OR Tambo International Airport · JNB

Airport Parking at OR Tambo

11 parking zones for every budget and trip length — from free 30-minute pick-ups to 3-week holidays. Pre-book online to save 31% and guarantee your bay even in peak season.

All 11 Zones How to Pre-Book Peak Season Guide Security Vehicle Types FAQs
🅿️ 11 Zones — Short, Long, Premium, Pre-Book
💰 Short-Stay from R35 / first hour
📅 Pre-Booked from R55/day (P5)
🔒 24/7 CCTV & Security
🚌 Free Terminal Shuttle Every 15 min
At a Glance

OR Tambo Parking — Which Zone is Right for You?

Choosing the right zone saves real money. The P5 pre-booked rate cuts your daily cost by 31% compared to walking up. Here's the quick comparison.

Quick Pick-Up

Free
30 min · P6 Cell Waiting

Wait free while your passenger clears arrivals, then collect in P1.

Short Stay

R35
First hour · P1 Basement

Covered, 5-min walk. Best for stays under 3 hours.

BEST VALUE

Pre-Booked

R55
Per day · P5 (book online)

Book 12+ hrs ahead. 31% cheaper than walk-up. Guaranteed bay.

Premium

R130
Per day · P4 Covered

Fully covered, max CCTV. Best for luxury or high-value vehicles.

ZoneTypeRateDaily CapTerminal AccessFree Shuttle
P1 — Basement Short-StayShortR35 (1st hr) · R20/hr afterR2005 min covered walk—
P2 — Multi-StoreyShort/MediumR25/hrR1802 min via bridge—
P3 — Long Stay Walk-UpLongR80/dayR803 min by shuttle✓ Every 15 min
P4 — Premium CoveredPremiumR130/dayR1304 min by shuttle✓ Included
P5 — Pre-Booked ⭐Pre-BookFrom R55/dayR553 min by shuttle✓ Included
P6 — Cell WaitingFreeFree 30 min · R15/15 min after—3 min drive to P1—
P7 — Drop-Off ZoneDrop-OffR15/15 min—1 min walk—
P8 — Bus & Coach DeckCommercialR250/day per vehicleR2505 min walk—
P9 — Accessible BaysAccessibleP2 standard ratesR1802 min via bridge—
P10 — XXL Oversize BaysOversizeR200/dayR2003 min via bridge—
P11 — Cargo/FreightFreightBy arrangement—Cargo terminal only—
Rates Disclaimer: All parking rates shown on this page are indicative and subject to change at any time without prior notice. Always verify current rates directly with ACSA before travelling — visit airports.co.za/parking or call +27 11 395 2027. This site is an independent guide and is not affiliated with ACSA.
Zone-by-Zone

All 11 Parking Zones — Fully Profiled

The right zone depends on your trip length, vehicle, budget and walk tolerance. Here's the definitive breakdown of every zone at OR Tambo.

P1

Basement Short-Stay

Covered · 5 min walk · R35 first hour
Short-Stay

The closest paid parking to the terminal buildings — a fully covered underground structure connected via a covered walkway. Ideal for arrivals collections under 2 hours and quick departures. At R35 for the first hour then R20/hr after, it stays affordable for short stays but gets expensive fast beyond 3–4 hours.

First Hour
R35
Additional Hours
R20/hr
Daily Maximum
R200
Walk to Terminal
5 min covered

Best for: Arrivals collections under 2 hours, quick drop-offs, business travellers on tight schedules.

P2

Multi-Storey Car Park

Direct bridge · Uber & Bolt pick-up on Grd Floor
Short / Medium

The P2 multi-storey links directly to the terminal via an enclosed footbridge — completely weather-protected. This is also the designated Uber and Bolt pick-up point (Level 0 / Ground Floor). Better value than P1 for stays of 2–3 hours. The daily cap of R180 makes it workable for 1-night stays too.

