When arriving in Johannesburg, you have several options for getting to the city. The choice depends on your budget, schedule, and comfort preferences. This guide will help you navigate the transfer options so you can get from the airport to your accommodation or the city center seamlessly.
Official taxi ranks are usually located at the airport exits, clearly marked. It is advisable to book a taxi directly from the rank to avoid unauthorized providers. It is worth agreeing on the estimated fare with the taxi driver before starting your journey. The journey to Johannesburg city center can take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic. The taxi cost can range from approximately 20–40 EUR.
Private transfers can be pre-booked, and a driver will meet you at the airport, usually holding a sign with your name on it. The meeting point will be agreed upon during booking. It is important to confirm the driver's name and vehicle type before getting in. Private transfers are comfortable and reliable, but are generally more expensive than taxis. The price is usually fixed and determined at the time of booking. The journey to the city center can take about 30–60 minutes, and the cost can be between 40–80 EUR.
Shared transfers and minibuses are a cost-effective solution, especially if you are traveling alone or in a small group. These vehicles carry multiple passengers, so the waiting time may be longer as they need to stop at multiple accommodations. Shared transfers usually depart from the airport at scheduled times and drop off passengers in the city center or near hotels. The cost is around 15–30 EUR, and the journey time can vary between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.
You can also reach the city from Johannesburg Airport by public transport. The Gautrain is a high-speed train that connects the airport to the city center. The train takes about 15 minutes to reach Sandton Station, from where you can continue by bus or taxi to your final destination. Buses are also available, but the journey time may be longer due to traffic. Public transport is the cheapest solution, but its comfort and flexibility may be limited. The train ticket price is around 10–15 EUR, and the bus ticket is 5–10 EUR.
| Mode of Transport | Duration (approx.) | Price (EUR, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 30 minutes – 1 hour | 20 – 40 |
| Private Transfer | 30 minutes – 60 minutes | 40 – 80 |
| Shared Transfer | 45 minutes – 1.5 hours | 15 – 30 |
| Gautrain (train) | 15 minutes (to Sandton) + onward travel | 10 – 15 |
| Bus | 60 minutes – 90 minutes | 5 – 10 |
The above times and prices may vary depending on traffic conditions and the season.
Popular destinations from O.R. Tambo International Airport: Johannesburg city center, Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria and Soweto.
Official taxi ranks are located at the airport exits, clearly marked.
Yes, it is worth pre-booking a private transfer to ensure your place and avoid waiting.
A shared transfer carries multiple passengers, so it is cheaper, but the journey time may be longer. A private transfer is private and faster, but more expensive.
The Gautrain takes about 15 minutes to reach Sandton Station, from where you need to continue to your final destination.
Taxis usually accept both cash and bank cards.
The driver will usually be waiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it.
It is worth agreeing on the estimated fare before starting your journey.
Public transport, especially the Gautrain, is the cheapest solution.
The cost of the transfer can be affected by the distance, the chosen mode of transport, traffic and the season.
You can get to Soweto by taxi, private transfer or public transport (bus).
Always use an official taxi rank and agree on the fare before starting.