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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 pretty limited compared to other cities in the world.

When it comes to travelling from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre, you have three transportation options; taxi, private transfer or train. A ride with a Johannesburg Airport taxi lasts around 20 minutes and the general taxi fare is €30 (ZAR 600). On the other hand, you can take the Gautrain. The service is not direct, taking approximately 40 minutes and costing just €12.85 (ZAR 265).

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 €30 20min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €30 20min 24/7
Train €25.70 40min 05:12–21:14

How to get from Johannesburg Airport to city centre by taxi

Most of the taxis available at O.R Tambo International Airport are operated by private companies. Local taxis are typically white with the company logo on the sides and the typical triangular taxi roof sign on top of the cars, however, they can come in varying colours depending on the.

Taking a taxi from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre costs around €30 (ZAR 600) and the journey takes 20 minutes in regular traffic.

Taxi fare from Johannesburg Airport to city centre

Taxis in Johannesburg usually calculate fares using a taximeter, based on the distance travelled. However, private companies often provide fixed rates depending on your final destination. Plus, most people will try to negotiate a final fare, even for a metered taxi.

Nevertheless, the estimated price for a taxi from O.R. Tambo Airport to Johannesburg is €30 (ZAR 600).

*Keep in mind that you may be charged extra for add-ons such as extra luggage and the type of vehicle.

Cost

€30 (ZAR 600)

Trip Duration

20 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 outside the O.R Tambo International Airport, A and B buildings. Just exit the arrivals hall, and you’ll see the ranks in front of you.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre is by far the most convenient way to travel. Not only does hopping in a taxi allow you to skip queues, crowds and public transport, but the service is door-to-door. So you can be certain that you’ll get from the airport to your hotel quickly and seamlessly.

Editor’s Note

It is highly advised to pre-book a private transfer to your destination in Johannesburg. Otherwise it is quite possible you'll be scammed by the drivers waiting at the airport ranks.

Useful Tips

In general, it is recommended to use taxi companies that offer fixed rates to ensure a good price.
In case you do not book a transfer in advance, head to the taxi service office in the airport to compare options and prices for your trip.
Most Johannesburg taxi drivers now accept credit card payments, just make sure you double-check before getting in.
Tipping taxi drivers in Johannesburg is customary. You can tip 10% of the final fare.

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 limited. Nevertheless, you can catch the Gautrain which connects the airport to the city centre of Johannesburg, however, the service is not direct.

Firstly, you’ll need to catch the “East / West Line and Airport Service” to Sandton Station, taking 14 minutes. From there, you can hop on the “North / South Line” to Park, it’s just two stops and takes less than 8 minutes.

All in all, the trip from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre usually takes around 40 minutes and a one-way ticket costs €12.85 (ZAR 265).

How much is the train from Johannesburg Airport to city centre?

Taking the train to get from O.R. Tambo Airport to Johannesburg City is a solid cheap alternative. Tickets from Johannesburg Airport to Sandton Station cost €10 (ZAR 206) and a ticket for the “North / South Line” to Park costs around €1.85 (ZAR 38).

You’ll also need to purchase a Gautrain card and top it up with the required amount. The cards cost €1 (ZAR 20) and you can top them up at any point throughout your stay.

The total cost of the trip to the centre is approximately €12.85 (ZAR 265).

*Tickets can be purchased from the ticket vending machines located in the airport. They, also accept both cash and Credit/Debit cards.

Cost

€12.85 (ZAR 265)

Trip Duration

40 Min

The waiting time at each station is 20 minutes on average

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Gautrain network is available from 05:12 until 21:14.

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 in the airport can guide you to the appropriate location.

Convenience

Travelling by train to the Johannesburg is a fairly cheap and convenient option. However, the route is not direct, making the trip duration twice as long. If you don’t mind changeover and crowded transport, then it’s a great way to save some money. Otherwise, we recommend taking a taxi or private transfer.

Editor’s Note

Although private bus connections do exist, the overall system lacks substantial information to consider bus connections a viable means of transport.

Useful Tips

Most well-known hotels provide 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 late at night on 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 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% 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 the city center is €30 (ZAR 600). Factors such as traffic and type of vehicle can further affect your final fare. For a competitive price with no hidden fees and an English-speaking driver you can rely on, we recommend booking a private transfer in advance.

How much is a train ticket from Johannesburg Airport to city centre?

Regular one-way train tickets cost €12.85 (ZAR 265) 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 by car or by taxi usually takes around 20 minutes.

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