O.R. Tambo International Airport Parking Costs and Tariffs

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is the busiest airport in Africa, serving as a major hub for domestic, regional, and international travel.

Millions of passengers, including business executives flying to financial centers like London or Dubai, and leisure travelers heading to destinations like Cape Town, Kruger National Park, or connecting to intercontinental flights, utilize its facilities annually.

Navigating parking at such a key airport can be straightforward with the right information. This guide provides detailed insights into the various parking options, rates, and payment procedures at OR Tambo.

OR Tambo Airport Information

• Full Name: OR Tambo International Airport
• IATA Code: JNB
• ICAO Code: FAOR
• Operator: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)
• Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Johannesburg city center.
• Terminals: OR Tambo has two main terminal complexes: Terminal A (International) and Terminal B (Domestic), which are linked.

The airport boasts approximately 11,500 public parking bays spread across various parkades and open-air lots, managed by ACSA. These options cater to different needs, from quick drop-offs to extended stays.

OR Tambo Airport Parking Reservation Options

Travelers have the convenience of pre-booking parking at OR Tambo International Airport.

• Online Pre-booking: ACSA offers an online booking facility on its official website. Additionally, the browsed information indicates that third-party booking applications might offer pre-booking services, potentially with savings and additional benefits like meet-and-greet or valet services for off-site locations.
• Benefits of Pre-booking (as suggested by third-party services):
• Potential savings compared to on-site rates.
• Guaranteed parking space, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Options for valet or meet-and-greet services.
• Secure parking with CCTV monitoring.
• Invoice and confirmation delivered directly to your inbox.
• On-Site Payment: For those who do not pre-book, parking can be paid for on-site using cash or credit/debit cards at entry/exit ticket booths or automated pay stations.

Parking Rates and Fees at OR Tambo International Airport

OR Tambo International Airport offers a variety of on-site parking options managed by ACSA, each with its own tariff structure. Rates are subject to change, so it's always good to verify current pricing. The following rates were noted as of January 2025:

Parkade 1 Basement for Short Stay Parking

Parkade 2 South - Level 3/4 - Drop Off Parking

Parkade 2 South - Level 2 Pick Up Parking

Multi Storey Parkade 2 - Level 2 Long Stay

This parking is suited for travelers leaving their vehicles for several days.

Note: The 4 and 5-day rates for Parkade 2 Long Stay appear unusual in the source data (4 days cheaper than 3, 5 days cheaper than 3). This should be double-checked on the official ACSA site or on-site, as it might be a data anomaly or specific promotional structure.

Multi Storey Parkade 2 - Short Stay Parking at OR Tambo Airport

Multi Storey Parkade 1 - Short Stay Parking at OR Tambo Airport

Bus Deck Parking - Short Stay Parking Rate OR Tambo

This is primarily for buses and larger vehicles.

Lost Tickets: Incur the applicable penalty tariff plus any additional parking costs.

How to Pay for Parking at OR Tambo Airport

The payment process for parking at OR Tambo is designed to be user-friendly:

1. Entry: Upon entering any ACSA parking facility, take a parking ticket from the automated dispenser at the boom gate. Keep this ticket in a safe place.
2. Parking: Find an available bay in your chosen parking area. Note your location for easier retrieval of your vehicle.
3. Payment (Before Returning to Vehicle): Before heading back to your car, you must pay for your parking at one of the clearly marked payment stations. These are typically located within the parkades or near the terminal access points.
• Insert your parking ticket into the automated pay station.
• The machine will calculate the fee based on your duration of stay and the specific parkade's tariff.
• Make the payment using the accepted methods.
• The pay station will validate your ticket for exit.
4. Exit: Drive to the exit boom gate. Insert your validated parking ticket into the slot. The boom will lift, allowing you to exit. There is usually a short grace period (e.g., 15-20 minutes) after payment to exit the parking facility.
   Alternatively, some facilities might have payment booths at the exit where cash or card payments can be made directly to an attendant.