Hourly Rate
R25
Daily Maximum
R180
Terminal Link
Footbridge 2 min
Uber/Bolt Pick-Up
Level 0 (Ground)

Ride-hailing note: After collecting bags, follow "Ride-Hailing" signs from Arrivals Hall B to P2 Ground Floor — the only designated pick-up point for Uber and Bolt at OR Tambo.

P3

Long Stay Walk-Up

Free shuttle every 15 min · R80/day · no booking needed
Long Stay

OR Tambo's primary walk-up long-stay zone — where most travellers head for 3+ day trips without a pre-booking. Drive in, take a ticket, park, and catch the free shuttle. The shuttle leaves every 15 minutes around the clock and reaches Arrivals Hall in about 3 minutes. P3 is the most popular zone and the first to fill during school holidays — arrive early or pre-book P5.

Daily Rate
R80
Pre-Booking
Not required
Shuttle Frequency
Every 15 min
Shuttle Duration
~3 min

Holiday warning: P3 fills completely before 10:00 during December holidays and Easter. Pre-book P5 to guarantee a bay on those dates.

P4

Premium Covered

Highest security · Covered all-weather · R130/day
Premium

P4 is the top-tier long-stay option: a fully covered multi-level structure with OR Tambo's highest-spec CCTV, dedicated security monitoring, motion-activated lighting and individually numbered bays. The extra R50/day over P3 is worth it for high-value vehicles, luxury cars, and anyone leaving their car for 2+ weeks. The covered structure also protects against Highveld hailstorms (October–March).

Daily Rate
R130
Coverage
Fully covered
Security Level
Highest spec
Hail Protection
Full

Best for: Luxury/high-value vehicles, trips of 2+ weeks, summer travel when hail is possible, maximum peace of mind.

⭐ BEST VALUE — PRE-BOOK REQUIRED
P5

Pre-Booked Long Stay

From R55/day · Book 12hrs+ ahead online · Guaranteed bay
Pre-Book ★ Best Value

P5 is OR Tambo's cheapest daily parking — from R55/day versus R80/day walk-up. That's a 31% saving, and it compounds: a 7-day trip saves R175; a 14-day holiday saves R350. Book at least 12 hours ahead via airports.co.za. On arrival, use the dedicated pre-booked boom lane — scan your QR code and enter your allocated bay. No queueing, no uncertainty.

Daily Rate
From R55 ★
Walk-Up Rate (P3)
R80/day
Daily Saving
R25 (31%)
Min Lead Time
12 hours
How much you save vs P3 walk-up
3 days
R75
7 days
R175
10 days
R250
14 days
R350
How to Pre-Book P5 →
P6

Cell Waiting / Pick-Up Area

Free 30 min · Smart pick-up strategy
Free Wait

The P6 Cell Waiting Area is OR Tambo's best money-saving secret for picking up arriving passengers. Instead of paying P1 rates from the moment the plane lands, you wait free in P6 for up to 30 minutes while monitoring your passenger via WhatsApp. Once they message "outside", you drive the 3 minutes to P1 and collect them. This approach saves R60–R150 versus parking in P1 for the full arrivals process.

Free Period
30 minutes
After 30 min
R15 / 15 min
Distance to P1
~3 min drive
Amenities
Toilets, seating

Strategy: Share live location with your passenger. When they message "at the exit doors," then and only then do you drive from P6 to the Arrivals lane — pay under R40 total instead of R130+.

Special-Purpose Zones: P7 to P11

P7

Drop-Off Zone

International Departures side · R15/15 min

For dropping off departing passengers only. Charged at R15 per 15 minutes — do not leave your vehicle unattended here. Traffic wardens monitor continuously. Quick drop and go: do not park and walk into the terminal.

