Cheap Car Rental in Johannesburg from $10

Travel Information

Languages

IsiZulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English

Currency

ZAR

Drive on

Left-hand side

Country code

+27

Average car rental price

$37 per day

Average car rental length

10 days

Speed limit within town

60 km/h or 37 mph

Speed limit out of town

100 - 120 km/h or 62 - 75 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Rating

9.2 / 10

Average gas price

$1.26 per liter or $4.78 per gallon

Lowest gas price

$1.16 per liter or $4.40 per gallon

Highest gas price

$1.36 per liter or $5.17 per gallon

Why rent a car in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg is one of the most impressive urban centers in Africa. From grand history to varied cultural influences and countless landmarks, this city has plenty to offer, but it’s number one attraction is its unique atmosphere. Get a rental car and see as much as you can, and then travel to nearby cities and natural areas!

One-Way Car Rentals in Johannesburg

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Johannesburg and drop off in another city include:

From Johannesburg to Cape Town - 247 offers from $19.68 per day
From Johannesburg to Durban - 219 offers from $19.63 per day
From Johannesburg to Bloemfontein - 89 offers from $19.68 per day
From Johannesburg to Nelspruit - 51 offers from $19.68 per day
From Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth - 89 offers from $19.68 per day

Top ways to enter Johannesburg

Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport. With 21 million travelers served every year, Johannesburg Airport is one of the busiest in Africa. It has domestic air routes, flights to other African countries, and flights to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The airport is about 20 km (12 mi) northeast of the city center.
Johannesburg Lanseria Airport. The smaller of the two international airports serving Johannesburg, Lanseria is 47 km (29 mi) northwest of downtown Johannesburg. As of 2019, the airport only has domestic flights.
Gaborone Airport. Serving the capital of neighboring Botswana, this international airport is just a five-hour drive from Johannesburg. Do keep in mind, however, that you’d be crossing a national border, so first, make sure that your car rental provider permits it.
Durban King Shaka Airport. Located on the Indian Ocean, this international airport serves Durban, South Africa’s third largest metropolis. It is about a six-hour drive east of Johannesburg.
By rail. If you arrive in Johannesburg by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Johannesburg Park Station.

City facts

Although only 957,000 people live in Johannesburg proper, its wider metro region has a population of more than 9 million, making it one of the 50 most populous urban areas in the world. It is also the fourth largest city in Africa, with only Cairo, Lagos, and Kinshasa having a higher population.

Locals sometimes say that Johannesburg is Africa in miniature. Indeed, you can find Somali, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Cameroonian, Sudanese, and many other ethnic neighborhoods in the city, each with their own culture, cuisine, and atmosphere that is fascinating to explore.

Top sights and activities

Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden. There are many beautiful nature reserves near Johannesburg, but even within the city, you can find large green areas. Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is home to such different animals as reptiles, jackals, and beautiful Verreaux eagles. Learn more about the opportunity to visit from the garden’s official website.
The Apartheid Museum. Telling the very important story of South Africa’s recent complicated past, the Apartheid Museum is one of the landmarks of Johannesburg. The museum includes many artifacts, testimonies, pictures, and videos from the victims and survivors of the Apartheid regime.
Origins Centre - The South African Museum of Rock Art. Telling the story not only of South Africans, but, quite possibly, of all humanity, the Origins Center features many unique fossils, artworks, and other artifacts from prehistory. The museum is located on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand, locally known as “Wits”.
The South African Museum of Rock Art. Also known as the Wits Origins Center, this unique museum is dedicated to the different peoples that used to inhabit the area. With a collection of rock art, fossils, stone tools, weapons, and other artifacts, it provides a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that once was. The museum is located on the West campus of the University of Witwatersrand in the Braamfontein area where you can also find a very fun night market taking place every Saturday.
Important: Staying safe. Johannesburg has a reputation for being an unsafe destination, and while it is not entirely undeserved, thousands of visitors come to the city every year and have a great time. That being said, there are some things you can do to minimize any safety risks. When walking down the street, it’s a good idea to avoid flashing valuables and generally try to blend in with the local crowd. Both walking and driving after dark are best avoided, especially outside the city center. Visiting the surrounding townships at any time of the day is only suggested if being accompanied by a local contact.