Accepted Payment Methods for OR Tambo Parking

ACSA parking facilities at OR Tambo International Airport typically accept:

• Cash: South African Rands (ZAR).
• Credit Cards: Major credit cards (e.g., Visa, MasterCard).
• Debit Cards: South African bank-issued debit cards.

Automated pay stations will clearly indicate the accepted card types.

Online Payment Methods for OR Tambo Parking

• ACSA Website: For pre-booked parking through the official ACSA website, online payment via credit or debit card is the standard method.
• Third-Party Booking Apps: If using third-party services for pre-booking (often for off-site or valet options), they will have their own secure online payment gateways, typically accepting credit/debit cards.

Parking for International and Domestic Arrivals at OR Tambo

For individuals picking up passengers from either international (Terminal A) or domestic (Terminal B) flights:

• Parkade 2 South - Level 2 Pick Up Parking: This area is specifically designated for pick-ups and offers a free 20-minute period. This is ideal for quick collections once the passenger has cleared customs and baggage claim. After 20 minutes, charges apply (R30 for 21-40 mins, R60 for 41-60 mins, then R80 per hour).
• Short Stay Parkades (e.g., Parkade 1 Basement, Multi Storey Parkade 2 Short Stay): If you anticipate a longer wait or need to assist passengers inside the terminal, these parkades offer convenient access to both Terminal A and Terminal B arrivals halls. Standard short-stay hourly rates apply.
• Drop Off/Pick Up Zones (Curbside): There are designated pick-up zones outside the terminal buildings. However, vehicles left unattended in these zones are likely to be impounded, and a removal/release fee will be charged. Strict adherence to time limits is crucial.

Parking for International and Domestic Departures at OR Tambo

For travelers departing from OR Tambo, various options are available depending on the length of stay and convenience desired:

• Parkade 2 South - Level 3/4 - Drop Off Parking: Offers a free 30-minute period, making it suitable for quick passenger drop-offs for both international and domestic departures. Charges apply if this period is exceeded.
• Short Stay Parkades (e.g., Parkade 1 Basement, Multi Storey Parkade 1 & 2 Short Stay): These are suitable if you need more time for check-in assistance or farewells. They provide covered parking with easy access to Terminal A (International Departures) and Terminal B (Domestic Departures).
• Long Stay Parking (Multi Storey Parkade 2 Level 2 Long Stay): For travelers leaving their vehicles for three days or more, this area offers more economical daily rates. It's connected to the terminals.
• Off-Site Parking Options: Several private companies offer off-site long-stay parking with shuttle services to the airport terminals. These can often be pre-booked and may offer competitive rates.
• Valet and Meet-and-Greet Services: For ultimate convenience, valet or meet-and-greet services can be pre-booked (often through third-party providers), allowing you to drop your car at the terminal and have it parked securely for you.

OR Tambo Airport Parking Map and Layout Navigation

OR Tambo International Airport has 8 car parks within the airport precinct.

• On-Site Signage: The airport is well-signposted. As you approach the airport complex, follow the overhead signs for "Parking" and then for the specific type of parking or terminal you require (e.g., "Short Stay," "Long Stay," "Terminal A Parking," "Terminal B Parking").
• Parking Structure:
• Parkade 1: Located with easy access to the International Terminal (Terminal A) and parts of the Domestic Terminal.
• Parkade 2 South: A large multi-storey structure conveniently situated between Terminal A and Terminal B, offering good access to both, with dedicated levels for pick-up and drop-off.
• Long-Term Parking: Clearly signposted and generally located slightly further from the immediate terminal frontage but still within the airport precinct and often connected via walkways or short shuttle rides if it's a remote lot (though the main long-stay discussed here is within Parkade 2).
• Online Maps: The browsed airport information website features a car parking map showing the locations of these car parks and how they can be accessed. Official ACSA resources would also likely provide such maps. Using online map services (Google Maps, etc.) before your trip can also help visualize the airport layout and parking entrances.

Sources for Parking Info on OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa

• ortambo-airport.com/airport/airport-parking.html