Johannesburg Taxis
Getting around Johannesburg by taxi is the easiest option due to limited public transport. Enjoy the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle that offers direct door-to-door service instead of spending your time waiting at bus stops and train stations.
With over 250,000 taxis on the roads and plenty of taxi ranks around the city, you can simply hail one from the street, walk to one of the nearest ranks or order one via one of the available apps. Official taxis are typically yellow and black with a taxi sign on the vehicle’s roof. However, you’ll find that Johannesburg Minibus taxis, which offer space for up to 10 people, are artsier with vibrant designs on them, together with the company logo on the sides.
Most official taxis in Johannesburg use taximeters, although most drivers will try to negotiate the final fare, even for metered taxis. If you prefer a standard fixed price for your journey with no hidden costs, make sure to pre-book your Johannesburg airport transfer in advance.
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How much is a taxi in Johannesburg?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE | 30 € | 30 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM JOHANNESBURG TO SANDTON | 12 € | 12 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM JOHANNESBURG TO PRETORIA | 50 € | 50 € | 45 MIN |
| FROM JOHANNESBURG TO SUN CITY | 140 € | 140 € | 150 MIN |
Johannesburg taxi prices
Taxis in Johannesburg are quite an affordable way to get around. Taxi fares are calculated using taximeters but Johannesburg taxi rates can vary depending on the distance and the time travelled. Remember that it’s usual for the taxi prices in Johannesburg to be negotiated with the driver before you enter the vehicle so the agreed fare should be entered into the running taximeter before departure. The fare remains the same day or night.
That said the taxi fares in Johannesburg are calculated as follows:
Base fare: €3.40 (ZAR 70)
Price per km: €0.45 (ZAR 9.50)
Additional charges:
There may be additional charges for luggage and you may be subjected to an airport fee if you are travelling from there. You will have to pay a little more if your driver waits for you as the waiting time is rated €2.95 (ZAR 60) per waiting hour.
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How to get a taxi in Johannesburg?
While it’s possible to hail a taxi from the street, it’s preferable to get one from the multiple designated taxi ranks in various streets in the city near popular tourist attractions and train stations. The four major taxi ranks in Johannesburg are: Noord Street Taxi Rank, Bree Street Taxi Rank, Wanderers Taxi Rank and Faraday Taxi Rank. Alternatively, use the available ride-hailing apps or a pre-booked Johannesburg taxi service to ensure peace of mind and convenience. If you need to hail a taxi, be sure to use an official company to avoid overcharging.
How to get a taxi from Johannesburg Airport?
You can get an airport taxi at the taxi ranks outside the arrivals area of both Terminals 1 and 2 of Johannesburg Airport. The average taxi cost in Johannesburg is around €17- €23 for a trip from the airport to the city centre.
How to get a taxi from Johannesburg Park Station?
The taxi rank is located outside the station and the taxis will queue along the road surrounding the station’s streets. Follow the signs and you will easily find them. Always double-check that you’ll be travelling with a reputable company and don’t accept rides from unlicensed drivers who may approach you inside the station to prevent being overcharged.
How to get a taxi from Hillbrow Tower?
There isn’t a taxi rank right outside Hillbrow Tower but you can walk to Noord Street which is nearby and is by far the largest and busiest taxi rank of the city. If you feel like it, you can take the long way around and cross Nelson Mandela Bridge before heading to your next destination.
Most popular Johannesburg taxi apps
You can also use apps such as Uber and Bolt to book rides around the city, as an alternative to hailing a taxi on the street or taking one from the ranks.
If you need to be picked up right where you are and don’t wish to walk to the next nearest busy taxi rank or hail one via the apps, choose to get around with a trusted provider like Welcome Pickups. An English-speaking driver will and come pick you up on time and take you to your next destination with a fixed fare.
Useful Johannesburg taxi numbers
If you don’t have an internet connection or don’t want to download more apps on your phone, you can choose to order one by calling an official taxi company. This is a great option if you’re a solo traveller, as you can wait for your taxi indoors. Remember that you might have to wait for a few minutes, especially during rush hour when there’s more traffic on the roads.
Two of the most reputable taxi companies in Johannesburg are Rose Taxis and Maxi Taxi Cabs CC. However, you can only phone them as they don’t provide online booking.
Reputable Johannesburg taxi numbers:
Rose Taxis – +27 (11) 403 0000
Maxi Taxi Cabs CC – +27 (11) 648 1212
Benefits of booking a Johannesburg taxi in advance
There are many options for getting a taxi in Johannesburg you don’t want to walk and wait at the taxi ranks or for taxis to come to pick you up where you are, pre-book your ride with Welcome Pickups. Your driver will be waiting for you at your chosen pickup location and this way you’ll not only save time but also have peace of mind and a seamless ride with an English-speaking driver and a trip tailored to your needs.
Johannesburg taxi tips
- Before beginning your journey, negotiate the fare with your driver and ensure that they have switched on the taximeter, to avoid being overcharged.
- Ensure you only use licensed taxis from Johannesburg Airport. Your driver should have their ID clearly on show at all times.
- There’s no fare increase for taking a Johannesburg Airport taxi at night.
- If you enjoyed your journey, you can tip your driver by adding 10%, which is customary in Johannesburg.
- Always ask for the receipt in case you need to file a complaint or claim a lost item.
- If you want to pay by credit card, we suggest you check it with your driver before starting your ride. You should also carry some cash in the local currency (ZAR) just in case.
- If you think you have been scammed or overcharged, write down your taxi driver’s name, ID number and the number of your taxi to file a complaint with the taxi company afterwards.
- You can pre-book online to ensure you don't ride with an unlicensed driver and aren't surprised by fees at the end of your ride.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Johannesburg
Standard taxis are generally not wheelchair accessible. While some drivers may have space to fold and store a wheelchair, it’s not a guaranteed service. If you need a wheelchair-accessible taxi in Johannesburg you will need to book one via the apps Uber and Bolt which offer accessible vehicle options.
Safety and complaints for taxis in Johannesburg
Although taking an official taxi in Johannesburg is usually very safe, there have been complaints of overcharging due to disagreements about the fare or misunderstandings arising from the language barrier.
If you need to make a complaint, write down your taxi driver’s name, ID number and the number of your taxi and get in touch with the taxi company afterwards. If you have been using Uber or Bolt, contact customer support through the app.