Africa > South Africa > Johannesburg (JNB)
The Car or no Car advice for Johannesburg can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Johannesburg ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Johannesburg ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Johannesburg?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Johannesburg is a city of contrasts—gleaming new developments sit alongside deep history, and its neighbourhoods are widely spread out. Unlike compact European capitals, Joburg wasn’t built for walking or public transport—it was built for driving.
✅ In almost all cases, you should rent a car in Johannesburg.
🚫 Going car-free is only realistic if you stay in one area with private transfers.
Let’s break down exactly why.
🚗 Why You Should Rent a Car in Johannesburg
Johannesburg covers a large geographic area, and most attractions are located in different suburbs. Public transport is limited, and buses or trains don’t reach key sightseeing or business areas efficiently.
🚘 Renting a Car Gives You:
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Freedom to explore neighbourhoods like Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose Arch, and Maboneng
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Direct access to attractions such as the Apartheid Museum, Constitutional Hill, and Soweto
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Control over your schedule without waiting for transfers
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Better safety as you stay in your own secure vehicle rather than standing at stops or walking long distances
➡ Joburg is a car city. Locals drive everywhere, and travellers gain safety, convenience, and flexibility with a rental car.
🚫 When You Can Skip the Car
Although renting a car is recommended, there are scenarios where you can go car-free:
You Can Rely on Transfers or Uber If You:
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Stay in a high-end hotel in Sandton or Rosebank
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Use hotel shuttles or private drivers
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Book guided tours for sightseeing
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Don’t plan to move around much independently
🚉 You can also use the Gautrain (airport rail link) to reach Sandton quickly and safely, but it doesn’t serve most tourist destinations.
🛑 Walking around outside of central, secured areas is not advisable due to safety and distance.
🧭 Quick Decision Table
| Your Travel Style | Car Needed? |
|---|---|
| Business stay in Sandton only | ❌ No (Uber OK) |
| Staying in a resort or with arranged transfers | ❌ No |
| Exploring museums, markets, Soweto, suburbs | ✅ Yes |
| Visiting friends/family around the city | ✅ Yes |
| Starting a self-drive safari or road trip | ✅ Yes |
| Planning a long stay or Airbnb stay | ✅ Yes |
🎯 Final Verdict
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🚗 Yes, rent a car if you want to explore Johannesburg properly. It’s the safest, fastest, and most practical way to move around the city.
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🚫 Skip the car only if you’re limiting your stay to one secure district and relying entirely on taxis, Uber, or private transfers.
🌍 Johannesburg rewards independence and mobility. A car gives you both.
