One of the most convenient ways to make your way around Johannesburg, whether you are in town for business or leisure, is to take advantage of affordable car rental at O.R Tambo International Airport. Beyond the ease and accessibility this gives you to the many locales and areas in Johannesburg, public transport within the city is not ideal, and because Johannesburg is the biggest city in the country, getting around means driving before walking. Some of the cheapest car hire in Johannesburg can be found upon landing at the airport.
Renting a car at Johannesburg Airport is both affordable and convenient, and is not limited to passengers flying to and from Johannesburg. Given the airport’s prime location, renting a car from O.R Tambo International Airport is just as convenient for travellers as it is for individuals and companies looking for affordable short-term and long-term car hire in the city.
Affordable Car Rentals At O.R Tambo International Airport
Avis
Avis Car Hire is one of the most trusted car rental companies with branches worldwide offering the widest range of cars in their fleet. Avis Car Hire at O.R Tambo International Airport is open 24 hours and allows you to include important add-ons such as mobile WiFi, GPS, car seats, bicycle racks, paraplegic hand controls and trailers for your convenience.
Bidvest
Previously known as Budget Car Hire, Bidvest car rental at Johannesburg Airport is often a go-to company for many customers due to its stellar reputation and customer care. Offering a wide range of well-maintained and new cars, Bidvest Car Rental also allows customers to purchase child seats, GPS and bicycle carriers as add-ons to their rental.
Europcar
Europcar is a household name when it comes to car rentals. With 24 hours service when renting a car at Johannesburg Airport, the company also offers the widest range of promotional deals and specials for your rental. Earn Voyager Miles or get major discounts on your rental when you are part of the DriveClub loyalty program. Europcar also offers its customers 24-hour roadside assist.
First Car Rental
First Car Rental is a proudly South African rental company with over 18 years of experience in the business and offering some of the most affordable car rentals at O.R Tambo International Airport. Corporate customers and frequent flyers can skip the queue and take advantage of a Show&Go debtor account with the rental company.
Hertz
Offering a range of deals and promotional specials such as unlimited mileage and long-term monthly rentals, Hertz is the ideal choice for long-stay visits to Johannesburg. As an international franchise, the brand has been driving corporate and leisure customers for South Africa since 1950 and is a trusted name for affordable car rental and superior customer care.
Tempest Car Hire
Known for its affordable rates, Tempest car Hire offers a wide range of options from economy cars to people carriers.
Thrifty
Thrifty offers a range of hatchbacks, sedans, single cabs, double cabs and SUVs at low rates and is often a go-to for last-minute bookings and affordability. MyBucks is Thrifty Car Rental’s loyalty club making future bookings more convenient.
Woodford
Woodford is South Africa’s largest family-owned, independent car rental company servicing all major airports across the country. The company prides itself on simplicity, affordability and convenience for its customers.
A Guide and Checklist for Car Hire at Johannesburg Airport
|
When Booking Your Car Rental |
| Are you 18 years or older? |
| Do you have a valid South African driver’s license or a recognized International Driver’s Permit (IDP)? |
| Are you authorized to make this booking? |
| Do you have a valid credit card or hybrid cheque card/debit card? |
| Do you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the deposit (where applicable) as well as any liability should any incident occur? |
| If you are sponsoring the car rental, do you have a copy of the driver’s details and license? |
| Have you checked the cost of additional items on your rental such as mobile WiFi, GPS or car seat? |
|
At The Counter |
| Have you checked and confirmed that an inspection has previously been completed on the car? |
| Have you requested information on the procedure in case of any emergency? |
| Have you requested information on the procedure should you lose the car keys of the rental? |
| Have you requested emergency contact details? |
|
At The Car |
| Have you made sure to thoroughly inspect the car inside and out before leaving the parking lot? |
| Have you ensured that the license disk is valid? |
| Have you made sure that the license plate on the car matches the rental documents? |
| Have you checked the odometer and lights? |
| Is there an owner’s manual in the car/glove compartment? |
| Is the spare wheel pumped and have you been provided with a jack and wrench? |
| Before leaving the parking lot, have you familiarized yourself with the cockpit? |
|
When Returning The Car |
| Have you taken note of the mileage at drop-off? |
| Have you checked the petrol? |
| Have you thoroughly inspected the car again? |
Do’s and Don’ts for Renting a Car at Johannesburg Airport
|
Do |
Don’t |
| Make sure you book your car ahead of time | Arrive at the airport and try to book a car without contacting the car rental company ahead of time |
| Make sure you have your driver’s license with you when you get to the airport | Expect any exceptions in this regard. You will not be able to collect your rental without your license even if you have previously provided copies of your license when making your reservation. |
| Purchase add-ons such as car or mobile WiFi, GPS and car seats | Skimp on the extras. Getting around the city can be confusing if you are not familiar with certain areas and trusting your GPS may turn out to be a safer option for navigating your way from one area to the next |
| Make sure your driver’s license is still valid | Try to pick up a vehicle with an expired license |
| Make sure you inspect the rental car thoroughly before leaving the parking lot | Skip the inspection. You will be charged for damage to the car that was not noted before you left the parking lot |
| Make sure you follow the signs when returning your vehicle | Get lost returning the car as you will have to exit the airport to re-enter the allocated car rental drop off parking lot |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of license do I need to rent a car in South Africa?
A valid South African driver’s license is required to rent a car in South Africa. You may also present an International Drivers Permit (IDP). Your International Driver’s License will only be accepted if it is in English, with a photo or ID/passport number and it must have a signature on it.
How old do I need to be to rent a car in South Africa?
In order to rent a car in South Africa, you must have a valid driver’s license and must be at least 18 years old. If you are younger than 25, some rental companies such as Avis Car Hire at O.R Tambo International Airport will add a surcharge to the rental cost. Some car rental companies will also require that you must have had your driver’s license for a minimum of 2 years.
Is it more affordable to rent a car at Johannesburg Airport?
The cost of your rental will always depend entirely on the type of car you choose to hire as well as the rental company. Compare cheap car rentals at Johannesburg Airport using our handy booking sheet.
Can I use a debit card when renting a car at Johannesburg Airport?
It is possible to rent a car with a debit card, but this will depend on your chosen car rental company. It is worth noting that when you choose to rent a car using a debit card, you are more likely to incur a higher deposit fee.
Can I get a last-minute car rental at the airport?
It is possible to book last-minute car rentals at O.R Tambo International Airport, however, there is no guarantee that a car will be available when you do so. Most car rentals are booked in advance and often more than 24 hours before the desired pick-up date. Rentals are subject to the availability of vehicles at your chosen car rental company.
Please note all information in this article is correct at time of publishing and is subject to change without notice.
