How to find a cheap car hire deal in Johannesburg
Grab a cheap rental car in Johannesburg and start your adventure for around R 576 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Johannesburg is R 347.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 1,433 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
If you want to time it just right, book about three weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a Johannesburg car hire.
U-Save, Green Motion and Carwiz are among the most trusted providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Johannesburg car hire policy, whether you book with U-Save or a different supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of R 1,254 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,365.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly R 1,228 a day with this supplier.
The Mini rental category is a reliable choice if you're not sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's rented the most in Johannesburg.
Flying to Johannesburg? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Johannesburg, get going faster by booking a car hire at O.R. Tambo International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 26 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.
Flying in from another direction? You can pick up a car hire from Lanseria International Airport just as conveniently. The centre is 40 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 45 minutes to travel by car.
Compare car hire types in Johannesburg
Small: These cheap rental cars in Johannesburg may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Long drives fly by 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 an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Johannesburg effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Johannesburg car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Johannesburg.
Good to know
Age requirements can vary by supplier (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some companies in South Africa may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Johannesburg car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to travel.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in South Africa, be aware that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 55kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Africa is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 7am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the South African rand (ZAR) on your trip here. Along with your bank cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
English is the language that most people speak in this country.
Best hotels in Johannesburg for drivers
Pull in and enjoy your stay at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Offering valet parking as well as a sauna and a 24-hour front desk, this hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Johannesburg.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Garden Court Milpark, Johannesburg. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this stay, which also features an outdoor swimming pool and luggage storage.
Need more ideas? Browse the lineup of hotels in Johannesburg. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Johannesburg and your hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at leading attractions such as Apartheid Museum, Top of Africa and Constitution Hill.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Johannesburg
Around 21 kilometres west of central Johannesburg, Soweto should be on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Hector Pieterson Museum and Nelson Mandela Former House.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Johannesburg and then head for Pretoria. Around 56 kilometres north of Johannesburg, Statue of Nelson Mandela and Museum of Natural History are major attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Inani Hotel Morning Star and Court Classique Suite Hotel are comfortable places to stay in Pretoria if you're planning to stick around. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Witbank is a top road trip destination that's around 121 kilometres east of Johannesburg. Plan to make a few pit stops at Witbank dam and Cosmos Gardens.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. ANEW Hotel Witbank Emalahleni and Anew Hotel Highveld Emalahleni have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Witbank.