Traffic and parking

Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120 km/h (74.5 mph) on freeways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on any public road outside of an urban area that is not a freeway, and 60 km/h (37 mph) on any public road within an urban or built-up area.
Plan your route around the city in advance and always ask trustworthy locals for advice. While many parts of Johannesburg are safe, certain areas are not, and you would not want to drive or get stranded in them.
The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% per 100ml of blood and 0.24% per 1000 ml of breath for experienced drivers and is 0.00% for novice drivers. Exceeding the allowed limit can lead to large fines, deportation, or imprisonment.
Proof of insurance and the car’s registration needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.

Toll roads

There are many toll roads in South Africa. However, unlike in most of the world, no payments are made on the highway, neither in cash nor by credit card. Instead, a vehicle is identified either by an electronic tag that is on the vehicle or by the vehicle’s licence plate number.

Many rental cars are equipped with an e-tag that will be used for making toll payments. Some rental car providers will charge an additional fee for this service. Ask your car rental provider about it beforehand.

The exact fee for using the toll roads depends on the type of road. See more information about the latest toll road fees on this website.

If your rental car is not equipped with an e-tag, the bill for using the toll roads will be sent to your car rental provider. Due to delays in the South African toll road system, you could be billed and charged after the end of your rental period.

Ideas for day trips

For more about traveling around South Africa with a rental car, check out our complete guide.

Old Kromdraai Gold Mine. One of the oldest mines in South Africa, gold was extracted in Old Kromdraai before the big gold rush of South Africa began. If you visit, also drive to the nearby Wonder Caves, a truly impressive place that’s believed to be more than 2.2 billion years old. The gold mine is located about 40 minutes northwest of Johannesburg.
Pretoria. One of the three capitals of South Africa, Pretoria is an interesting city to visit, especially if you scratch beneath the surface. Known for its jacaranda-lined avenues, museums, galleries, and a large student population, it is a lively and cultured place with an international feel about it. Pretoria is also home to one of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in the country, and that’s not to mention nature and wilderness preserves on the city’s outskirts. The drive from Johannesburg takes only about an hour.
Lion & Safari Park. Visiting this nature area will let you see lions, as well as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many other animals. It is possible to drive through the lion enclosures, but for safety reasons, make sure that your windows are closed at all times. The Lion Park is about an hour’s drive north of Johannesburg.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. A mouthful to pronounce, but a truly beautiful place, Suikerbosrand is the place to go when you want to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many great hiking trails or spots for picnics and relaxation. The reserve’s inhabitants include aardvarks, kudus, cape foxes, and hyenas. The nature reserve is just a 35-minute drive south of Johannesburg.
Cradle of Humankind. With a similar theme as the Museum of Rock Art, the Cradle of Humankind is an archaeological site where some of the oldest human fossils have been found. Found in the long cave systems of the area, these early inhabitants are estimated to be more than 2.3 million years old. Many of the caves are now open to tourists, and some can even be explored by boat. There is also the Cradle of Mankind Exhibition and Education Center (located in nearby Maropeng), and a rhino and lion nature reserve. Located just some 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Johannesburg, the site can be reached in about one hour.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car type in Johannesburg is mini, followed by economy and compact. The most popular rental car is the Kia Picanto. Travelers also pick the Toyota Corolla and the Ford Figo AMB a lot.

