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Getting from Johannesburg Airport to City

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.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
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)
Night time
(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

In general, it is also advised to always prefer taxi companies that offer services at fixed rates. This, will benefit your budget management significantly.
In case you do not prebook a taxi connection in advance, head to the taxi service office to compare options and prices for your trip.

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

Most well known hotels include bus or minivan connections from the airport to the hotel as part of their accommodation package.
It is important to note that petty theft is a common issue in Johannesburg especially in late night public transportation.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

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.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24h before and get a refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€27
NIGHTTIME
€27
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

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.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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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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