Welcome / Johannesburg / Johannesburg Airport to City Centre

Getting from Johannesburg Airport to City

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer - 40+ countries and counting | MSc Wildlife Conservation Biology

September 4, 2024

Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, is the largest airport in Africa, handling over 15 million passengers per year. However, the public transportation system is relatively limited compared to other cities in the world.

When considering your Johannesburg Airport transfer to the city, you have three transport options; taxi, private transfer or train. A ride with a Johannesburg Airport taxi lasts around 30 minutes and the typical taxi fare is €30 (ZAR 600). A private transfer also provides a direct door-to-door service, however, there are extra benefits included such as fixed pricing and a meeting on arrival.

While taxis are quite affordable, you may prefer to take public transport if you’re travelling solo in which case your only option is the Gautrain. The service isn’t direct which means you’ll need to go via Sandton Station to connect to the city centre. All up the combined train journey is 22 minutes, not including wait or transfer times, and costs just €12.65 (ZAR 250).

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.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€30	20min	24/7
Private Transfer	€30	30min	24/7
Train	€25.30	40min	05:12–21:14

How to get from the airport to Johannesburg by taxi

Travelling by taxi from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre is quick and easy and if you’re arriving at night, much safer. Most of the taxis available at O.R Tambo International Airport are operated by private companies. Taxis come in varying colours depending on the company although they should all bear the typical triangular taxi roof sign. The most common colour, however, is black and yellow. To get downtown, the journey should take 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

*Minibus taxis are also very common in Johannesburg. These white taxis are often painted with the South African flag colours and operate along set routes for set prices. If possible, these should be avoided as regular taxis are much safer for tourists.

How much is a taxi from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre?

Official Johannesburg taxis calculate their 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. If you’re not comfortable with this, simply request that the driver stick to the meter.

Nevertheless, the estimated cost of a taxi from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre is €30 (ZAR 600). Keep in mind that you may be charged extra for add-ons such as additional luggage and larger vehicles.

Cost

€30

Trip Duration

30 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 can I catch a taxi from?

There are two taxi ranks available at Johannesburg Airport located outside the Terminal A and B buildings. Just exit the Arrivals Hall (or follow the signs), and you’ll see the taxis lined up right outside.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre is by far the most convenient way to travel when using public transport. Not only does hopping in a taxi allow you to skip the crowds on the train, but the service is door-to-door. This way you can be certain that you’ll get from the airport to your hotel quickly and safely, especially at night when walking from the train station isn’t recommended.

Editor’s Note

To avoid being scammed by drivers waiting at the airport ranks, we recommend pre-booking a private transfer to your destination in Johannesburg.

Useful Tips

It's better to use taxi companies that offer fixed rates to ensure a good price.

If you haven't booked a transfer in advance, head to the taxi service desk 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. Tipping 10% of the final fare is considered reasonable.

How to get from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre by private transfer

If you’re after convenience and value for money – especially for groups and families – then the best way to travel from Johannesburg Airport to the city is to take a private transfer. Welcome Pickups specialises in providing personalised transfer services with guaranteed fixed rates and on-time pickups so that every trip starts off on its best foot.

You’ll be treated to an airport meet-and-greet with a local English-speaking driver who’ll be monitoring your flight for any delays to make sure they are right on time. They’ll even give you a mini tour of Joburg on the way to your accommodation and share their best tips and tricks for this bustling city. On top of that, our customer support team will be on hand 24/7 to help with any queries.

How much does a private transfer cost?

A major benefit of using a private transfer service is the transparency around pricing. When travelling from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre by taxi the price isn’t known until the end of the journey, plus it can increase depending on the route taken and how much traffic is on the road.

The price you receive when booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups is inclusive of all costs, ensuring there are no hidden surprises on the day. Furthermore, your ride will be paid for in advance so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or stressing about whether your driver will accept a credit card.

From Johannesburg Airport to the city centre, you’ll pay €30 for a comfortable sedan that can seat up to 4 passengers. If you need more space, €45 is the rate for a minivan which can accommodate up to 7 passengers with luggage.

Cost

€30

Trip Duration

30 Min.

When booked in advance your private transfer will be waiting on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available from Johannesburg Airport 24/7.

Where do I meet my private transfer?

After landing at Johannesburg Airport and collecting any baggage, make your way past Customs through to the Arrivals Hall. There you will find your friendly Welcome driver waiting to escort you to your pre-selected private vehicle. To help you recognise them, they’ll be holding a sign with your name, plus you will have been sent their details the day before, including a recent photo.

