Springs

Introduction

Springs is a former independent city that now forms part of the City of Ekurhuleni, in Gauteng Province. It sits in the east of Johannesburg, roughly 50 km from that city and about 72 km southeast of Pretoria, at an elevation of some 1,628 m above sea level.

The name most likely comes from the many springs found in the area. If you are travelling through this part of Gauteng, expect a high-lying inland setting within the wider Ekurhuleni metropolitan area rather than a stand-alone city.

Getting around

Springs is a car-oriented town, and public transport is dominated by minibus taxis, with commuter rail linking it into the wider Gauteng network. There is no metro or tram system. Metrorail, the commuter division of PRASA, includes Springs in its Gauteng network, which also serves Germiston, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sebokeng and Soweto, so you are connected to the wider conurbation rather than an isolated local line. Fares are distance-based, and first-class carriages are branded MetroPlus. Treat Metrorail's online information with caution, as its website is often outdated or offline, and confirm details locally. Springs is not on the Gautrain system, but that private service is the fastest and most predictable rail option if your trip involves Johannesburg, Pretoria or O.R. Tambo International Airport; fares are banded by distance and by peak versus off-peak travel, with weekly and monthly passes available, and a Gautrain Card balance can be checked through the GauRider app.

Minibus taxis are the backbone of everyday movement in and around Springs, running frequently with waits of only a couple of minutes and covering extensive route networks. Fares are paid in cash, many are low, and you flag a taxi down using hand signals; drivers are often aggressive, so be assertive but calm when boarding. Without local knowledge of routes and hand signals the system can be confusing, so ask your accommodation or a trusted local to point you to the right rank and route. Metered taxis are rarely flagged down on the street; use taxi stands near transport hubs, hotels, central business districts and malls, or phone a company directly, and avoid non-metered taxis or negotiate the fare in advance. Ride-hailing apps operating in South Africa include Bolt, inDrive and Orange Cabs, generally the most straightforward door-to-door option. Walking is not the primary way people get around, so plan to use a vehicle, taxi or ride-hailing service for most trips. From O.R. Tambo International Airport, take the Gautrain into the Gauteng network and transfer to a Metrorail service or minibus taxi for the final leg, book a ride-hailing vehicle directly, or use an airport taxi stand or phone a company in advance and confirm the fare before departure. Because official operator information can be outdated, confirm your route and connections on arrival, and consider the GauRider or Moving Gauteng apps to plan the Gauteng portion of your journey.

Three days in Springs

Day one: Base yourself in Springs and get your bearings in the City of Ekurhuleni, in Gauteng Province. It sits within easy reach of Johannesburg and Pretoria, so you can arrive via OR Tambo International Airport and connect onward. If you are relying on public transport, Metrorail and PRASA services link Springs with Germiston, Sebokeng and Soweto, and fares are low; MetroPlus and the Gautrain are other options, with the Gautrain Card and GauRider useful for the latter. Treat Metrorail as a daytime option and keep your plans flexible.

Day two: Move around Gauteng by minibus taxi, metered taxi or ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Orange Cabs. Without your own car, metered taxis and apps give you more control, while minibus taxis are the cheapest way to cover ground. Walking is fine for short hops, but distances between towns mean you will mostly ride. From Springs you can reach Johannesburg or Pretoria for the day, then return in the evening.

Day three: Use the day to explore Springs and the wider Ekurhuleni area at an easier pace, then plan your onward trip. Because moving around Gauteng takes time, allow a buffer if you are heading back to OR Tambo International Airport or catching a Gautrain connection. If you have time left, a short trip to Germiston or Soweto rounds out the region before you leave South Africa.