Johannesburg Airport to City Center
Quick answer: To get from Johannesburg Airport to the city center, the Gautrain is the cheapest option at about $12 (178 ZAR) and roughly 30 minutes. A taxi takes about 40 minutes and costs roughly $40 (600 ZAR), while Uber or Bolt runs around $30–$40 and rental cars start from about $35 per day.
If you don’t plan to stay overnight in or around the terminal after landing, there are several ways to get from the airport into Johannesburg: renting a car, taking a Johannesburg airport taxi, booking an Uber, or arranging hotel or private transportation.
The International Airport is 23 km from the city.
Johannesburg Airport to City Center: Options at a Glance
| Option | Approx. cost | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Gautrain | $12 (178 ZAR) | 30 minutes |
| Taxi | About $40 (600 ZAR) | 40 minutes |
| Uber or Bolt | $30–$40 | Depends on traffic |
| Car rental | $35–$45 per day | 40 minutes |
Getting From Johannesburg Airport to the City: A Closer Look
1. Train (Gautrain)
Johannesburg’s public transport network is limited, but the Gautrain connects stations in Gauteng’s major cities and links them to the airport. It is the most cost-effective way to get from the airport to the city core.
The Gautrain runs every 12–20 minutes between 4:50 am and 10 pm. The airport train takes you to Sandton Station, where you change to continue towards Park Station in the city centre.
2. Johannesburg airport taxi
There is no scheduled airport taxi service at Johannesburg Airport, but there are several cab options to choose from. Many cabs in Johannesburg do not have meters, so if you take one, agree on the price before you leave. It is highly recommended to choose Johannesburg Airport Taxi.
Fares vary by route and time of day. As a guide, a cab from the airport to the city centre has a base fare of $40, plus $0.65 per km.
3. Uber or Bolt
In South Africa, booking rides through mobile apps is a very common choice. It isn’t the cheapest way into the city centre: expect to pay around $30–$40 from the airport.
4. Car rental
Several car rental companies operate at Johannesburg Airport, including Hertz, Avis and Centauro, with prices from $35–$45 per day. The drive takes about 40 minutes.
Renting a car is a good choice if you’re travelling in a group, have a lot of luggage or want to see some of Johannesburg’s sights. Make sure your hotel or Airbnb has parking, as parking in Johannesburg can be difficult.
Which Option Is Best?
- Solo and on a budget: take the train, which costs about $12.
- In a group or wanting more comfort: a pre-arranged airport taxi or private transfer to your accommodation can be good value compared with hailing a cab.
- Planning to explore: rent a car, as long as you have somewhere to park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Johannesburg Airport from the city center?
The International Airport is about 23 km from the city, around 40 minutes by car or taxi.
What is the cheapest way from Johannesburg Airport to the city?
The Gautrain, at about $12 (178 ZAR) and approximately 30 minutes.
What are the Gautrain’s operating hours?
It runs every 12–20 minutes between 4:50 am and 10 pm.
Do Johannesburg taxis use meters?
Many do not, so always agree on the fare before setting off.
Conclusion
Getting from Johannesburg Airport to the city center is straightforward once you know your options. The Gautrain is the budget winner, taxis and ride-hailing apps offer door-to-door convenience, and a rental car gives you freedom to explore. Pick the one that fits your budget, group size and plans.
