Car Rental at Tambo International Airport

Airport travel guide

The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg (locally called Joburg) is home to a wide variety of cultures from all over the country, and the rest of the continent. The city is also home to interesting museums, original arts spaces, and surrounding nature. These are four amazing attractions in and around Joburg:

• The Inner City. A place called the inner city is usually associated with social and safety issues in much of the English-speaking world, but in Johannesburg, it actually denotes the most touristy part of the city. Attractions to be found in Joburg’s Inner City include Constitution Hill, Museum Africa, the Johannesburg Art Gallery (the largest art gallery on the continent), and the Sci-Bono Discovery Center. There is also notable architecture like St. Mary’s Cathedral and Lindfield Victorian House.
• The Apartheid Museum. The Apartheid Museum is one of the most notable history museums in Africa. Documenting the regime that was in power in the country for much of the 20th century, the museum provides an important lesson on the racial segregation that left its mark on millions of South Africans. There is also a permanent exhibition on Nelson Mandela, the iconic former president who is credited for bringing Apartheid down and leading the reconciliation. Visit the museum’s official website to learn more about its collection and opening hours.
• Rietvlei Nature Reserve. A number of significant national parks are within a three-to-five-hour drive from Johannesburg, if you’re short on time, there are even closer places to enjoy nature. Located north of Johannesburg and just south of Pretoria, Rietvlei Nature Reserve is made up of typical wooded savannah landscapes and counts cheetahs, waterbucks, hippos, and Amur falcons among its inhabitants. The drive from Johannesburg takes only about 50 minutes.
• Pretoria. The national capital and the northern neighbor of Johannesburg, the city of Pretoria is only an hour’s drive away, making it a very popular day-trip destination. In addition to its political stature, it is known for its many green spaces, interesting architecture, and high quality museums and other cultural institutions. 

Top international routes

• Cape Town
• Durban
• Harare
• Port Elizabeth
• Gaborone
• Bloemfontein
• George
• Nairobi
• Lusaka
• East London

Main airlines

South African Airways, South African Express, Airlink, LOM Mozambique Airlines, British Airways, FlySafair, Air France, Alitalia, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Egyptair, El Al, Etihad, Iberia, KLM, Latam, Lufthansa, Qantas, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic

Terminals

Terminal A serves international flights, and Terminal B handles domestic flights. They are linked by a central atrium, and you can easily walk from one to the other.

Location

Johannesburg Airport is about 34 km (21 miles) northwest of Johannesburg city center. Motorways R21, R24, 3, and M2 are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $13 per day
• Medium cars - from $17 per day
• Large cars - from $16 per day
• SUVs - from $22 per day
• Premium cars - from $53 per day
• Vans - from $21 per day
• Convertibles - from $415 per day

Car rental desks

Most companies are located in the multi-story parking garage opposite the domestic terminal. The best way to find them is to look for the “Car Rental” sign.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many dining opportunities at restaurants, snack bars, and cafeterias. For shopping, there are countless stores and a duty-free mall in the International Departures. You’ll also find ATMs, lounges, an on-site hotel, baby care facilities, medical services, two pharmacies, showers, an observation deck, a post office, a Christian chapel, and a Muslim prayer room. Luggage storage is open 24 hours a day and is located on the basement level of Terminal A. The airport is easily accessible to travelers with reduced mobility. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Engen Skystop gas station, located at 1 O.R. Tambo Airport Road, is right next to Johannesburg Airport. It can be reached in less than two minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations nearby and on the way to the city.

Popular one-way rentals

• Pretoria (48 km / 30 miles)
• Centurion (63 km / 32 miles)
• Polokwane (306 km / 190 miles)
• Nelspruit (326 km / 203 miles)
• Ermelo (202 km / 126 miles)
• Durban (576 km / 358 miles)