City in Gauteng, South Africa
Getting around Johannesburg
How to get around Johannesburg
Gautrain is safe and fast between OR Tambo, Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria. Everything else is by Uber or Bolt; buses and minibus taxis are not recommended for visitors.
Ways to get around Johannesburg
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Gautrain | R20–R230 depending on distance | Park-and-ride lines; Sandton to Rosebank is a short hop |
| Uber / Bolt | R70–R140 for 5 km | Main way around; traffic is heavy at rush hour |
| Gautrain bus | About R20–R40 | Feeder routes from stations with a Gautrain card |
| Rea Vaya BRT | About R15–R30 | Runs through the core; mainly for commuters, daytime only |
Ride-hailing apps in Johannesburg
A 5 km ride costs about R70–140 ($4.2–8.4).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Most dependable, with safety tools |
| Bolt | Cheaper on many routes |
| inDrive | Negotiated fares; fewer drivers |
- Use apps even for short trips. Metered taxis are few; minibus taxis are informal and unsuited to visitors.
Arriving in Johannesburg
OR Tambo International (JNB)
Gautrain to Sandton about R190–R230, 15 min (the fastest); Uber to Sandton R300–R450, 25–40 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not recommended; fast traffic and high theft risk. Rent a car or use Uber.
- Driving: on the left. Licences in English with a photo are accepted; otherwise carry an IDP. Rental firms may still ask for one.
- Onward travel in South Africa: Cheap domestic flights (FlySafair, Airlink) cover long distances; Intercape buses and the Baz Bus link cities, and most visitors rent a car for the Garden Route and Kruger.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Johannesburg?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Bolt, inDrive.
What's the best way to get around Johannesburg?
Gautrain is safe and fast between OR Tambo, Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria. Everything else is by Uber or Bolt; buses and minibus taxis are not recommended for visitors.
How do I get from the airport to Johannesburg?
Gautrain to Sandton about R190–R230, 15 min (the fastest); Uber to Sandton R300–R450, 25–40 min.
Is Johannesburg walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Johannesburg
Going to Johannesburg solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.