How to find a cheap car hire deal in Johannesburg
Pick up a cheap rental car in Johannesburg for an average of 53 € a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, so you can easily compare prices and book.
The cheapest daily rental price in Johannesburg is 15 €.
Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from 105 € and explore more than just the top attractions.
Get the timing right and book around three weeks ahead to score the best price on a Johannesburg car hire.
Find your perfect ride with U-Save, Green Motion or Carwiz. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Johannesburg car hire policy, whether you go with U-Save or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can lock in some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Johannesburg.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average 60 € a day.
Taking second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around 33 €.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly 59 € a day.
If you're still weighing up which ride is right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Johannesburg.
Flying to Johannesburg? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport. If you're flying to Johannesburg through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 26 kilometres and takes around 30 minutes.
Touching down elsewhere? You can pick up a car hire from Lanseria Airport just as easily on arrival. The centre is 40 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 45 minutes to reach by car.
Compare car hire types in Johannesburg
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Johannesburg gives you the freedom to explore for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Johannesburg car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Johannesburg that can handle a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group excursions, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Johannesburg car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so always compare your options.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Johannesburg.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same across the board. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your car hire in South Africa.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you should add a child car seat to your Johannesburg car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Familiarise yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the left side of the road in South Africa.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
Around 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Johannesburg for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness & Golf. Offering parking as well as Wi-Fi and luggage storage, this hotel is about 6 kilometres from central Johannesburg.
Hayat Hotel 94Juta also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, along with room service and a 24-hour front desk. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the hotels in Johannesburg for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Johannesburg and your hotel. From Apartheid Museum to Nelson Mandela Statue and Top of Africa, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Johannesburg
Shift gears and make tracks to Soweto. Around 18 kilometres west of central Johannesburg, you'll find must-sees like Soweto and Hector Pieterson Museum.
Add Pretoria to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in Johannesburg and drive about 56 kilometres north to explore leading attractions like Statue of Nelson Mandela and Museum of Natural History.
Pretoria has some great accommodation options such as Inani Hotel Morning Star and Court Classique Suite Hotel. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
If you're not quite finished yet, take a trip to Witbank. It's around 129 kilometres east of Johannesburg. Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King gives your visit a little extra flair.
Find a room at ANEW Hotel Witbank Emalahleni or Anew Hotel Highveld Emalahleni. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Witbank has to offer. They also offer parking.
