Getting Around Pretoria. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Pretoria's public transit offers both rapid rail and bus services, alongside conventional municipal buses. Minibus taxis, while common for locals, are generally not recommended for tourists due to safety and informal operation.

Gautrain: A fast, efficient, and safe rapid rail system. It connects Pretoria's Hatfield, Pretoria Station, and Centurion areas with Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport. This cashless system uses a Gold Card for payments.
A Re Yeng (BRT - Bus Rapid Transit): Pretoria's inner-city bus system seeks efficient public transport on dedicated lanes. It mainly serves routes within the city. This system also uses a cashless smart card.
Tshwane Bus Services (TBS): This conventional municipal bus service covers a wider range of routes within Pretoria and surrounding townships. However, it can be less reliable and slower than the Gautrain or A Re Yeng.

Transit Systems

Gautrain: Fast, safe rapid rail system connecting areas and airport.
A Re Yeng (BRT): Inner-city bus system on dedicated lanes, uses smart card.
Tshwane Bus Services: Conventional municipal buses, wider routes, less reliable.
Minibus Taxis: Common for locals, generally not recommended for tourists.

Route Maps & Hubs

Gautrain: Hatfield, Pretoria Station, Centurion. A Re Yeng: CBD, Hatfield, Arcadia, Sunnyside. Pretoria Station is a central hub for multiple services.

Ticketing & Fares

Gautrain: Reusable Gold Card (R19). A Re Yeng: Connector Card (R20). Both are cashless, distance-based fares. TBS: Cash or multi-trip tickets.

Hours & Frequency

Gautrain: 05:00-21:00 weekdays, reduced weekends. Frequent during peak, less off-peak. A Re Yeng: Similar hours, varying frequency by route.

Accessibility & Efficiency

Accessibility Information

Gautrain stations and trains are wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, lifts, and designated spaces.
A Re Yeng buses are designed for accessibility.
Overall system and connections might still hold challenges for some travelers with mobility needs.

Tips for Navigating Efficiently

Plan your routes in advance using online maps or public transport apps.
Purchase and load your Gautrain Gold Card or A Re Yeng Connector Card upon arrival.
Travel during off-peak hours if possible to avoid crowds.

Public Transportation at a Glance

Gautrain

Fast, reliable, connects to airport and JHB.

A Re Yeng BRT

Efficient inner-city bus routes.

Smart Cards

Gold Card for Gautrain, Connector for BRT.

Planning

Use apps and avoid peak times for comfort.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

For convenience and direct routes, ride-sharing services and taxis are popular choices. These options give flexibility for city movement, especially during non-peak public transport hours or for specific destinations.

Licensed Taxis

Metered taxis are available but less common than ride-sharing apps.
They usually appear white with a yellow taxi sign on top.
Safer to pre-book through your hotel or a reputable taxi company rather than hailing one on the street.
Always confirm the fare before starting your journey to avoid surprises. Fares vary by distance and traffic (R70-R150 for short trips).

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Bolt (formerly Taxify) are widely available, popular, and generally safer and more convenient than metered taxis.
These apps enable cashless payments, provide fare estimates, and offer driver and vehicle tracking for added security.
Always confirm the driver and vehicle details match the information on your app before entering the car.
Designated pick-up points are available at O.R. Tambo International Airport and Gautrain stations.

Safety Considerations

Uber/Bolt are generally safest due to driver tracking and cashless payment.
For metered taxis, use reputable companies or book through your accommodation.
Avoid unmarked or suspicious vehicles.

Minibus Taxis: Not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns, erratic driving, and potential for scams.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing Overview

Convenience

Door-to-door service for direct travel.

Safety

Ride-sharing apps offer tracking and cashless options.

Cost

Fares are based on distance and traffic; confirm upfront.

Rental Options

Consider renting a vehicle for greater flexibility, especially if you plan day trips outside the city. A rental offers freedom to explore at your own pace.

Car Rental Information

Requirements: Valid driver's license, recommended International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, major credit card in driver's name for deposit.
Minimum Age: Usually 21 (some companies 23); drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Major Companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty (at JNB and Pretoria).
Booking: Pre-booking online is recommended, especially during peak season.

Driving Laws & Conditions

Driving side: Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Seatbelts are compulsory for all vehicle occupants.
Speed Limits: Strictly enforced (120 km/h highways, 100 km/h rural, 60 km/h urban).
Alcohol: Strict drunk driving laws. Do not drink and drive.

Additional Rental Considerations

Motorcycle & Scooter

Less common for tourists. Specialized rental companies exist, but generally not recommended for unfamiliar visitors due to traffic conditions.

Not a main tourist option.

Bicycle Rentals

Formal bicycle sharing programs are limited. Some guesthouses or tour operators might offer bicycle rentals for local exploration within specific areas.

Limited availability.

Parking

Paid street parking in CBD and commercial areas. Shopping malls offer ample, secure parking, often with a small fee. Always park in well-lit, secure areas.

Secure parking recommended.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Union Buildings gardens: Excellent area for walking and city views.
Church Square: Pedestrian-friendly for exploring historical buildings.
Brooklyn, Hatfield, Menlyn areas: Good for walking within their commercial and entertainment precincts during the day.

Walking Tours & Cycling Safety

Walking Tour Options: Various operators offer guided walking tours, especially of historical areas. Self-guided walks are possible.
Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety: Bicycle lanes are limited. Cycling is not a main mode of transport for tourists due to traffic and safety concerns. Best to cycle in designated parks or reserves.
No-Go Areas: Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the CBD or less populated areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and use ride-sharing services at night.

Walking & Cycling Safety Reminders

Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar or secluded areas.
Stick to well-lit, busy streets and designated pedestrian zones.
If cycling, use designated paths or areas away from heavy traffic.

Have emergency contacts accessible on your phone.
Avoid openly displaying expensive items or large sums of cash.
Trust your instincts; if an area feels unsafe, leave it.
For evening excursions, use ride-sharing services rather than walking.

Specialized Transportation

Pretoria does not feature unique specialized transportation options like cable cars or funiculars. Your main modes of transport within the city will be public transit, ride-sharing, and walking.

Common Transport Modes

Gautrain for inter-city and airport travel.
A Re Yeng BRT for inner-city routes.
Uber and Bolt for flexible, on-demand trips.
Walking in designated pedestrian-friendly areas.

What Not to Expect

No cable cars or funiculars.
No unique mountain or river-based tourist transport systems.
Limited dedicated cycling infrastructure outside of specific parks.
No significant water-based passenger transport options.

Efficient Movement

Leverage the Gautrain for swift travel between major hubs and to the airport.

On-Demand Options

Utilize ride-sharing apps for convenient door-to-door service within the city.

Explore on Foot

Discover historical sites and botanical gardens at a leisurely pace.

Navigational Strategies

Maximize Your Transit

Plan routes using digital maps and public transport apps.
Acquire transit smart cards for seamless travel.
Travel during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

Safety while Traveling

Remain aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas.
Opt for reputable ride-sharing services or pre-booked taxis.
Avoid unrecommended transport options like informal minibus taxis.

Final Navigation Note

Pretoria is a mix of modern and traditional transport. Your travel experience hinges on selecting the best option for your route and prioritizing safety.

Embrace the city's unique transport rhythms and move confidently through its diverse landscapes.

Getting Around Pretoria