Gautrain
Gautrain: Gauteng's modern rapid rail network connecting Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo Airport with speed and comfort.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the rush hour
Gautrain
Best Time
Beat the rush hour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gautrain: Gauteng's modern rapid rail network connecting Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo Airport with speed and comfort.
"Commuting via Gautrain is a world-class experience – clean, safe, and incredibly convenient!"
💳 Get a Gautrain Card
Essential for travel! Buy and load a card at any station for seamless boarding.
⏰ Check Schedules
Always verify train times online or via the app, especially for airport routes.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 3,989 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Johannesburg to Pretoria Route
Main Line
A swift and comfortable journey connecting two major cities, perfect for day trips or business.
OR Tambo International Airport Link
Airport Station
The fastest and most convenient way to reach the airport from Sandton or the city center.
Park Station Hub
Johannesburg Park Station
A central point for many journeys, offering connections and a glimpse into the city's transport network.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Get Your Gautrain Card First
Plan Your Trip & Check Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💳 Get a Gautrain Card
Essential for travel! Buy and load a card at any station for seamless boarding.
⏰ Check Schedules
Always verify train times online or via the app, especially for airport routes.
✈️ Airport Travel
Fastest way to OR Tambo Airport from Sandton/city. Takes ~15 mins from Sandton.
💰 Fare Information
Fares vary by distance. Check prices online for your specific route.
Tips
from all over the internet
💳 Get a Gautrain Card
Essential for travel! Buy and load a card at any station for seamless boarding.
⏰ Check Schedules
Always verify train times online or via the app, especially for airport routes.
✈️ Airport Travel
Fastest way to OR Tambo Airport from Sandton/city. Takes ~15 mins from Sandton.
💰 Fare Information
Fares vary by distance. Check prices online for your specific route.
🔒 Safety First
Feel safe with attentive security personnel and clean carriages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers frequently praise the Gautrain for its world-class service, cleanliness, safety, and convenience, especially for airport transfers and inter-city travel. The efficient system and friendly staff are often highlighted as major positives. However, some users note that it can get very crowded during peak hours and that its network coverage could be more extensive.
"Most definitely for people on the move, we arrived on time with my family.
Loved every minute of it, enjoyed the ride."
Kitso Modiakgotla
"The staff was friendly. It was my first time using the Gautrain and you wouldn't even tell cause they made sure to explain and make me understand how things work."
Lesedi Tshoma
"I use the Gautrain twice a week and I must say the service is good, the staff on the ground is friendly and professional. They spot you from far when you are chewing a gum and approach you with respect that it’s not allowed inside. 😅"
nthabeleng mathabatha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gautrain stations are accessible via road and some are integrated with local bus services. For example, the Gautrain Bus service connects to various points within cities.
Yes, many travelers consider the Gautrain the fastest and most convenient option to reach OR Tambo International Airport from Sandton or Johannesburg city center, with journeys often taking around 15 minutes from Sandton.
Absolutely! The Gautrain offers a direct and efficient service between Johannesburg Park Station and Pretoria, making it a popular choice for inter-city travel. +1
The primary routes connect Johannesburg (Park Station, Rosebank, Marlboro) to Pretoria, and also link to OR Tambo International Airport. +1
Yes, many users report feeling safe on the Gautrain due to attentive security personnel and clean carriages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a Gautrain card to travel. Purchase a card at any station and load it with funds. This is the primary method of payment.
Gautrain prices vary depending on the distance traveled. You can find specific fare information on the Gautrain website or by checking the fare calculator at the station. A trip from Pretoria to Johannesburg costs around R110.
Information on discounts, such as student discounts, is typically available on the official Gautrain website.
While you can't typically buy single tickets online, you can purchase and load your Gautrain card online or at the station.
Gautrain operating hours vary, but trains generally run from early morning until late evening on weekdays and have slightly different schedules on weekends and public holidays. It's best to check the official Gautrain schedule for precise times.
🎫 🚆 Onsite Experience
The Gautrain offers a world-class commuting experience, described as clean, safe, convenient, and fast. Many users enjoy the ride and find the staff friendly and professional. +1
Crowding can be high during peak weekday commute times (mornings and evenings). Traveling during midday or on weekends generally offers a less crowded experience.
Gautrain trains offer comfortable seating with ample legroom. Some stations may have amenities like Wi-Fi, though this can vary.
Certain rules are enforced, such as no chewing gum allowed inside the trains, with staff approaching commuters respectfully if rules are broken.
A trip from Pretoria to Johannesburg takes approximately 42 minutes. The journey from OR Tambo Airport to Sandton is about 15 minutes. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Eating and drinking are generally not permitted on Gautrain trains. Chewing gum is also prohibited.
Major Gautrain stations, particularly those in central hubs like Park Station or Sandton, often have surrounding areas with various food and dining options available.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the Gautrain, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other passengers and staff. Capturing the modern infrastructure and city views can make for great shots. +1
The modern interiors of the trains, the views from the windows during the journey (especially between cities or towards the airport), and the architecture of stations like Park Station offer good photographic opportunities. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit