Find the Best Car Hire Rate at OR Tambo
Compare rates from all major rental companies at OR Tambo in one search. Pre-booking online saves 40–60% versus walk-up counter prices.
Powered by RentalCars.com — comparing Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Bidvest, Woodford, Thrifty, Tempest and more at OR Tambo Airport.
💡 Top Booking Tips
What You Need to Hire a Car at OR Tambo
All car hire companies at OR Tambo have the same core documentation requirements. Having these ready before you reach the counter significantly speeds up the collection process — especially valuable after a long international flight.
✅ Required Documents
- ✓Valid driver's licence (South African or foreign)
- ✓International Driving Permit (IDP) if licence not in English
- ✓Valid passport or South African ID document
- ✓Credit card in the primary renter's name
- ✓Booking confirmation (email or printed)
- ✓Proof of return or onward travel (recommended)
📋 Key Rules & Restrictions
- →Minimum age: 23 years (surcharge for 18–22)
- →Maximum age: 75 years at most companies
- →Credit card hold: R3,000–R25,000 by vehicle class
- →Cross-border travel requires advance written permission
- →One-way rentals to Cape Town and Durban available
- →Fuel policy: most use full-to-full
Popular Road Trips from OR Tambo
South Africa is a road-trip country. These are the most popular self-drive routes starting from OR Tambo. Always book unlimited mileage for any route over 200 km.
| Destination | Distance | Driving Time | Highlights | Recommended Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kruger National Park (Phalaborwa) | 470 km | 4–5 hrs | Big Five wildlife, bush sunsets | 4x4 or high clearance |
| Cape Town (N1 Garden Route) | 1,402 km | 14–16 hrs | Karoo, Huguenot Tunnel, Winelands | Any — unlimited km essential |
| Durban (N3) | 565 km | 5–6 hrs | Drakensberg foothills, uKhahlamba | Any sedan or SUV |
| Pretoria (N1 / R21) | 48 km | 45 min | Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument | Any vehicle |
| Sun City (R24) | 180 km | 2 hrs | Casino resort, water park, wildlife | Any vehicle |
| Pilanesberg NP | 185 km | 2 hrs | Big Five, malaria-free | High clearance preferred |
| Clarens & Golden Gate | 280 km | 3 hrs | Free State highlands, art galleries | Any — winter snow possible |
| Blyde River Canyon | 370 km | 4 hrs | Panorama Route, Three Rondavels | Any vehicle |
Car Hire at OR Tambo — FAQs
You need a valid driver's licence, your passport or SA ID, a credit card in your name, and booking confirmation. Foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most companies require a credit card. Bidvest and Tempest may accept debit cards with additional documentation and a larger cash deposit. Always confirm when booking as policies can change.
The standard minimum age is 23 years. Drivers aged 18–22 pay a young driver surcharge of R50–R100/day at select companies. Maximum age is 75 at most rental companies. Luxury vehicles typically have a higher minimum age requirement of 25 years.
Yes, but you must arrange written cross-border permission in advance — this cannot be done at the counter on collection day. Countries typically permitted include Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. Additional daily fees of R50–R150 apply. Not all companies permit cross-border travel, so confirm at booking.
All 10 car hire desks are inside the terminal buildings — in the International Arrivals Hall (Avis, Hertz, Bidvest, Woodford, Tempest, Capital) and the Domestic Arrivals Hall (Europcar, First, Thrifty, Select). Vehicles are collected from the adjacent secure car parks via a short covered walkway. No need to leave the building first.