Compare Johannesburg car hire

This sprawling South African city is the gateway for many to this fascinating country. Johannesburg itself is undergoing a revival as redevelopment shakes up the city post the 2010 World Cup. You can visit the genteel suburbs and shopping malls or dip into Soweto for African culture.

Language: English / Afrikaans / Nguni / Sotho | Currency: Rand | Avg. Flight time: 11 hrs 5 mins

International and local rental companies offer car hire deals at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), including Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Thrifty. The drive to Johannesburg city centre should take around half an hour, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. To get to the city from the airport, take the R24 west.

You'll find car hire desks at Johannesburg Airport located opposite the domestic terminal, on the ground floor of the multi-story car park.

In 2019, car rental companies at Johannesburg Airport include:

• Avis (Tel: +27 0 11 923 3730)
• Europcar (Tel: +27 0 11 574 1000)
• Hertz (Tel: +27 0 11 390 2066)
• Thrifty (Tel: +27 0 11 390 3454)
• Select (Tel: +27 0 11 390 2763)
• Woodford (Tel: +27 0 11 390 3454)

If you’re spending a few days discovering the museums, restaurants and nightlife in Johannesburg’s city centre, it might be more convenient to pick up your car in town. Head to Park Station near the Central Business District for a cluster of rental companies, including Europcar, Tempest and Select. You’ll also find Avis on Loveday Street.

Modern Johannesburg is a sprawling city, but much of it has been built with cars in mind. It is well connected to major highways that lead to driving adventures across South Africa. Major roads are signposted, but if you’re a first-time visitor, it’s best to plan your route in advance and bring along a GPS-enabled smartphone, map or a sat-nav.

Like most big cities, traffic builds up during the early morning and late afternoon rush hours, so avoid driving at these times if you can. Road conditions vary considerably, though major roads in modern areas – the Central Business District, for instance – are usually very good. Stay a safe distance from other cars to allow for unpredictable driving behaviour, and stick to well-lit, busy streets for parking.

Throughout the inner city and across many suburbs, roadside parking can be limited and not particularly cheap. It’s best to park your car in an underground secure garage to explore downtown, or book a hotel with parking included in the deal.

Krugersdorp Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve

Driving time: One hour

Your rental car will come in very handy at the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, which is a self-drive reserve a little way northwest of the city. There are more than 30 different species in the reserve, including white rhino, zebra, lions and tigers. You’ll also find a children’s playground, restaurants and the magnificent Wonder Cave.

Magaliesburg

Driving time: One hour 15 minutes

Head northwest from Johannesburg to enjoy a leisurely drive along what tourism types have branded the Magalies Meander. The town of Magaliesburg itself is surrounded by mountains, rivers and woodland, with opportunities for fly-fishing, hiking and horse riding. You could also visit the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, or stop for a look at arts and crafts studios and working farms.

Pilanesberg National Park Driving time: Two hours 40 minutes

Set within the crater of an ancient volcano, Pilanesberg National Park is an ecologically rich reserve from which to spot the Big Five. Self-driving is permitted in the park, but a guided game safari offers a better chance to get up close to wildlife. For keen photographers, Pilanesberg offers concealed hideouts made to capture that perfect image.

1. Johannesburg’s reputation for crime lingers, but with common sense you should enjoy trouble-free driving. Avoid long distances at night, lock the doors while driving and don’t leave valuables in your rental car.
   
2. Four-way stops are quite common in South Africa, so slow down and be prepared for a first-come, first-served system at intersections.
   
3. Drink-driving laws are enforced across South Africa. The blood alcohol limit is only 0.5 grams per litre, compared to the UK's 0.8 grams.

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.