Why the Gautrain Johannesburg’s is one of the Best Transport Options

There are many things to be jealous of Joburgers for, but the Gautrain Johannesburg is definitely near the top of my list. You can watch here.

In fact, I’ll take almost any opportunity to use it when I’m in Johannesburg. On my most recent trip, I caught the Gautrain to the airport and once again found myself wondering why we don’t have something similar in more South African cities.

The journey took around 15 minutes from Sandton to O.R Tambo. Meanwhile, outside the train windows, traffic crawled along as we sped past. I won’t lie, there was a small amount of satisfaction in watching that happen.

Gautrain Johannesburg

As people who love trains, public transport has always been one of our favourite parts of travelling. When we visited Spain, one of the things we appreciated most was how easy it was to move around using trains and other forms of public transport. The Gautrain gives a glimpse of that same experience in South Africa.

The network stretches across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kempton Park and OR Tambo International Airport, connecting key parts of Gauteng through a fast and reliable rail system.

Plus, everything feels so seamless. Most stations are underground, creating a modern transit experience that feels very different from what many South Africans are used to. The stations are clean, well-maintained and easy to navigate, even if it is your first time using the service.

I also felt completely comfortable travelling alone. Security is visible throughout the stations and on the trains, which goes a long way towards creating a sense of safety. For many travellers, particularly those unfamiliar with Johannesburg, that peace of mind is incredibly valuable.

The trains themselves are spotless. The seats are comfortable, there are dedicated spaces for luggage, and the airport service has been designed with travellers in mind. There are also wheelchair-accessible spaces, making the trains more inclusive and convenient.

One of my favourite parts was getting my Gautrain card! You can purchase one from the ticket machines or service counters inside the station, load your journey onto the card, and be ready to travel within a few minutes. The process is straightforward and surprisingly efficient. Just make sure you select the correct destination and remember to tap out when you arrive.

Another useful perk is Gautrain’s partnership with FNB, which allows qualifying travellers to have their luggage wrapped free of charge before heading to the airport.

Beyond the convenience, the Gautrain can often be quicker and even cheaper than using ride-hailing services during peak traffic hours. Both times I have used it to get to OR Tambo, I arrived feeling relaxed rather than stressed about traffic delays.

The more I use the Gautrain, the more I wish South Africa had similar systems in other cities. Until then, every trip to Johannesburg gives me another excuse to hop on board.

And yes, I will probably continue looking slightly smug as we glide past traffic 😛

Planning a trip? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Johannesburg.

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