Further destinations

Durban. The third-largest city in South Africa is an interesting place to visit. Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, it is known for the beautiful Golden Mile, surfing, awesome diving (and skydiving), a good number of interesting museums, green areas, and some of the best, Indian-influenced cuisine in all of the country. Located about 570 km (354 miles) southeast of Johannesburg, it can be reached in six hours.
Botswana. A country with perhaps even more impressive wildlife areas than South Africa (largely thanks, perhaps, to its much lower population density), Botswana is a destination you don’t want to miss if you’re in the region. Calm and relaxed, it is best enjoyed at your own pace and with the freedom of your own ride. Botswana’s capital Gaborone is just around a four-and-a-half hour drive northeast of Johannesburg. Keep in mind that you’ll be crossing a national border, so first, ask if your car rental provider permits this. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car in South Africa and pick up another in Botswana. Also, check to see if you require a visa to enter Botswana and the process for obtaining one if so.
Lesotho. A small country surrounded on all sides by South Africa, Lesotho is known as the Kingdom of the Sky thanks to its high altitude. This means that it is also one of the coldest countries of Africa, but the immense hospitality of the locals and the breathtaking views from its mountains more than make up for it. Maseru, Lesotho’s capital, is just a tad more than a four-hour drive south of Johannesburg. Keep in mind that you’ll be crossing a national border, so first, ask if your car rental provider permits it. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car in South Africa and pick up another in Lesotho. It should also be noted that Lesotho’s entry requirements may significantly differ from those of South Africa, so be sure to check if you require a visa or not.
Eswatini. Previously known as Swaziland, the Kingdom of Eswatini is another small and fascinating country bordered only by South Africa and Mozambique. An absolute monarchy, but much more accessible to citizens of most countries than Lesotho or many other African destinations, Swaziland attracts visitors with its unique culture, wildlife areas, and surprisingly diverse nature. Its capital Mbabane is just a four-hour drive west of Johannesburg. Do keep in mind that you’ll be crossing a national border, so first, ask if your car rental provider permits it. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car in South Africa and pick up another in Swaziland. Also, be sure to check the latest visa requirements.

Car rental prices in Johannesburg

Large cars - from $30 per day
Medium cars - from $21 per day
Vans - from $44 per day
Premium cars - from $81 per day
Small cars - from $10 per day
SUVs - from $24 per day

Money-saving and other tips

These are some of the tricks you can try to land a good car rental deal in Johannesburg:

Compare the rates of different rental car providers
Book your rental car well in advance
Plan your route before you go
Know your fuel and mileage requirements
Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Johannesburg is the cheapest in November when renting a car is about 53% cheaper than the yearly average. Come see Johannesburg in South African spring!

Top 20 cities near Johannesburg

Centurion from $17.97 per day

31.6 km / 19.6 miles away
Pretoria from $9.83 per day

43.6 km / 27.1 miles away
Ermelo

179.1 km / 111.3 miles away
Polokwane from $17.45 per day

282.8 km / 175.7 miles away
Nelspruit from $17.74 per day

298.8 km / 185.7 miles away
Bloemfontein from $17.45 per day

380.2 km / 236.2 miles away
Pietermaritzburg from $17.37 per day

444.4 km / 276.1 miles away
Kimberley from $17.45 per day

453.2 km / 281.6 miles away
Richards Bay from $17.52 per day

477.7 km / 296.8 miles away
Durban from $14.90 per day

478.6 km / 297.4 miles away
Sishen

546.3 km / 339.5 miles away
Margate from $22.45 per day

563.6 km / 350.2 miles away
Mthatha from $18.37 per day

603.2 km / 374.8 miles away
East London from $21.46 per day

768.2 km / 477.3 miles away
Port Elizabeth from $17.37 per day

908.4 km / 564.5 miles away
Knysna

1,010.7 km / 628 miles away
George from $18.37 per day

1,040.5 km / 646.5 miles away
Stellenbosch from $18.37 per day

1,251 km / 777.3 miles away
Hermanus from $21.21 per day

1,262 km / 784.2 miles away
Cape Town from $18.32 per day

1,270.9 km / 789.7 miles away

Top 19 locations near Johannesburg

Johannesburg Airport from $21.94 per day
Tambo International Airport from $14.40 per day
Johannesburg Lanseria Airport from $9.83 per day

