Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport is the main gateway for travellers arriving in South Africa and one of the busiest airports on the African continent. Whether you are visiting Johannesburg for business, beginning a road trip across South Africa, or travelling to nearby provinces, renting a vehicle near the airport is often the most convenient way to start your journey.
Many travellers prefer car hire near OR Tambo Airport because it allows them to collect their vehicle immediately after landing and begin travelling without relying on taxis or rideshare services. The suburbs closest to the airport — Kempton Park, Boksburg, and Germiston — are popular areas where visitors stay, work, or pass through when travelling around Gauteng.
Kenings offers convenient vehicle collection points near the airport, including branches at OR Tambo International Airport and Rhodesfield, making it easy for travellers to pick up a rental car and begin their trip without delay.
Why Rent a Car Near OR Tambo Airport?
Immediate Access to Major Highways
One of the biggest advantages of renting a car near OR Tambo Airport is the easy access to Johannesburg’s major road network. Within minutes of leaving the airport you can connect to key highways such as:
- R24 – linking the airport to Johannesburg’s city centre
- N3 – connecting Johannesburg to Durban and the eastern parts of the country
- N12 – providing access towards Boksburg, Benoni and beyond
These routes make it simple for travellers to move between business districts, suburbs, and other major cities.
Ideal for Business Travellers
Many companies and industrial hubs are located near the airport. Areas such as Kempton Park, Bedfordview, and Germiston are home to logistics companies, warehouses, corporate offices, and conference venues.
Business travellers arriving at OR Tambo often prefer to rent a vehicle immediately so they can travel quickly between meetings, hotels, and offices without relying on external transport.
Easier Than Relying on Taxis or Rideshare
While taxis and rideshare services are available, they can become expensive when travelling longer distances across Johannesburg. Renting a vehicle gives travellers full flexibility to move around the city, visit multiple destinations, and travel on their own schedule.
For many visitors, collecting a rental vehicle directly from the airport is the easiest and most efficient option.
Car Hire in Kempton Park
Kempton Park is the suburb closest to OR Tambo International Airport and is one of the most popular areas for travellers to stay when arriving in Johannesburg.
The area is home to:
- Airport hotels and conference centres
- Business parks and logistics hubs
- Corporate offices and warehouses
Because of its proximity to the airport, Kempton Park is a convenient location for travellers who need quick access to transportation.
Many visitors staying in Kempton Park choose to collect their rental vehicle directly from the OR Tambo International Airport branch or the nearby Rhodesfield branch. This allows them to travel easily between the airport, hotels, and surrounding suburbs.
From Kempton Park, travellers can reach central Johannesburg, Sandton, and Pretoria quickly via the nearby highway network.
Car Rental in Boksburg
Located about 15 to 20 minutes from OR Tambo Airport, Boksburg is another popular area for travellers visiting the eastern side of Johannesburg.
Boksburg offers a mix of residential neighbourhoods, business districts, and shopping centres, including the well-known East Rand Mall, one of the largest retail destinations in the region.
Travellers renting cars in this area often include:
- Visitors staying with family or friends
- Business travellers attending meetings in nearby industrial areas
- Tourists beginning road trips toward Mpumalanga or other eastern regions
Boksburg is also conveniently connected to major highways such as the N12, making it easy to reach Johannesburg’s city centre and surrounding suburbs.
Car Hire in Germiston
Germiston is a major industrial and logistics hub located not far from OR Tambo Airport. The area is closely connected to nearby suburbs such as Bedfordview and has strong transport links across the Gauteng region.
Germiston is well connected through major routes including:
- N3 – connecting Johannesburg to Durban
- N17 – providing access to the southern parts of Gauteng
Because of its industrial activity, Germiston attracts a variety of travellers including:
- Corporate visitors
- Contractors and engineers
- Logistics and supply chain businesses
For these visitors, renting a vehicle near the airport provides convenient access to project sites, offices, and distribution centres across the region.
Best Vehicles to Rent Near OR Tambo
Choosing the right vehicle depends on the purpose of your trip, the number of passengers travelling with you, and the distances you plan to cover.
Compact Cars
Compact vehicles are ideal for travellers who are staying in the city or taking short business trips.
They are easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and well suited for navigating Johannesburg’s busy urban roads.
Popular examples include:
- VW Polo
- Toyota Corolla
These vehicles are particularly suitable for solo travellers, couples, or short business visits.
SUVs
SUVs provide additional comfort, space, and versatility, making them a great choice for families, longer trips, or travellers planning to explore beyond Johannesburg.
SUVs are also ideal for road trips or journeys across South Africa.
Popular options include:
- Toyota Fortuner
- Hyundai Venue
- Kia Sonet
These vehicles offer extra luggage capacity and a comfortable ride for longer distances.
People Carriers
For larger groups travelling together, people carriers are a practical solution. These vehicles provide extra seating capacity and space for luggage, making them ideal for airport transfers, group travel, or family trips.
A popular example is the Toyota Quantum, which is widely used for group transport and shuttle services.
Driving From OR Tambo Airport
OR Tambo International Airport is well positioned for travel across Gauteng and the rest of South Africa.
Some common routes include:
OR Tambo → Sandton
Approximately 20–30 minutes
OR Tambo → Johannesburg CBD
Around 25 minutes
OR Tambo → Pretoria
Approximately 40–50 minutes
OR Tambo → Kruger National Park
Roughly 4–5 hours depending on the route taken.
These travel times make the airport an excellent starting point for both city visits and longer road trips.
Tips for Renting a Car at Johannesburg Airport
If you are planning to rent a vehicle near OR Tambo Airport, a few simple tips can make the process smoother.
Book in advance
Airport rentals are popular, especially during busy travel periods. Booking early helps ensure your preferred vehicle is available.
Choose the right vehicle size
Consider the number of passengers and luggage before selecting a vehicle.
Inspect the vehicle before leaving
Always check the vehicle for any existing marks or damage and ensure they are recorded.
Plan your route before departure
Having a navigation app ready can make it easier to leave the airport and reach your destination quickly.
Why Travellers Choose Kenings
Many travellers choose Kenings for their car rental needs because of the convenience and flexibility offered.
Key advantages include:
- Convenient airport pickup options
- Multiple Johannesburg branches
- A wide range of vehicles to suit different travel needs
- Flexible rental options for both short and long trips
- Suitable solutions for business and leisure travellers
Whether you need a compact car for city travel, an SUV for a longer journey, or a people carrier for group transport, Kenings provides options to match your needs.
Renting a vehicle near OR Tambo International Airport is one of the easiest ways to begin your journey in Johannesburg. With convenient access to major highways and nearby suburbs like Kempton Park, Boksburg, and Germiston, travellers can quickly reach business districts, hotels, and attractions across the region.
Whether you’re visiting Gauteng for business, travelling with family, or starting a road trip across South Africa, car hire near OR Tambo Airport provides the flexibility and convenience needed to explore the country with confidence.
By collecting your vehicle directly from the airport or a nearby branch, you can start your journey immediately and travel at your own pace throughout Johannesburg and beyond.
