Public transport in Johannesburg is certainly not one of the better transport systems. Most of it is geared to serve the workers in the city. The other residents usually use private vehicles. This is an impediment to tourists. Getting from the airport to the hotel is convenient as most hotels have their own shuttle services.
Transportation in Johannesburg will tell you all you need to know about travelling in and around Johannesburg. Use our Johannesburg Destination Guide or click on our South Africa Country Guide or South Africa Transportation pages if you want to know more about travelling to South Africa.
Johannesburg Transportation Guide
Minibuses
An informal sector which runs minibus taxis is available to get you around, although it is not very organized. These buses are known as Zola Budds (after the famed athlete). They have no fixed time of departure and do so when they are full. Newer vehicles are now being introduced to make it more organized. Visitors should, however, avoid vehicles in bad shape as safety is often compromised.
Taxis
Metered taxis are more expensive but definitely better and safer to travel by than the minibuses. You can hire them by phone and they are available at all times. You can also keep them for an entire day. These taxis cannot be hailed on the streets, so make sure that you keep the numbers of taxi services handy. You never know when you may need them. Though the taxis are metered it is advisable to ask the driver the approximate charge before you set out. These taxis can be recognized by the yellow taxi lights on the roof of the car.
Taxi Services
- Rose Taxis (tel: 011 403 0000; website: http://www.rosetaxis.com/)
- Maxi Taxi Cabs (tel: 011 648 1212)
Driving in Johannesburg
You have to drive on the left hand side of the road in South Africa. The road infrastructure is very good so it is a pleasure to drive on these roads. Most gas stations are open 24 hours. The speed limit in the city is 60km/hour. On national highways, urban freeways and other major routes you can touch speeds of 120km/hour, but you need to be careful about animals which may suddenly cross your path, especially in rural areas.
Car Hire
If you are above 23, hold an international driver's licence and have a credit card, hiring a car is probably the most convenient way to travel in Johannesburg. You can take the help of your hotel to select a car rental agency. All major car hire agencies have their booths at the airport. If you are confident about driving on the freeway interchanges in the city then this is the best option for transportation.
Car Rental Agencies
- Avis - (tel: 0861 113 748; website: http://www.avis.co.za/)
- Budget - (tel: 0861 016 622; website: http://www.budget.co.za/)
- Europcar - (tel: 0860 011 344; website: http://www.europcar.co.za/)
- Hertz - (tel: 0861 600 136; website: http://www.hertz.co.za/)
- Tempest - (tel: 0861 836 7378)
Metrobus
These double-decker buses offer a scheduled bus service covering over 100 routes within the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan area. Recently, the Metrobus service has also added a couple of 'five star' luxury buses to their fleet. Tickets can be purchased beforehand at specific kiosks in shopping malls.
Metro Rail
This suburban train service links most of Johannesburg. These are not recommended for visitors because of the thefts and muggings that have happened on these trains.
Ask us for options on car hire which starts from around R245/ day with 200km free mileage for a small air-conditioned car.
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