Car rental in
Johannesburg

All eight of our car rental in Johannesburg branches have a premium fleet of compact saloons and family-sized estate cars perfect for exploring the city and surrounding districts. Every branch except Roodepoort also offers a selection of rugged 4x4s, ideal for heading off to nearby nature reserves while for a real touch of luxury we have sports cars and convertibles available at Johannesburg Park Station. Whichever vehicle you choose is supplied by a trusted name such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi or Porsche. We also offer vehicles adapted to meet different mobility needs. To ensure you have smooth and stress-free driving with your car hire in Johannesburg we have a range of optional extras to choose from. Navigate busy city streets with a Sat Nav while our E-Toll Service makes using the motorways easy. Keep younger family members safe in your car hire with our baby and booster seats. We always have great deals on extra insurance, additional drivers and unlimited mileage options and are happy to insure rental cars for younger drivers under 25.

At Lanseria and Johannesburg Tambo International Airports our desks are clearly signposted in the arrivals hall while at Park Station we are on the Mezzanine shopping level. Both airports are around an hour's drive from the city centre on fast motorways. Whether located in the city centre or the suburbs of Roodepoort, Boksburg or Kempton Park our branches can be reached by the suburban rail and Gautrain networks, the Metro-Rail system or taxis.

Although the locals like to drive fast, driving in Johannesburg is fairly straightforward and made even easier if your rental vehicle has a Sat Nav. The Sandton area, in particular, becomes very congested during morning and evening rush hours. Take advice from your hotel reception or our car hire desks on safe driving in the city and remember to keep your vehicle doors locked, especially after dark. Driving is on the left as in the United Kingdom.

Johannesburg has been rolling out a well-managed paid street parking system in recent years while some public attractions and shopping malls have their own parking. Do not be tempted to leave vehicles in unsecured areas.

Johannesburg is a huge city so a rental vehicle helps you make the most of its attractions. The Central Business District at the heart of the town has undergone a recent regeneration and is home to several fascinating museums and galleries such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the biggest on the continent. The Northern suburbs are home to the Planetarium with hands-on activities for all ages while to the West is the township of Soweto with the Mandela Family Museum. Once a no-go area Soweto now attracts tourists with its guided tours or simply drive around using the excellent new signage. When you are ready for some shady relaxation the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens are an excellent place to stop for a chilled drink and some lunch while you try and spot the endangered Black Eagles that make their home there.

The countryside around Johannesburg may not be home to lions and cheetahs but you do not have to drive more than 30 minutes North of the city centre to get up close to these wonderful animals. Enjoy driving yourself through the game park where antelope, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest live in safe surroundings before enjoying a guided tour of the lion enclosures in secure safari vehicles. And, the highlight of any visit whatever your age will be stroking the lion cubs or taking a cheetah walk. This is the perfect introduction to South Africa's wildlife.

The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve provides a day's escape from the city bustle. Here you can hike through the mountain ranges of the Rocky Highveld Grasslands while keeping an eye out for the local flora and fauna.

Distances to the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

• From Johannesburg Airport: 31.5 miles, about 1 hour
• From Park Train Station: 30 miles, about 50 minutes

Johannesburg's wealth originally came from gold mining. Find out about its mining heritage at the Kromdraai Gold Mine, one of the first in the region.

Distances to the Kromdraai Gold Mine

• From Johannesburg Airport: 58.5 miles, about 1 hour 10 minutes
• From Park Train Station: 25 miles, about 1 hour 10 minutes

Set in a replica of an early mining town, Gold Reef City has over 30 rides for thrill seekers of all ages to enjoy as well as cinemas, theatres and themed restaurants.

Distances to Gold Reef City

• From Johannesburg Airport: 21 miles, about 45 minutes
• From Park Train Station: 5 miles, about 25 minutes

Although forming the foundation of the Witwatersrand economy gold mining was gradually replaced by heavy steel and cement industries. Johannesburg is home to the world's largest "dry port" with the huge container terminal at City Deep. Today the city is also the economic hub of South Africa and one of the world's leading financial centres. The Sandton Convention Centre is a huge multi-use complex of exhibition, conference and entertainment spaces.

Distances to the Sandton Convention Centre

• From Johannesburg Airport: 14 miles, about 45 minutes
• From Park Train Station: 9.5 miles, about 30 minutes