Johannesburg Gauteng, South Africa Travel Guide
Gautrain: This modern, rapid rail system connects O.R. Tambo International Airport with commercial hubs like Sandton and Rosebank, extending to Park Station in the Johannesburg CBD, and further north to Pretoria. The Gautrain offers a safe, clean, and efficient travel experience.
Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): The Rea Vaya system operates buses in reserved lanes along specific corridors. It connects various townships and suburbs to the CBD and other business districts. It endeavors to provide an affordable and scheduled bus service.
Gautrain stations: O.R. Tambo Airport, Sandton, Rosebank, Park Station. Rea Vaya routes link townships to CBD. Park Station is a central hub for numerous services.
Gautrain: Rechargeable 'Gautrain Gold Card'. Rea Vaya: 'Smartcard'. Metrobus: cash or specific cards. Minibus Taxis: cash directly to driver.
Gautrain: Approx. 05:00-21:00 weekdays, shorter weekends. High frequency during peak hours. Rea Vaya: early morning to late evening, varying frequency.
Safe, clean, efficient for inter-district travel.
Affordable, scheduled, but check routes carefully.
Generally not recommended for tourists.
Avoid for tourists due to safety and unpredictability.
Taxis and ride-sharing services offer flexible, point-to-point transportation throughout Johannesburg.
App-based services follow your journey, enhancing safety and transparency.
Customer ratings help maintain service quality and driver accountability.
Seamless payment through the app, reducing the need for cash transactions.
Renting a vehicle offers flexibility for exploring Johannesburg and the surrounding region, but comes with specific requirements and considerations.
Drive on the left. You must wear seatbelts for all. Mobile phone use while driving is illegal.
Speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 100 km/h open roads, 120 km/h highways.
Major highways are generally good. Secondary roads can have varying quality and frequent potholes.
Be be on the lookout for minibus taxis and pedestrians/animals on rural roads.
Paid multi-story car parks at malls/commercial centers offer security. Street parking is challenging/less secure.
Tip informal "car guards" R5-R10.
Exploring Johannesburg on foot or by bicycle offers unique perspectives, especially in certain areas.
Dedicated bicycle infrastructure is limited. Some areas such As sandton Central are developing cycle lanes.
Group guided cycling trips, often led by experienced guides in specific precincts, offer a safer option for exploring by bike.
Avoid walking or cycling alone in high-crime areas.
Johannesburg offers some specialized transport options, mainly for tourism.
Johannesburg is a landlocked city, therefore boat taxis or water transport services are not applicable.
The city does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems.
Hop-on-hop-off bus tours offer a convenient and informative way to experience Johannesburg's attractions.
Johannesburg's transport blend includes modern rail (Gautrain), bus rapid transit (Rea Vaya), and ride-sharing, with private car rental for flexibility. Choosing reputable services and planning routes is important.
For first-time visitors, the Gautrain and ride-sharing apps offer reliable and secure options for moving around the city and to/from the airport.
