R2.5k Parking Bill at OR Tambo? Here’s How to Dodge Sky-High Airport Fees

TikTok exposes a parking pain point, but there are smarter, cheaper ways to park when flying in SA

We’ve all been there: a quick airport drop-off turns into a coffee, then a chat, then you blink—and you’re R200 into a short-stay parking fee. But what happens when it really gets out of hand? One TikTok user found out the hard way when he was slapped with a R2,500 bill after parking for 10 days at OR Tambo International Airport.

@drthomasmukala1

♬ Risas – Victor Beatrd

The video, posted by @drthomasmukala1, quickly went viral, turning his steep charge into a nationwide debate about airport parking in South Africa. The comments section? Absolute gold.

@Rita: “Next time come and park at my house, I also need this money.”
@Monareng_Monareng: “Check the vehicle that has just parked, wait for an hour, then use its vehicle details to pay for lost ticket.”
@Patrick Henrique: “OR Tambo parking lot makes more money than the actual flights.”

Sure, some of these comments were tongue-in-cheek, but the frustration is real—and widespread.

Airport parking: daylight robbery or poor planning?

The truth is, airport parking in South Africa can sneak up on even the savviest of travellers. Whether it’s OR Tambo, Cape Town International, or King Shaka, leaving your car at the airport for several days without a plan can cost you more than a budget flight to Durban.

One local confessed to pretending they had lost their ticket just to avoid paying the full amount. “I sold my ‘lost ticket’ story with a flustered face,” they admitted. “Ended up paying way less than I should have.” Risky? Absolutely. Worth it? Debatable.

But before you try your own dodgy move, here’s what you actually should be doing.

Smart Ways to Save on Airport Parking in South Africa

1. Pre-Book via the ACSA App

If you’re flying from Cape Town International or OR Tambo, ACSA’s mobile app lets you book long-stay parking in advance—with discounts of up to 60%. It’s legit, easy, and much cheaper than showing up unannounced.

2. Use Off-Site Parking Services in Durban

At King Shaka, use ParkVia.com to book off-site parking. These services often include a meet-and-greet or shuttle to the terminal, at a fraction of the cost of airport parking.

How Much Should You Really Be Paying?

Here’s a quick breakdown of current parking rates at South Africa’s major airports:

OR Tambo (Johannesburg)

Short-Term (Parkade 1 Basement):

• 3–4 hours: R80

• 12–24 hours: R230

Long-Term (Valet-style):

• 5 days: R495

• 10 days: R715 (vs R2,500 if you don’t pre-book!)

Cape Town International

Short-Stay (P4):

• 1 hour: R18

• 24 hours: R160

Long-Stay (P5):

• 1–4 days: R150/day

• 5+ days: R65/day

King Shaka (Durban)

Long-Term:

• 0–5 days: R310

• After 5 days: R62/day

Central Drop-Off Zone:

• 0–30 min: Free

• 2–3 hours: R55

• 12–24 hours: R210

Tips to Avoid the Burn

• Set a reminder when you park—so you’re not surprised by how long you’ve stayed.

• Avoid short-stay zones for anything over 2 hours.

• Consider e-hailing or getting dropped off for short trips.

• Use alternative lots nearby with shuttle options—especially for longer stays.

We all love a good travel hack, but sometimes the real cheat code is just being better informed. South Africa’s airport parking options aren’t great—but with tools like the ACSA app and off-site booking platforms, you don’t have to end your holiday with a financial gut-punch.

So next time you head to the airport, skip the drama—and the TikTok fame and plan your parking like a pro.

{Source: IOL}

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