Pick up your vehicle at OR Tambo International after landing and drive straight to your destination.
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is located in Kempton Park, 20 km east of Sandton and about 30 km from Johannesburg CBD. The airport has two main terminals: Terminal A for domestic flights and Terminal B for international arrivals. After you clear customs or collect your luggage, rental desks and meet-and-greet staff wait in the arrivals hall. This page focuses on collecting your car directly at the airport terminal, which saves time if you need to drive out immediately after landing.
Airport collection differs from city pickup. Here you meet the rental company representative right after your flight, show your voucher and documents, then sign the agreement and drive off within 30 minutes. If you prefer to collect in Johannesburg itself - at Sandton, Rosebank or another suburb - visit the city page. Airport pickup suits travellers heading straight to Pretoria, Kruger, Durban or other destinations without staying in Johannesburg overnight.
We work with local rental companies operating desks and meet-and-greet services at JNB. Your voucher will list the exact meeting point, contact number and instructions. Always provide your flight number when booking so the company can track delays and adjust the handover time. Cars available here include economy hatchbacks for solo trips, SUVs for families and 4x4 pickups for guests driving to gravel reserves or mountain routes.
The process from landing to driving out of the car park takes about 30 to 50 minutes, depending on immigration queues and paperwork speed. Follow these steps to collect your vehicle smoothly.
After your flight lands, collect baggage and pass through customs. International passengers exit via Terminal B arrivals, domestic via Terminal A. Both terminals have rental desks in the arrivals hall.
Check your voucher for the meeting point: either a desk in the arrivals hall or a representative holding a sign with your name. In the booking widget above, use the "Specify location" field and select Johannesburg Airport to see available vehicles and exact pickup instructions for each car.
Present your driving licence, the voucher and payment card for the balance. The agent will walk you through the rental agreement, note any existing damage on the form and explain the fuel policy. Check tyres, lights and interior before signing.
The company will direct you to the car park level or bay. Load your luggage, adjust mirrors and seat, then exit onto Airport Road. Follow signs for R21 north to Pretoria, south to Johannesburg or west to the N3 and N12 highways.
OR Tambo sits at a highway crossroads. Exit the airport onto Airport Road, then join the R21 or R24 depending on your destination. E-toll gantries operate on the R21 and most Gauteng freeways, so confirm toll arrangements with the rental company before you leave.
The fleet at JNB includes economy hatchbacks, family SUVs, long-distance crossovers and 4x4 pickups. Each vehicle comes with its own deposit and payment requirements, listed during the booking process. The table below shows examples of models you might find.
| Model | Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Renault Kwid | Economy hatchback | Solo travellers, short city trips |
| Suzuki Celerio | Economy hatchback | Budget airport shuttle, light luggage |
| Toyota Starlet | Compact sedan | Couples, highway drives to Pretoria |
| Suzuki Swift | Compact hatchback | City and suburban errands |
| Honda Jazz | Compact hatchback | Flexible boot space, urban parking |
| Toyota Vitz | Compact hatchback | Reliable short-distance rental |
| Toyota Corolla | Mid-size sedan | Business trips, longer highway routes |
| Suzuki Ertiga | Compact MPV | Small families, three-row seating |
| Toyota Rumion | Compact MPV | Group travel, extra luggage |
| Honda BR-V | Compact SUV | Families, moderate gravel access |
| Haval Jolion | Compact SUV | Modern tech, comfortable ride |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | Compact crossover | Higher ground clearance, tar and light gravel |
| Nissan X-Trail | Mid-size SUV | Families, long-distance comfort |
| Honda CR-V | Mid-size SUV | Highway cruising, spacious cabin |
| Haval H6 | Mid-size SUV | Affordable seven-seater option |
| Toyota Rav4 | Mid-size SUV | Reliable, good boot space |
| Toyota Fortuner | Large SUV | Kruger trips, rough gravel roads |
| Ford Everest | Large SUV | Seven seats, off-tar capability |
| Hyundai Staria | Passenger van | Groups, airport shuttle for eight |
| Ford Ranger | 4x4 pickup | Heavy luggage, mountain passes |
| Great Wall Poer | 4x4 pickup | Budget 4WD, farm tracks |
These models are examples. The actual choice depends on availability at your dates and the specific rental company operating at the airport. Use the booking widget to see live inventory, exact payment terms and vehicle features for your travel window.
A few practical notes will help you collect and return the car without confusion. Johannesburg Airport is busy, so plan extra time for traffic and parking.
Some cars at JNB are available without a deposit block and without requiring a credit card. These terms vary by vehicle and rental company, so check each listing carefully in the search results.
In the booking widget, every car shows its deposit and payment requirements in the details panel. Look for "No deposit required" or "Debit card accepted" tags. No-deposit means the company will not place a hold on your card at pickup. An excess or damage waiver still applies if the car is damaged; the absence of a deposit block and the excess amount are independent terms. Not all vehicles qualify, and availability changes with season and demand.
When you book, you pay a booking advance by card on our site. The remaining balance is due when you collect the car at the airport. Payment methods for the balance - debit card, cash or credit card - depend on the specific vehicle and appear in your voucher. For details on how the advance and balance work, see our payment and advance page. If you do not have a credit card and the car accepts debit, make sure your card limit covers any potential holds the company may place.
Common questions about collecting and returning a car at OR Tambo International.
Yes, selected cars at JNB accept debit cards or cash for the balance payment. Each vehicle listing in the booking widget states its payment requirements. Enter your dates and pick "Johannesburg Airport" in the location field to see which cars allow debit or cash. An online booking advance is always required by card.
Your voucher will specify the meeting point: either a desk in the arrivals hall of Terminal A or B, or a meet-and-greet representative holding a sign with your name near the exit. Provide your flight number when booking so the company can track your arrival and adjust for delays.
From landing to driving out usually takes 30 to 50 minutes. This includes clearing immigration, meeting the agent, signing the agreement, inspecting the car and loading luggage. Peak-hour traffic on the R21 can add another 20 minutes if you are heading toward Johannesburg or Pretoria.
The R21 and most Gauteng freeways have e-toll gantries. Some rental companies include toll billing in the agreement, while others require you to register your own e-tag or pay afterward online. Confirm the arrangement with the agent at pickup and keep toll receipts if you pay manually.
Yes, the route from JNB to Kruger via the N12 and N4 is fully tarred, and any car can make the trip. If you plan to explore gravel roads inside the park or drive to private reserves on dirt tracks, choose an SUV or 4x4 pickup. Confirm with the company that off-tar driving is allowed under the agreement.
Provide your flight number when you book. The rental company monitors arrivals and waits for you if the delay is reasonable. For long delays beyond two hours, email the contact in your voucher with your new estimated arrival time. Most companies will hold the car or arrange a later handover at no extra cost.
Search live availability now, compare payment terms for each car and book the one that fits your route and budget. Meet your rental company in the arrivals hall and drive out within the hour.