© Sebastian Hermanns - All Rights Reserved - last modified 2008-08-14 5:14 PM
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Getting to and from Oliver Tambo International Airport

There are different ways to get to and from the aiport. If you need to get from the airport to your accommodation it is always advisable to call them and ask for a pick-up (from home/where you are coming from). Some hostels have a free pick-up service, some others charge you.
If you want to take a metred taxi, go to the taxi rank located just outside the arrivals area.
The journey to the centre of Johannesburg should take 30 to 45 minutes.
See tra:mag Southern African highlighs Kruger NP If you want to get to the Kruger National Park straight from the airport.

 

Minibus taxis

Minibus taxis are probably the most convenient and most used public transport in South Africa. They are normally Japanese buses (Mitsubishi or Toyota). Dominant characteristics are loud music (everything from hiphop to eurodance), big stickers on their cars like “I am the fastest” and too many passengers already in the bus when you try to get in. But they are cheap and bring you almost everywhere you want to go to.
Minibuses in Johannesburg are covering the whole city. You stop them by hailing or by pointing your index finger into the air. But keep in mind - the use of the taxi system for anything other than a short drive requires an expert knowledge of the lore of hand signs indicating which taxi is travelling where, and an understanding of the various routes and how they intersect.

Rates: can't mention any rates because they are always changing – but taking the minibus is always, beside taking the train, the cheapest way of travelling in Johannesburg

Problems: most of the minibus drivers tend to feel like Michael Schumacher as soon as they are in their car. They driving style can be quite dangerous…
Especially when the minibuses are very crowded, pickpockets can be around. So always mind your stuff and don't show your jewelleries around…

Contacts: they are loads of different companies in Johannesburg – just pick the most reliable looking minibus and you are fine… Click here for a list of taxi ranks in the city.

 

Bus Service

The city's bus service used to be the centre of Johannesburg's pubilc transport, but nowadays the minibus taxis took over this position. In a tourist point of view the bus service almost not existing, but due to the World Cup 2010 preparations the Metrobus service will constantly improve.

Contacts: See their website www.joburgmetrobus.co.za or phone them (011) 833 5538.

 

 

Metered Taxis

Metered Taxis are the most expensive but also the safest way of travelling through Johannesburg. Especially at night taking a taxi is the only decision to make. Always have a look that the drivers name and identification is clearly on display.
You can't hail a taxi in the streets – they have taxi ranks or you phone them.

Rates: most expensive public transport in Johannesburg– but still quite reasonable

Problems: none – just check if it's a real/official metered taxi or not. All taxis are regulated by the City of Johannesburg.

Contact: ask at your hostel/hotel for a number or, when you are in a pub/bar/restaurant, ask the staff there – they call the taxi for you. Or contact AA MetroCab and book your taxi online!

 

Johannesburg (Wits) Metro Rail

The Johannesburg Metro Rail is covering only the older areas in the city's south. None of the Northern areas of Johannesburg, such as Sandton, Midrand, Randburg or Rosebank have any rail infrastructure.

Rates: depending on the class you choose more or less expensive… still cheap prices.

Problems: The trains can get quite crowded in the rush-hour and can become a little unsafe during this time… 1 st class is probably the safest option. Don't take the trains at night.

Contact: See Wits Metrorail for timetables and the route plan. Or phone them under 0800 1270 70 (all hours)