Convenience

Not only do private transfers offer a fully customisable trip but if you’re travelling with more than two people, they’re cheaper than both the train and a regular taxi. Why wait in line or bother with crowds and the hassle of lugging your baggage around when you can sit back and relax in the comfort of your own private vehicle.

Editor’s Note

Bookings can be made in less than a minute via the Welcome Pickups website or app; simply enter your personal details, flight information and pick-up time and date.

Useful Tips

Extra requests like baby seats, minivans and accessible vehicles can be made at the time of booking.

The suggested pick-up time is 30 minutes after your plane's scheduled arrival.

Your driver will speak English so there's no need to worry about a language barrier.

How to get from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre by train

Despite the sheer number of travellers the airport hosts every day, public transport from Johannesburg Airport to the city is limited. However, the Gautrain service bridges this gap by providing an affordable option, although the journey requires at least one transfer.

Firstly, you’ll need to catch the ‘East / West Line’ towards Sandton Station which takes 14 minutes. Once there, change to the ‘North / South Line’ towards Park Station; it’s just two stops and takes 8 minutes.

All up, the trip from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre usually takes around 40 minutes, including wait and transfer times.

*There currently isn’t a bus from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre that offers a reliable and regular service for tourists.

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

Taking the train from O.R. Tambo Airport to Johannesburg City is a great budget option, especially for solo travellers. The total cost of a ticket from Johannesburg Airport through to Park Station costs €11.65 (ZAR 230).

In order to purchase a ticket you’ll need to buy 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. Gautrain cards can be purchased from the ticket vending machines located in the airport using cash or a credit/debit card.

Cost

€12.65

Trip Duration

40 Min.

The average waiting time at each station is 20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Gautrain network is available between 05:12 and 21:14 from the airport and 05:06 and 21:20 from Sandton.

Where do I catch the train from?

The airport train station is on the International Departures level, accessible by lifts and escalators from the Arrivals Hall. Signs throughout the airport can guide you to the appropriate location.

Convenience

Travelling by train to Johannesburg is a fairly cheap and convenient option. Furthermore, despite the route not being direct, the trip is sometimes quicker than a taxi due to traffic congestion.

That being said, the train can become very crowded and transferring from one train to another with luggage can be a hassle. While it is a great way to save some money a pre-booked private transfer offers a safer and stress-free alternative.

Timetables

Gautrain Schedule

Johannesburg Airport - Park Station

Editor’s Note

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

Useful Tips

A minimum amount of €1.80 (ZAR 36) needs to be loaded onto your Gautrain card to use it.

Most well-known hotels provide bus or minivan connections from the airport to the hotel as part of their accommodation package.

It's important to note that petty theft is a common issue in Johannesburg, especially late at night on public transport.

All platforms and trains are wheelchair-accessible.

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.

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

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

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Johannesburg Airport to the city?

To get from Johannesburg Airport you can either take a taxi, private transfer or the local train. Despite the train only taking 22 minutes, it involves at least one transfer and waiting around in between services which means it often ends up taking 40 minutes or more.

An airport taxi or private transfer is quicker and more direct, providing door-to-door service in about 30 minutes under light traffic conditions.

How much is a taxi from Johannesburg Airport to city centre?

The average taxi price from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre is €30 (ZAR 600). Factors such as traffic and type of vehicle can further add to 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 with Welcome Pickups.

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

Regular one-way train tickets cost €12.85 (ZAR 265) for adults, which includes the purchase of a Gautrain reloadable card. Tickets can be purchased from the airport ticket vending machines.

How far is Johannesburg Airport from the city?

The total distance from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre is 34 km. The total trip by car or taxi usually takes around 30 minutes.

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The best way to arrive in Johannesburg

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Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from the airport to Johannesburg by taxi

How much is a taxi from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre?

Cost

€30

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at O.R Tambo Airport are available 24/7 throughout the year.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre by private transfer

How much does a private transfer cost?

Cost

€30

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available from Johannesburg Airport 24/7.

Where do I meet my private transfer?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Johannesburg Airport to the city centre by train

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

Cost

€12.65

Trip Duration

40 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Gautrain network is available between 05:12 and 21:14 from the airport and 05:06 and 21:20 from Sandton.

Where do I catch the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

Gautrain Schedule

Johannesburg Airport - Park Station

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Johannesburg Airport to the city?

How much is a taxi from Johannesburg Airport to city centre?

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

How far is Johannesburg Airport from the city?

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The best way to arrive in Johannesburg

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