Getting Around Centurion
Centurion sits between Pretoria and Johannesburg, which makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider Gauteng region. The city's public transport is built around the Gautrain rapid rail system, supported by buses, minibus taxis, and ride-hailing services. This guide covers the practical options for moving around and reaching the city from the airport.
Rail: The Gautrain
The backbone of public transport in Centurion is the Gautrain, a high-speed rail service running between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Centurion has its own station on the line, making rail a fast and reliable way to travel between the two major cities without dealing with road traffic.
- Centurion railway station is the city's stop on the Gautrain network.
- The line connects Johannesburg and Pretoria, with Centurion in between.
- Arriving from OR Tambo International Airport by train is possible, but requires a change at Marlboro station.
For a visitor, the Gautrain is the most straightforward way to move between Centurion and the larger cities on either side. Tickets and passes are available through the Gautrain system; buy them at the station before boarding.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Beyond the rail line, Centurion is served by bus services that complement the Gautrain network. These are useful for shorter trips within the city and for reaching areas not directly on the rail line. For visitors, buses are a practical option for local movement, though schedules and routes are best checked locally on arrival.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Minibus taxis are a common and widely used form of transport across South Africa, and Centurion is no exception. They are an affordable way to get around, particularly for routes that buses and trains do not cover. Ride-hailing services are also available and offer a convenient, door-to-door option, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local taxi routes.
- Minibus taxis: affordable and widely used; best for short, local trips.
- Ride-hailing: convenient and easy to book; a good choice for airport transfers or when carrying luggage.
Walkability
Centurion is a spread-out city, and walking is generally practical only for short distances within specific areas, such as around the railway station or within a neighbourhood. For most trips between districts, a vehicle or public transport will be necessary. Visitors should plan to combine walking with rail, bus, or taxi travel rather than relying on foot for the whole journey.
Getting from the Airport into Centurion
The main airport serving Centurion is OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. There are two practical ways to reach the city:
- By train: Take the Gautrain from OR Tambo and change at Marlboro station to reach Centurion. This avoids road traffic and connects directly to the rail network.
- By road: Drive or take a ride from OR Tambo using the R21 motorway, which links the airport to Centurion.
If you are coming from Pretoria instead, the R101 motorway provides a direct road route into Centurion.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Use the Gautrain for fast, reliable travel between Centurion, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.
- Buy your train ticket or pass at the station before boarding.
- For airport transfers, choose between the Gautrain (with a change at Marlboro) or a road transfer via the R21.
- Rely on ride-hailing or minibus taxis for local trips that the rail and bus networks do not cover.
- Plan for the city's spread-out layout; walking works for short distances, but not for crossing the city.