EUROPCAR Car Rental at Johannesburg Airport

Johannesburg O.R Tambo International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world, and the largest in terms of passenger numbers on the African continent. The airport can be found nearby the city center of Johannesburg, in the Kempton Park area. It was formerly known as Jan Smuts Airport, as well as Johannesburg International Airport, but received its current and official name in 2006, in honour of Oliver Reginald Tambo, a past President of the South African National Congress. Johannesburg has much to offer its visitors and local residents, and most people find the easiest way to explore the region is by motor vehicle. For this reason, many passengers arriving at O.R Tambo Airport hire a car, from car rental companies at the airport such as Europcar. Europcar is well known as having one of the largest car rental networks in the world, and offer their customers a wide range of quality vehicles.

Europcar at O.R Tambo International Airport, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be found in the multi-storey car parking area opposite the domestic terminal. The airport has six terminals, which can be mainly divided into areas for international passengers and domestic passengers. Johannesburg’s airport was also recently upgraded and expanded, for the expected increase in passenger traffic during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for which South Africa received hosting rights. A new central terminal was built for all check-in processes at the airport, and a new international pier was added, which significantly increased the capacity of the airport. Arriving passengers can go directly to the car rental counters of Europcar in order to arrange their transport, or can visit Europcar’s website, and make an advanced reservation (www.europcar.co.za).

An online booking is the easiest way to secure your ideal hired car, and is also convenient for reserving additional items of equipment for your journey. At this rental location, GPS units are available, but should be booked as early as possible, as they are subject to availability. A satellite navigation system is certainly worth the few extra Rand, as it is a great source of assistance if you are unfamiliar with the Johannesburg region. They also come pre-programmed with thousands of points of interest, which are useful when you need to find the nearest petrol station, shopping center, tourist attraction, pharmacy, hotel, restaurant, place of business, etc.

Europcar, at their Johannesburg Airport rental location, has a wide range of vehicles that are all divided into various car categories. Smaller cars, which are ideal for driving in the city, can be hired from the Economy and Compact categories, and may include vehicles such as the Kia Picanto, Hyundai Atos, Renault Sandero, Chevrolet Aveo and Toyota Corolla. These vehicles generally seat up to four passengers, and have a manual transmission. Although they are light on fuel and come with excellent rental prices, their downfall is that they don’t offer much room for luggage. Families planning on driving longer distances may need a slightly larger vehicle.

Intermediate vehicles such as the Honda Civic are nice family sized vehicles, as well as those classed as an SUV, such as the Hyundai Tuscon. However, Europcar also offers a range of extra-large vehicles known as people carriers. Some of these vans seat up to ten passengers, like the Toyota Quantum, while others seat eight people, for example, the Hyundai H1. These types of vehicles are ideal for groups of travelers who would like to hire just one vehicle for their journey in South Africa. A 4x4 Double Cab such as the Toyota Hilux is available, as well as Premium vehicle, which are more stylish and elegant than ordinary vehicles for hire. Companies such as Mercedes and BMW usually manufacture premium and Luxury vehicles.

South Africans and foreign renters are usually required to be at least 21 years of age, and to have held a valid drivers license in their country of residence for three years prior to the rental date. Younger drivers are often required to pay a slightly higher rental rate, due to ‘young drivers insurance’, and this may be applicable to renters between the ages of 21 and 25. Younger drivers are also sometimes not permitted to hire certain larger or specialty type vehicles. A major credit card is required for the payment of the rental period, and Luxury and people carriers will need two major credit cards for their rental. The only person who is able to drive the hired car is the primary renter who signed the rental agreement, unless an additional driver is registered. Additional drivers should meet the same requirements as the primary renter.

In South Africa, Europcar operates a vehicle fleet of over 16,000 vehicles, at over 120 locations across eight countries. Europcar’s vehicles are of the highest quality, and are all subjected to a 30-point quality check prior to each rental. Most of Europcar’s vehicles also come with safety features such as ABS braking, airbags and protective window film. Customers will have access to 24-hour emergency assistance with every car rental.

Europcar, at O.R Tambo International Airport, will be happy to provide any further information required, and can be contacted by using the details listed below.

Address: Johannesburg International Airport
Kempton Park, Gauteng
1620 Johannesburg
South Africa

Telephone Number: +27 (11) 390-3909

Fax Number: +27 86 673 6171