-cost rental options at JNB Airport?
Yes, as well as the big international companies, you can find local ones like Tempest and BLUU Car Rental that often have very good prices. You can use comparison websites to check all your options.
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