38.4 km / 23.9 miles away
Pretoria Hatfield from $9.83 per day

43.6 km / 27.1 miles away
Wonderboom Airport from $19.19 per day

53.7 km / 33.4 miles away
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from $17.74 per day

298.8 km / 185.7 miles away
Bloemfontein Airport from $17.74 per day

380.2 km / 236.2 miles away
Kimberley Airport from $17.45 per day

453.2 km / 281.6 miles away
King Shaka International Airport from $14.90 per day

478.6 km / 297.4 miles away
Downtown from $15.89 per day

495.5 km / 307.9 miles away
Sishen Airport

546.3 km / 339.5 miles away
East London Airport from $22.02 per day

768.2 km / 477.3 miles away
Port Elizabeth Rhodes University - Grahamstown from $33.35 per day

815.4 km / 506.7 miles away
Port Elizabeth Airport from $17.37 per day

908.4 km / 564.5 miles away
George Airport from $18.37 per day

1,040.5 km / 646.5 miles away
Cape Town Franschhoek

1,231 km / 764.9 miles away
Cape Town Airport from $18.32 per day

1,270.9 km / 789.7 miles away
Cape Town Victoria & Alfred Waterfront from $19.50 per day

1,279.7 km / 795.2 miles away
Downtown from $18.32 per day

1,280.4 km / 795.6 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Johannesburg?

Car rental prices in Johannesburg vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in Johannesburg

$30.47

January

$34.56

February

$35.48

March

$36.98

April

$38.99

May

$37.91

June

$41.47

July

$40.00

August

$39.66

September

$41.08

October

$34.98

November

$34.85

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in Johannesburg is January (when prices average $30.47 per day). This is 18% cheaper than the yearly average and 27% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $41.47).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Johannesburg?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in July, the average renter keeps their car for 12 days, and in March, they keep their car for 7 days.

Average number of rental days in Johannesburg

10

January

8

February

7

March

8

April

8

May

8

June

12

July

10

August

9

September

10

October

11

November

9

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Johannesburg?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Johannesburg is December, and the least popular is June.

Monthly searches in Johannesburg by pick-up date relative to the average

109%

January

119%

February

119%

March

82%

April

67%

May

65%

June

79%

July

102%

August

103%

September

100%

October

81%

November

174%

December

Car rental information

Car rental locations	14
Airport locations	3
Popular suppliers	First Car Rental, Hertz, Firefly, Carwiz, GreenMotion
Popular car categories	Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Vans
Lowest price	$10 per day
Cheapest supplier	SIXT

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
Firefly	Toyota Agya	5	1	Small cars
First Car Rental	Proton X50	4	2	SUVs
First Car Rental	Suzuki Celerio	5	1	Small cars
Hertz	Suzuki Swift	4	2	Small cars
Firefly	Toyota Corolla Quest	4	2	Medium cars
Carwiz	Renault Kwid	5	1	Small cars
Hertz	Volkswagen Polo	5	1	Small cars
Hertz	Toyota Agya	5	1	Small cars
Hertz	Volkswagen T-Cross	5	2	Medium cars
Firefly	Toyota Corolla Cross	5	3	SUVs

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

SL

South Africa

Hyundai i20

11/30/24

Nothing to tell because I've missed all the events of my first day, including the sightseeing.

EM

Ireland

Suzuki Swift

10/13/24

CF

South Africa

Toyota Corolla

9/20/24

Sun City for a week need I say more

JP

Australia

Volkswagen Polo

4/8/24

Great restaurants for family outings in Howick - great 4x4 day tour up Sani Pass & into Lesotho but obviously NOT in your little hatch back sedan !!!!

BU

South Africa

Renault Kwid

3/15/24

Family visit

MQ

Netherlands

Honda Amaze

2/23/24

Visit Drakensberg!! Beautiful area. If you are in Bloemfontein a visit at the municipal wild park is a must, free entrance.