P8

Bus & Coach Deck

Height limit 4.5m · R250/day per vehicle

Dedicated deck for tour buses, charter coaches, and minibus taxis. Flat rate of R250/vehicle/day. Maximum vehicle height: 4.5 metres. Access via the dedicated bus entrance — not the main vehicle gate. Confirm routing with ACSA if uncertain.

P9

Accessible / Disabled Bays

P2 ground floor · Valid permit required

Extra-wide accessible bays on the P2 ground floor with direct lift access to the terminal bridge. Standard P2 rates apply. A valid South African Disability Parking Disc must be displayed at all times. No additional charge vs standard bays.

P10

XXL Oversize Bays

Double-cabs · Large SUVs · R200/day

Extra-wide marked bays for double-cab bakkies (Ranger, Hilux), large SUVs (Land Cruiser 200, Fortuner) and high-roof vehicles. Located on P2 ground level. R200/day flat rate. Much easier door access than squeezing into standard P3 bays.

P11

Cargo / Freight Zone

Commercial operators only · By arrangement

Commercial freight vehicles and cargo operators only. Separate entrance adjacent to the cargo terminal — not accessible to general public. Rates and access by arrangement with ACSA Commercial on +27 11 395 2027.

🧮 Quick Cost Estimator

2 days (P2 walk-up)R360
3 days (P3 walk-up)R240
5 days (P5 pre-booked)R275 ★
7 days (P5 pre-booked)R385 ★
14 days (P5 pre-booked)R770 ★
14 days (P4 premium)R1,820

★ Requires advance booking at airports.co.za

Step-by-Step

How to Pre-Book OR Tambo Parking Online

Takes 5 minutes. Saves up to 31%. Guarantees your bay. Here's exactly how to do it via the ACSA website.

01

Go to airports.co.za/parking

Open the official ACSA Airports website or download the ACSA Airports app for Android/iOS. Select OR Tambo from the airport dropdown.

02

Enter your travel dates

Input your date and time of arrival at OR Tambo and the date and time you expect to return. The system calculates total days and shows cost per zone side-by-side.

03

Select Zone P5

Choose the P5 Pre-Booked zone for the lowest daily rate (from R55/day). Confirm your vehicle registration number, contact email and mobile number. Pre-booking must be placed at least 12 hours before arrival.

04

Pay and save your QR code

Pay by credit or debit card. A confirmation email arrives immediately with a reference number and QR code. Screenshot this — you'll need it at the boom gate even if offline.

05

Use the pre-booked lane at OR Tambo

Follow "Pre-Booked Parking" signs to the dedicated boom lane. Scan your QR code — the boom opens instantly. Your bay number is displayed on the screen. No queueing at payment terminals.

⏰ Modification & Cancellation

Pre-bookings can be modified or cancelled at least 24 hours before arrival via the ACSA parking portal using your reference number. Late cancellations (under 24 hours) may incur a fee. If your trip runs longer than booked, the difference is charged at the standard pre-booked rate when you exit.

📱 ACSA Airports App

Download the ACSA Airports app for real-time parking availability, one-tap pre-booking, and to check how full each zone is before you arrive. The app shows live capacity — particularly useful during December when P3 and P4 fill before 08:00.

Pre-Book Now at airports.co.za →
When to Book Early

OR Tambo Parking — Peak Season Guide

OR Tambo's parking capacity is fixed. During holidays it fills completely. Knowing the busy windows lets you book at the right time and avoid the worst surprises.

PeriodDemandP3/P5 Fills ByBook Ahead
16 Dec – 5 Jan
Summer school holidays		 🔴 CRITICAL Before 07:00 4–6 weeks ahead
Easter Long Weekend
Thu–Mon, 4 days		 🟠 Very High By 09:00 2–3 weeks ahead
End June – July
Winter school holidays		 🟠 High By 11:00 1–2 weeks ahead
Sep – Oct School Hols
Spring break		 🟠 Moderate-High By midday 5–7 days ahead
Public Holidays
Long weekends		 🟡 Moderate By afternoon 3–5 days ahead
Normal Periods
Feb–May, Aug, Nov		 🟢 Normal Rarely fills 24–48 hours fine

🔴 December Holidays — Critical

The December–January school holiday period is by far the most demanding. P3 long-stay walk-up and P5 pre-booked fill completely before 07:00 on the busiest departure days. Even P4 Premium gets tight. Book 4–6 weeks ahead — and if you see P5 sold out, grab P4 immediately.

🌩️ Hail Season Warning (Oct–Mar)

The Highveld's summer season (October to March) brings severe hailstorms that can cause R5,000–R30,000 worth of panel and glass damage in minutes. If travelling during this period for 5+ days, the extra R50/day for the fully covered P4 Premium zone is trivial insurance.

🟢 Off-Peak: When You Can Relax

February through May and the month of August are the quietest periods. Demand is low, zones rarely fill, and same-day walk-up parking is generally no problem — though pre-booking P5 still saves you R25/day so it's always worth doing.

Your Vehicle Is Safe

Parking Security at OR Tambo Airport

ACSA operates OR Tambo's parking with professional private security. Here's exactly what's in place to protect your vehicle while you travel.

24/7 CCTV Coverage
HD cameras cover all zones, access points, lifts and stairwells. Live-monitored and 30-day retention.
Roving Security Guards
Armed and unarmed guards patrol all zones on foot and by vehicle 24/7 including public holidays.
Controlled Boom Access
All entry and exit points are controlled by automated booms requiring valid ticket or booking QR code.
High-Intensity Lighting
Motion-activated lighting throughout all zones. P4 Premium has the most intensive lighting of any zone.
Emergency Call Points
Assistance call buttons positioned at regular intervals connect directly to ACSA's security control room.
Numbered Bays
P4 and P5 have individually numbered bays. Photograph your bay number immediately after parking.

🛡️ 5 Personal Security Tips

  • →Remove all valuables — laptops, cameras, cash, handbags — before parking. Don't leave anything visible.
  • →Close all windows fully and lock all doors, including boot and tailgate.
  • →Photograph your bay number on your phone immediately after parking. You'll need it to find your car on return.
  • →Keep your ticket or QR code safe. You cannot exit the boom without it — a replacement costs R250.
  • →Report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest security guard or call ACSA: +27 11 395 2027.

🌩️ October–March: Hail Risk

Johannesburg's Highveld has some of the world's most intense afternoon thunderstorms. Hailstorms can occur with very little warning, producing stones large enough to cause serious bodywork damage, cracked windscreens and dented roofs in under 5 minutes.

If your trip falls between October and March — especially the December holidays — the fully covered P4 Premium zone (R130/day) is strongly recommended. A typical hail insurance excess is R5,000–R10,000. P4 covers you.

Vehicle Guide

Which Parking Zone for Your Vehicle Type?

Not every vehicle fits comfortably in every zone. Here's the definitive guide to zone selection by vehicle type at OR Tambo.

🚗

Hatchback or Sedan

Any zone works. For best value on long stays, pre-book P5. For collections, use P6 then P1. P2 for stays of 1–3 days.

✓ P1 · P2 · P3 · P4 · P5 · P6
🚙

Standard SUV (Sportage, Tucson, CX-5)

Fits comfortably in all standard zones. Height clearance is not a concern. Follow the same guidance as sedans.

✓ All standard zones
🛻

Double-Cab Bakkie (Ranger, Hilux, Amarok)

Use P10 XXL bays on P2 ground floor. Standard bays are too narrow for comfortable entry/exit. R200/day flat rate. Much easier door access.

✓ P10 (recommended) · P3 at a squeeze
🏎️

Luxury / High-Value Vehicle

P4 Premium strongly recommended — covered, highest CCTV, extra lighting. During October–March also protects against hail. The extra cost is negligible against repair costs.

