Getting Around Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a large, sprawling city built primarily for car travel, so getting around as a visitor requires understanding the various public transport options available. The city has undergone significant development in recent years to improve its public transit networks, though services continue to evolve.
Heavy Rail (Metro-Rail)
Johannesburg operates a heavy rail system run by PRASA, though the network has experienced significant challenges. The system has fallen into disrepair due to years of under-investment, with most of the fleet being over 50 years old. Safety concerns have been raised by both PRASA and the government. A major modernization program is underway, but the routes only cover the southern area of Johannesburg, making this option limited for many visitors.
The Gautrain: Suburban Rail
The Gautrain is Johannesburg's primary modern rail option and is highly recommended for visitors. This commuter rail system was built to serve the northern suburbs that lack heavy rail or metro coverage. It has become a major success and is known for being reliable, efficient, safe, and clean.
Gautrain Routes:
- North-South Line: Connects Hatfield and Pretoria in the north through Centurion, Midrand, Sandton, Marlboro, and Rosebank, ending at Johannesburg Park Station in the city center
- East-West Line: Runs from Sandton through Marlboro and Rhodesfield to O.R. Tambo International Airport
Using the Gautrain: The system operates on a smartcard system where passengers tap in at their starting station and tap out at their destination. The Gautrain also operates a feeder bus system using the same smartcard, with trips costing approximately $0.65. However, feeder bus routes only cover a 5–8 km radius around stations, leaving some areas like Rosebank with limited coverage.
Important Note on Airport Travel: There is an additional surcharge when traveling to or from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Depending on your destination, this surcharge ranges from R155 to R185. You will also need a Gautrain Card (one-time fee of R21) unless you use a contactless bank card or credit card. For groups traveling together, ride-hailing services like Bolt or Uber may be more economical than Gautrain for airport journeys.
Buses
Johannesburg has several bus services operating throughout the city, though they vary in quality and safety.
Metrobus
Metrobus is Johannesburg's primary and largest bus service, operating extensive routes covering most of the metropolitan area. The fleet is in generally good condition, with newer eco-friendly buses steadily replacing older vehicles. Fares are determined by a zonal system, increasing with each zone crossed. Payment is made with cash or a pre-loaded card (which is cheaper than paying cash), with discounts available for scholars and pensioners.
Rea Vaya: Bus Rapid Transit
Johannesburg operates Africa's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, called the Rea Vaya, which means "we are going." This system was designed to provide an affordable, efficient alternative to the minibus taxi industry while avoiding Johannesburg's notorious traffic congestion.
How Rea Vaya Works: The system uses a smartcard payment system where passengers tap in and tap out at their boarding and alighting points. Fares are determined by distance traveled, at approximately R5/$0.4 per kilometer. Trunk and complementary routes operate on their own dedicated lanes, avoiding traffic, while feeder routes operate on regular roads like standard buses.
Safety and Service: Rea Vaya is considered safe and clean, with CCTV cameras and security guards at all stations. The system provides a secure alternative to minibus taxis and has been integrated with nearby taxi ranks, allowing passengers to connect between different transport modes.
Coverage: The trunk route runs from Soweto to central Johannesburg. By the end of 2017, the route extended to Sandton and Rosebank in the north, with further expansion planned to Midrand.
Other Bus Options
Orange Putco buses operate on regular routes and come more frequently than some other services, though they are slightly more expensive. Larger double-decker metro buses operate along major roads like Oxford Street, running through areas including Gandhi Square, Killarney, Rosebank, Illovo, Sandton, Rivonia, and Sunninghill (routes 5C and 5D). Buses may be flagged down on main roads where there are no designated stops.
Minibus Taxis
Minibus taxis are widely available throughout the city, but as a tourist, it is generally not recommended to use them unless accompanied by local people. They can be unsafe for unaccompanied visitors.
Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing services such as Bolt and Uber operate in Johannesburg and can offer competitive pricing, particularly for airport transfers when traveling with others.
Walkability
Johannesburg is a large, spread-out city, making walking between destinations impractical for most journeys. While some areas are more pedestrian-friendly, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when walking, particularly in certain areas of the city center.
Getting from O.R. Tambo International Airport to the City
O.R. Tambo International Airport is located approximately 24 km (15 miles) east of the city center and is the busiest airport in Africa. You have several options for reaching the city:
Gautrain
The Gautrain offers a high-speed rail service with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes from the airport to Sandton. From Sandton or Marlboro stations, you can connect to Pretoria or Park Station in the city center. This is a secure, first-world-quality service with cameras and guards on trains and platforms. Be aware of the additional airport surcharge mentioned above.
Licensed Taxis
Licensed taxis with meters are available at the airport. Exit the building and turn left to find a long line of taxis (mainly Mercedes) with yellow taxi signs on their roof. Tell the driver your destination and insist on using the meter before entering the vehicle. Do not accept offers from individuals approaching you inside the airport building, as these are unlicensed touts who will overcharge you. Many hotels will arrange shuttle pickups if requested in advance.
Ride-Hailing
Ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber are available from the airport and can be competitive in price, especially if traveling with others.
Money Exchange at the Airport
Avoid the many banks and money changers in the arrivals area, as they charge excessive commissions that can reduce what you actually receive by 10% or more. Instead, use ATMs located one floor above arrivals in the retail mall, where you will find better exchange rates.
Central Station: Johannesburg Park Station
Johannesburg Park Station, located on Rissik Street in the city center, is the central transport hub for the city. While the station itself is relatively safe, the surrounding areas may not be. It is best to arrange onward transport before arrival and to ask local people for advice about using other public transport. The Gautrain has a nearby station connected to Park Station via an underground passage, with security (cameras and guards) throughout.