SS

South Africa

Toyota Agya

2/16/24

Fantastic nature in Crystal Springs. Beautiful views in the entire region.

MM

South Africa

Volkswagen Polo

1/22/24

It was the most fun trip i hve ever took

Photo 2 by Michael M. about renting a Volkswagen Polo in Johannesburg (1/22/24)

JV

Belgium

Toyota Urban Cruiser

1/1/24

The car had no e-tag which made tollgates a nightmare

AR

Israel

Volkswagen T-Cross

12/18/23

Brilliant!

BR

United States of America (USA)

Honda Amaze

12/3/23

it was a short one-day rental for last minute shopping in the suburbs

JP

Rwanda

Hyundai i10

11/4/23

Family

LW

South Africa

Honda Amaze

9/17/23

I got lost, but managed to find my way by GPS.

BC

South Africa

Toyota Corolla Quest

7/27/23

Visit on Johanesburg was great . Spend a nice time in Apartheid museum.

FN

Netherlands

Volkswagen Polo

7/26/23

Went visiting friends after 23 years in kwazulunatal and mpumulanga.

PR

Australia

Nissan Almera

6/8/23

We lost 2 days as we had to obtain a replacement car due to the registration being expired. As we were travelling around this was discovered by a routine police stop on a Sunday in a place called Dundee. This meant we couldn t legally drive till the car was replaced. Very disappointing as the registration on the car should be checked

BC

New Zealand

Nissan Almera

5/29/23

2 Weeks touring the kruger. Saw all the major predictors and many rarer species such as porcupine and bush baby.

AJ

Netherlands

Subaru Forester

5/8/23

Sun City Palace is a real treat!

TL

South Africa

Nissan Micra

3/23/23

was attending to family matters and didn't have time to explore.

PN

Germany

VW Polo

1/18/23

Road trip covering five provinces

SG

United States of America (USA)

Suzuki Celerio

1/11/23

Witsiehoek Lodge in S. Africa was a great Drakensburg hiking base with excellent food and a comfortable central lodge for games, dining, and relaxing. Maliba Lodge in Lesotho was a gorgeous base in a nearly private lush green mountain valley. Both places had such nice and helpful staff. <3

DK

South Africa

Hyundai Grand i10

1/5/23

The car condition was perfect for my journey

RV

United Kingdom

Toyota Rav4

12/27/22

We had a lovely hot summer week in the Kruger National Park and a lovely time at Umdloti in Durban South Africa.

MK

Ireland

Mercedes Benz C Class

12/23/22

I was attending a wonderful wedding. Enjoyed driving in Jozi.

IS

Australia

Kia Picanto

12/8/22

This company is still new ,but have impressed me with their service

CS

United Kingdom

Suzuki Celerio

11/10/22

Photo 3 by Christine S. about renting a Suzuki Celerio in Johannesburg (11/10/22)

Photo 4 by Christine S. about renting a Suzuki Celerio in Johannesburg (11/10/22)

OM

Ireland

Suzuki Celerio

10/30/22

Great country sides, brilliant mountains

MT

Australia

Kia Picanto

10/19/22

I had a great car to rent while in my trip and never had any major problems

PW

Norway

Honda Amaze

9/29/22

Due to an accident on the road,We were delayed on our trip from Johannesburg to Durban.We spent time at the KZN coast/Umhlanga Rocks and had a good time. Unfortunately bathing was prohibited in the ocean due to e-coli bacteria.

RS

Australia

Suzuki Celerio

8/26/22

Overall, a good experience.

EH

Canada

Nissan Qashqai

3/20/22

I would recommend a high clearance vehicle if driving on any off freeway roads as potholes are very bad in places. Also have to be aware of unmarked speed bumps in township areas. Have to be aware of pedestrians and livestock on the roads in rural areas. Lots of bad aggressive drivers that overtake on solid lines and cars with no lights driving around at night. Be aware of speed traps.

