Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and one of the largest in Africa. It is also one of the most driveable, once you understand how it is laid out. The city sprawls across the Highveld plateau with no natural boundaries like a mountain or coastline to give you a fixed reference point, which is what catches first-time visitors off guard. Once you know the main corridors and the logic of how the suburbs connect, it becomes much easier to navigate.
The best way to explore Johannesburg on your own terms is with a rental car from SANI SIXT. SANI SIXT has a branch at OR Tambo International Airport, which means you can collect your vehicle on arrival and head directly to your accommodation without depending on transfers or metered taxis.
Getting your bearings in Johannesburg
Johannesburg does not have a single obvious centre the way Cape Town does. Instead it has a collection of nodes connected by freeways. The old CBD sits in the south. Sandton, the financial district and the city’s commercial heart, sits about 15 kilometres north of the CBD. Rosebank and Melrose sit between the two. The N1 runs east to west across the northern suburbs. The N3 heads south to Durban and east toward the airport. The N14 and N12 connect the western and eastern suburbs.
OR Tambo International Airport sits about 25 kilometres east of Sandton via the N3. Under normal traffic the drive to Sandton or Rosebank takes around 30 to 40 minutes. During morning and evening peak hours on weekdays, allow significantly more time.
Key areas to know
01.
Sandton: The financial and commercial centre of the city, with the Sandton City shopping mall, Nelson Mandela Square, and a dense concentration of hotels, restaurants, and corporate offices. It is the most common base for business and leisure visitors and a logical starting point for exploring the northern suburbs. Parking is well managed in the major precincts.
02.
Rosebank: A walkable suburb between Sandton and the old CBD, with a good mix of restaurants, the Rosebank Mall, and the popular African Craft Market on Sunday mornings. Rosebank has a more relaxed feel than Sandton and is a good area to base yourself if you want easier access to Melville, Parkhurst, and the older northern suburbs.
03.
Soweto: About 25 kilometres southwest of Sandton via the N1 and N12, Soweto is one of the most historically significant urban areas in South Africa. The Soweto guide covers what to see and how to approach the area. Driving yourself gives you flexibility to visit at your own pace, though a guided tour is also a good option for first-time visitors who want context along the way.
04.
The Cradle of Humankind: About 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg via the N14, the Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important palaeontological sites in the world. It is an easy half-day drive from the city and a good first outing to get comfortable behind the wheel before tackling the inner city routes.
05.
Pretoria: South Africa’s administrative capital sits about 55 kilometres north of Sandton on the N1. It is an easy day trip from Johannesburg and a city worth seeing in its own right. The Pretoria historical landmarks guide and the self-guided heritage tour are both worth reading before you go. The drive on the N1 takes around 45 minutes outside of peak hours.
06.
Magaliesberg: About 90 minutes west of Johannesburg on the R24 and R104, the Magaliesberg mountain range offers a complete contrast to the city. The area is popular for hot air ballooning, hiking, and weekend retreats. It is one of the best day trip or overnight options from Johannesburg for visitors who want to get out of the urban environment quickly.
Driving tips for first-time visitors to Johannesburg
South Africans drive on the left. Johannesburg has well-maintained freeways but traffic can be heavy during peak hours, particularly on the N1, N3, and M1 between 07:00 and 09:00 and again between 16:00 and 18:30 on weekdays. A few things worth knowing:
- Use GPS navigation for all city driving. Johannesburg’s suburb layout is not intuitive for first-time visitors and road names change between areas
- At four-way stops, the first car to arrive goes first. If two cars arrive simultaneously, the car to the right has priority. Four-way stops are extremely common throughout the city
- Park in secured, guarded parking at shopping centres, hotels, and major attractions. Avoid leaving valuables visible in a parked car
- Petrol stations are plentiful throughout the city and along all freeways. Fuel is dispensed by an attendant, not self-service. A small tip for the attendant is customary
More to explore in and around Johannesburg
- The Best Road Trip Destinations in Gauteng
- Top Weekend Getaways from Johannesburg
- Hidden Escapes Near Johannesburg: Self-Drive Day Trips for Nature Lovers
- The Most Beautiful Game Reserves in Gauteng
Start your Johannesburg trip with SANI SIXT
SANI SIXT at OR Tambo International Airport makes collection straightforward on arrival. There is also a branch in Sandton if you are already in the city and need to pick up a vehicle during your stay. With a wide range of vehicles, flexible rental periods, and optional extras including insurance and additional drivers, SANI SIXT has everything you need to get moving from the moment you land. And with our value-first promise, “Rent First Class. Pay Economy,” you get a premium experience without the premium price tag.
