O.R Tambo International Airport is the largest airport in Africa, handling over 15 million passengers per year. Yet the general transportation system is considered very poor compared to other advanced cities in the world. The airport mainly offers private taxi connections and a train network to the centre of the city. A ride with a Johannesburg airport taxi last around 40 minutes and the general taxi fare is €38 (600ZAR). On the other hand, the metro system needs 20 minutes on average for the same trip and a one-way ticket costs €10.50 (170ZAR).
Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Johannesburg at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.- Nothing Found
Getting from Johannesburg Airport to City
Welcome PickupsNovember 29, 2019
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Pickups | €27 | 40min | 24/7 | Book |
| Book | ||||
| Taxi | €38 | 40min | 24/7 | |
| Train | €21 | 20min | 04:50–21:20 | |
How to get from Johannesburg airport to city centre by taxi
Since most of the taxis available at O.R Tambo International Airport are operated by private companies, the colour pattern varies accordingly. However, the general norm is to have a white vehicle with the company logo on the sides and the typical triangular taxi roof sign on top of the cars. Most companies charge around €38 (600ZAR) to the centre of the city and the journey takes 40 minutes on regular traffic.
Taxi fare from Johannesburg airport to city centre
Due to the privatized taxi industry in the city, taxi companies charge in various ways such as; metered, fixed, by destination and add-ons (luggage, type of vehicle, initial charge). Overall, the average expected price form the airport to the centre of the city is €38 (600ZAR).
Taxi prices
Day time
(05:00–24:00)
(05:00–24:00)
Night time
(00:00–05:00)
(00:00–05:00)
Duration
FROM JNB TO CITY CENTRE
€38
€38
40 min
FROM JNB TO HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE
€38
€38
40 min
Cost
€38
Trip Duration
40 Min.
*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Taxis at O.R Tambo airport are available 24/7 throughout the year
Where do I get it from?
The taxi rank can be found just outside of the O.R Tambo International Airport, A and B buildings. Leaving the arrivals hall, just head outside to locate the rank.
Convenience
Despite the fact that a private taxi vehicle is the safest and most comfortable choice of travel to the centre of Johannesburg, it is also slower than the alternative train network, due to traffic. As a result metered taxis, tend to generate most of the tariff waiting in traffic.
Editor’s Note
It is highly advised to prebook a private taxi connection to your destination in Johannesburg. Otherwise it is quite possible to be scammed by the drivers waiting at the airport ranks.
Useful Tips
How to get from Johannesburg airport to city centre by train
Despite the sheer number of travellers the airport hosts every day, public transportation options are also little to none. The Gautrain is the main train connection to the city centre of Johannesburg through a connecting stop at Sandton station. The overall trip usually lasts 20 minutes and a one-way ticket costs €10.50 (170ZAR).
How much is the train from Johannesburg airport to city centre?
Travellers only need a single one-way ticket for both train networks (Yellow and Red Line). The ticket currently costs €10.50 (170ZAR) and it can be purchased from the ticket vending machines located in the airport. They, also accept both cash and Credit/Debit cards.
Cost
€10.50
Trip Duration
20 Min.
The waiting time at each station is 20 minutes on average
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The Gautrain network is available from 04:50 am until 21:20 pm
Where do I get it from?
The airport train station is on the International Departures level, accessible by lifts and escalators from the arrivals hall. Signs along the airport can guide you to the appropriate location.
Convenience
In general, the train option is considered the most practical mean of transportation to the centre of Johannesburg and other popular destinations. On average, train trips including the connecting stop are 10 to 15 minute faster than car transfers.
Editor’s Note
Although private bus connections do exist, the overall system lacks substantial information to consider bus connections a viable mean of transport.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Johannesburg. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
Read morePrices
DAYTIME
€27NIGHTTIME
€27 Same price as a regular taxi from the line
PRICES FOR
Sedan Car
4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage
Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Johannesburg airport to city centre?
The average taxi fare from Johannesburg airport to city centre is €38. Factors, such as traffic and type of vehicle can further affect the taxi fares.
How much is a train ticket from Johannesburg airport to city centre?
Regular one-way train tickets cost €10.50 for adults. Tickets can be purchased from the airport ticket vending machines.
How far is it from Johannesburg airport to the city centre?
The total distance from Johannesburg airport to the city centre is 34 km. The total trip with a car usually takes around 40 minutes.
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