✓ P4 Premium (strongly recommended)
🚐

Minibus (up to 15 seats)

Minibuses under 2.1m height can use P3 or P5. Taller vehicles use P8 Bus Deck (R250/day, 4.5m clearance). Confirm dimensions with ACSA if uncertain.

✓ P3 (under 2.1m) · P8 Bus Deck
♿

Passenger with Disability

Use P9 Accessible Bays on P2 ground floor — wide marked bays, level access, direct lift to terminal bridge. Valid SA Disability Parking Disc must be displayed. Standard P2 rates apply.

✓ P9 Accessible (P2 Ground Floor)

Important Notice

All parking rates, availability and zone configurations on this page are provided for general guidance only and are subject to change at any time without notice. Please verify all rates and availability directly with ACSA at airports.co.za/parking or by calling +27 11 395 2027 before making travel arrangements. This website is an independent guide and is not operated by or affiliated with ACSA or OR Tambo International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

OR Tambo Parking FAQs 2025

The most common questions about parking at OR Tambo Airport, answered in full.

How much does parking cost at OR Tambo in 2025?

P1 short-stay: R35 first hour, R20/hr after (max R200/day). P2 multi-storey: R25/hr (max R180/day). P3 long-stay walk-up: R80/day. P4 premium covered: R130/day. Best value: P5 pre-booked online from R55/day — requires booking 12+ hours ahead via airports.co.za.

How do I pre-book parking at OR Tambo Airport?

Visit airports.co.za/parking, select OR Tambo, enter your travel dates, choose Zone P5, pay online and save the QR confirmation to your phone. At the airport use the dedicated pre-booked boom lane. Must be placed at least 12 hours before arrival. During December and Easter, book 4–6 weeks ahead — P5 and P3 sell out completely.

What is the cheapest parking at OR Tambo Airport?

P5 pre-booked at from R55/day is the cheapest for stays of 2+ days — book 12+ hours ahead. Walk-up without booking: P3 long-stay at R80/day. For collections under 30 minutes: P6 Cell Waiting is free for the first 30 minutes.

Is overnight parking safe at OR Tambo Airport?

Yes. All zones have 24/7 CCTV and roving security patrols. P4 Premium is the most secure — covered, extra CCTV, motion lighting. Remove all valuables, lock the car, note your bay number and keep your ticket. OR Tambo's parking is among the safest at any major airport on the continent.

Is there a free shuttle from OR Tambo parking to the terminal?

Yes. A free shuttle runs every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, from P3, P4 and P5 zones to the terminal — a 3-minute ride. P1 and P2 are close enough to walk via covered walkway and enclosed footbridge respectively. P6 and P7 are also driving distance, not shuttle served.

What happens if I lose my parking ticket at OR Tambo?

Go immediately to the ACSA Parking Office — at terminal exits and inside each zone — before attempting to drive to the boom. A lost ticket fee of R250 applies. Bring your vehicle registration (RC1) as proof of ownership. Pre-booking email confirmation can substitute for a lost ticket if you booked online.

Can I park a double-cab bakkie or large SUV at OR Tambo?

Yes — use Zone P10 XXL Oversize Bays on the P2 ground floor. These extra-wide marked bays are specifically designed for double-cab bakkies (Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, VW Amarok) and large SUVs (Land Cruiser 200, Fortuner, Pajero). Rate: R200/day. Far more comfortable than squeezing into standard bays.

Save 31% on Every Day You Park

Pre-Book P5 from R55/day

Takes 5 minutes online. Guaranteed bay even at Christmas. Dedicated fast lane. Cheapest daily rate at OR Tambo. Book at least 12 hours before you arrive.

Pre-Book Now → Or Compare Transfers

Disclaimer: Parking rates, zone availability and policies shown on this page are for informational purposes only and may change at any time without prior notice. Always confirm current pricing and availability directly with ACSA (Airports Company South Africa) before travel. This is an independent guide — not an official ACSA resource.