Car rental in Johannesburg

South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, offers visitors fascinating contrasts between townships and high-rises, numerous observation decks, museums, and a vast botanical garden. If you're seeking beach holidays, head out of the city toward the shores of the Indian or Atlantic oceans.

Car rental in Johannesburg provides a convenient way to move quickly around the metropolis without paying for taxi services or waiting for public transport. It's also an excellent option for exploring the surrounding areas efficiently.

Benefits of Renting with Localrent

Renting in Johannesburg through the Localrent booking service offers several advantages:

1. Straightforward rental process. The service's user-friendly interface helps you rent a car quickly, even if it's your first time. During booking, you'll see complete information about the vehicle and additional services, with a simple application form to complete.
2. Detailed filters. Select not only a vehicle matching your needs but also appropriate insurance coverage, deposit amounts, and additional services.
3. Minimal advance payment. To rent a car in Johannesburg, you only need to pay 15-20% of the total cost by card when booking through the service website.
4. Multiple vehicle classes. Before booking, choose from luxury vehicles or budget-friendly economy models.
5. No hidden fees, commissions, or additional taxes. Before making the advance payment, you'll see the complete rental cost for your Johannesburg car hire. No extra charges apply when collecting or returning the vehicle.

Vehicle rental takes minimal time. Using advanced filters during booking, you can select and affordably arrange a car for short trips or extended journeys, whether traveling solo or with a group of friends.

Requirements for Car Rental

To rent a car in Johannesburg, you'll need:

• Passport
• Valid driver's license (Category B)
• Bank card for advance payment during booking; remaining balance can be paid by card or cash (depending on the rental company's terms)

Requirements for driver experience and age may vary depending on the selected vehicle. Check the vehicle details for specific information.

Traffic Regulations

Johannesburg experiences busy traffic, though local driving style tends to be calm. Many intersections lack priority signs. Traffic lights occasionally stop working due to power outages. Traffic follows left-hand drive rules.

Speed limits in the city and surrounding areas:

• Up to 60 km/h within city limits and other populated areas
• Up to 120 km/h on highways, unless signs indicate otherwise
• Up to 100 km/h on public roads outside populated areas

Several major highways are toll roads, and some accept cash only. Toll roads are marked with the letter "N".

Fuel Stations

Most fuel stations in Johannesburg operate with attendant service; self-service stations are less common. Many stations provide additional services, such as tire pressure checks or engine oil top-ups. Shops and cafés typically operate at fuel stations.

Card payments are accepted at nearly every station, with staff bringing the terminal to your vehicle window.

Parking

Johannesburg offers various paid parking options near major shopping centers and government buildings, plus underground car parks. Pricing information appears on display boards, and parking attendants can provide detailed conditions. Both card and cash payments are accepted.

How to Book a Car in Johannesburg

To rent a car in Johannesburg through Localrent:

1. Set rental dates and locations. At the top of the page, mark rental dates and pick-up/drop-off cities. Specify exact start and end times. Daily rate applies; exceeding rental time by even one hour adds another full day's charge.
2. Apply filters. Select vehicles by brand, class, engine power, transmission type, drive system, and engine type. Additional filters allow you to choose insurance types and payment options.
3. Add optional features. Filters enable selection of vehicles with model guarantees, free cancellation, non-credit card payment, and city delivery. Add an additional driver option if someone else will operate the vehicle.
4. Enter driver information. Provide first and last name, email address, phone number, and date of birth. Optionally specify messaging apps available at the provided phone number and an alternative contact number.
5. Review costs. The system immediately displays rental costs, calculating separately for insurance and other optional features, plus advance payment and refundable deposit.
6. Pay 15-20% advance. Bank card required for advance payment; remaining balance can be paid by card or cash when collecting the vehicle (check vehicle details for specific terms).

During booking, filter vehicles by price to find the best budget-friendly option.

Attractions Accessible by Rental Car

Top 5 destinations around Johannesburg:

1. Cradle of Humankind. A World Heritage Site 50 km from Johannesburg. Explore safari experiences, visit the unique "Wonder Cave," and observe wild animals in their natural habitat.
2. Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. Home to rare bird species and over 200 animal species. Beyond wildlife encounters, organize short or extended hiking trails or enjoy picnics.
3. Gold Reef City. An amusement park built on a former gold mining site. Features numerous attractions for children and adults. Descend into underground tunnels for an authentic gold prospector experience. One of South Africa's largest casinos operates on-site.
4. Pilanesberg National Park. One of the most visited tourist destinations. Over 600 square kilometers covered with rare plant species. Wild animals inhabit the park: elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and others.
5. Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park. Located within a private reserve. Admire outdoor sculptures and installations, stroll through gardens, and picnic on the lawns.

Where to Rent a Car in Johannesburg

When choosing where to rent a car in Johannesburg, note that local rental companies offer several vehicle collection points, though availability varies by vehicle model.

Typically, you can collect vehicles:

• Near the rental company office
• At your Johannesburg hotel
• Around O.R. Tambo International Airport
• At the central station
• At other city locations

Use the "Specify location" filter when booking to select a convenient Johannesburg pickup point.

Car Rental Tips

Here are several recommendations to ensure smooth car rental. These tips help avoid unexpected situations throughout your entire rental period from initial booking.

Bring documents when collecting the vehicle

Prepare your passport, driver's license, and voucher for the meeting with the manager, plus the remaining rental cost (payment method depends on rental company and vehicle). Before accepting the car, review contract terms and note any defects on the inspection sheet. After paying the remaining amount, you'll receive the keys.

Prepare for vehicle return

Check the return date in advance and arrive on time. Return the vehicle with the same fuel level specified in the contract. Any fuel shortage must be paid at rates often substantially higher than standard filling station prices.

Contact the manager early if extending rental

If you need more days than originally booked, rental can be extended. Find the rental company's contact details in your voucher and reach out to the manager. Extension is possible if another client hasn't already booked the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions