Car Hire Johannesburg Airport

Johannesburg Airport Mini Guide

The Airport
This is the largest and busiest airport in South Africa serving nine million passengers last year. The terminals are divided into international, domestic and in-transit and a new combined terminal is under construction. There is ample parking at the airport but it is being expanded with the construction of a 5,200 space multi-storey car park.

Getting There
Over fifty airlines operate at the airport and it is one of only three airports that fly to all six inhabited continents. You can fly into Johannesburg Airport from many countries such as the UK, UAE, France. Germany and Malaysia.

Onward Travel From the Airport
A new fast transit train began operations in 2010 and takes passengers via ninety trains a day to Sandton in the city. There are five city bus routes run by Metro Bus and Putco that operate from the airport plus several local buses. Private shuttles also operate to the central business district. You should only use the airport approved taxis for personal safety reasons. Ask a door attendant to direct you safely to the correct cab firms if you are unsure.

If you have pre-booked a car, and it is highly recommended to do so, then the companies’ desks can be found in the multi-storey parkade opposite the domestic terminal. At peak times it always pays to send a member of your group through to commence queuing or you may find your stay at the airport longer than expected. Getting to the city is easy from the airport. Take the R24 Airport Freeway to the N3 Eastern Bypass, which will lead onto the R21 which goes into the city centre.

Public Information
There’s a desk in each of the terminals which can answer questions about accommodation, onward travel and general airport enquiries. Be aware that you might be asked to provide identification.

Facilities

• There is a branch of NedBank and Absa on the mezzanine level of the arrivals hall together with four currency exchange offices. After security there is a branch of Absa which can only be used by non-nationals. There are plenty of ATMs around the airport.
• Shopping at Johannesburg is out of this world with top end fashion names like Hugo Boss, Lacoste, and Timberland together with accessory shops like Accessorize. Almost everything else you could wish to buy is available in one of the other thirty or so shops including last minute souvenirs. The duty free shop there sells all manner of alcoholic products together with a range of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco. There’s also an extensive perfumery, cosmetic and gifts section too. 
• There’s a wide range of eateries there including ‘Soaring Eagle Spur’ Steakhouse, Ocean Basket for fish lovers and a range of cafes, snack bars and international take away outlets like Wimpy and KFC.
• The airport has a Wi-Fi hotspot which gives chargeable access to the internet.
• There is an airport medical centre which opens around the clock and which can deal with most medical emergencies. It is found just off the arrivals concourse and is clearly signed.
• Items of lost luggage should be reported to the public information desk.
• A chapel and Muslim prayer rooms are available for worship.

Special Assistance
The airport has done all in its power to smooth the transit of passengers with reduced mobility. Ramps, lifts and wheelchairs are provided and a dedicated member of staff can be on hand if 48 hours’ notice is given.

Johannesburg Airport welcomes millions of passengers to the city each year who go to experience the history and culture of South Africa’s largest city. Whilst there, many hire a car to visit the infamous Soweto Township which was the melting pot of the fight against apartheid.

Others take a trip to the Johannesburg Planetarium, which shows the skies from the southern hemisphere’s perspective. For an entertaining time, others spend a day and evening at Gold Reef City, a spectacular entertainment complex in the city, home to amusements, casinos, restaurants and shops.