AC

Greece

Suzuki Celerio

5/16/21

Everything good, thank you.

DL

South Africa

Kia Picanto

9/19/20

be sure to have waze or google maps on your phone or installed in the car for ease of finding your way around. in Joburg always stick to main routes due to high crime rates; never leave your hire car in the street over night. try to rent the best quality car you can afford and insist that an inspector checks the car with you on site before driving off.

PM

South Africa

Hyundai i10 Grand

8/5/20

You never really get the group car you hire online when you arrive there. It’s really a headache but overall their service is okay and their cars are in good condition.

BM

South Africa

Ford EcoSport

4/1/20

Anytime 😘💕

RV

Switzerland

Ford Ecosport

3/21/20

Brilliant city for a vist with friendly people and great eating

NM

Canada

Toyota Corolla

3/19/20

Renting a car in Joburg is easy as you can access any branch within your area for any kind of service

CJ

Australia

Datsun Go

3/7/20

I visited the Lion Park, SWOETO, Mandela House, Sendton, The King’s Empire mall, stayed in Kempton Park and went to Sun City while in Joburg. I also had the opportunity to get my hair done in the city of Joburg. The trip was spectacular because it was my first time in Africa and SA has been on my bucket list for some time now. I especially enjoyed the Lion Park and my tour around SWOETO up to Beverly Hills and the food and clothing locally made. South Africa 🇿🇦 is beautiful

GC

South Africa

VW Polo Sedan

2/24/20

For a rural vistor is Jhb too crouded,noisy with terrible driver attitudes.

NS

South Africa

Renault Clio

10/22/19

The service was quite prompt and it was easy to access the branch.

WF

South Africa

Toyota Corolla

9/27/19

It was great having my own transport in Johannesburg, the car provided comfort and space. GPS helped us get where we need to be, promptly while driving in Johannesburg and Pretoria. However trying to return the car to the Hertz drop off point, should be programmed into the GPS systems that work underground.

MK

Ireland

Mercedes Benz C Class

6/27/19

Visiting family so all pleasant!

ED

India

Toyota Fortuner

6/18/19

A great place, centrally located which gives good access to numerous tourist attractions around the wider locality.

MK

Australia

Honda BR-V

5/28/19

Johannesburg makes for challenging driving, otherwise trips to the coast and to Kruger Park are to be highly recommended. Stopping at service stations in South Africa is a real treat 😎

PD

United Kingdom

Chevrolet Spark Lite

3/1/19

Beautiful surrounding areas. Stay safe and always communicate with the locals regarding high risk areas, especially at night.

VK

United Kingdom

Toyota Corolla

1/11/19

Johannesburg roads are easy to navigate but always be vigilante. The outskirts near Pretoria have hidden gems such as game sanctuaries and wilderness easy to drive to for day trips with lots of friendly helpful people. Drove from South Africa to Zimbabwe all paperwork to cross over was in order making it an easy passage. beautiful scenery Mussina South Africa to Gwanda Zimbabwe good for the thrill seekers whether hiking or cycling.

CB

United Kingdom

Toyota Corolla

12/7/18

South Africa is a great place to visit, varied and beautiful countryside, I would thoroughly recommend it

NH

United Kingdom

Toyota Avanza

11/7/18

Pilanesberg wonderful Dinokeng ( Pride of Africa, Siyaya Bush Lodge) fantastic

MB

United Kingdom

Toyota Avanza

9/15/18

Driving in Johannesburg is quite daunting as it seems there are no road rules and you have to have your wits about you. Pedestrians run out in front of cars which is scary. We have lived in South Africa and found it tricky to navigate the roads. Hiring a car is the only way to get around though, so grit your teeth and good luck!

EK

Slovenia

Ford Fiesta

7/8/18

Rather hectic to get out of the city. If you're not used to driving on the left sidenof the road, managing this plus the busy roads to get out of the city isn't so easy.