Factsheets
Getting around Gauteng
Most visitors to Gauteng get around by vehicle. The province has a well-developed road network, with several arterial routes leading into the main centres of Johannesburg and Pretoria:
- The N1 is a north/south freeway that bisects Gauteng, linking Johannesburg and Pretoria.
- The N3 runs from Sandton through the south-east parts of the province.
- The N4 runs east/west through Pretoria.
- The N12 runs east/west through Johannesburg.
For directions to specific destinations in the province, visit http://maps.google.co.za/.
Travelling by road
Travelling by road. Photo courtesy Gauteng Tourism Authority
- Public roads in South Africa are developed and well sign-posted.
- Driving is done on the left side of the road.
- Speed limits are set in kilometres and the general speed limit is 120 km/h (75 mph) on freeways and 60km/h (37mph) in built-up areas, unless otherwise specified.
- It is compulsory to wear a seatbelt and illegal to use a handheld mobile/cellular phone while driving.
- Drivers must have an international driver’s licence and a minimum of five years’ driving experience to hire a car in South Africa.
- All major care-hire companies have branches at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and around the province.
- Public transport systems in Gauteng are established in the form of bus services, trains and taxis, but these are mostly utilised by locals. Most tourists use safe, reasonable and reliable private taxis and tour companies arranged through hotels or guest houses.
- Minibus taxis operate across the province, but the system is informal and there are no route maps or timetables available. The trips are not for the faint-hearted, as taxis can travel at high speeds and stop wherever passengers wish to disembark – usually with little warning. A system of hand signals is used to indicate your desired destination.
- Johannesburg and Pretoria’s metro bus services are more formalised. Timetables and route maps are available on www.mbus.co.za for the Johannesburg service and on the City of Tshwane website.
- The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System operates around the Johannesburg central business district and has branched out to selected areas of Soweto and Eldorado Park. Routes, timetables and ticket information are available on www.reavaya.org.za.
- Inter-city bus companies such as Greyhound and Translux depart regularly from centres around Gauteng.
By air
- OR Tambo International airport, formerly known as Johannesburg International, is the hub of South Africa’s international and domestic air travel.
- Lanseria, Rand, Grand Central and Wonderboom Airports are smaller airports within the province.
- Visitors landing at OR Tambo International Airport often use shuttle transport or chauffeur services to get to Johannesburg, Pretoria and other areas. Shuttle services can be accessed in the international and domestic arrival halls, and it is advisable to use these established points to arrange transport.
The Gautrain
Sandton station platform. Photo courtesy Gauteng Tourism Authority
- The newly operational Gautrain is a hassle-free way of getting to and from OR Tambo International Airport.
- Once completed in 2011, the Gautrain rapid-rail system will link Johannesburg, Pretoria and the airport.
- The OR Tambo International Airport, Rhodesfield, Marlboro and Sandton stations have been completed and are operational.
- Hundreds of closed-circuit television cameras cover all Gautrain stations and trains, and guards maintain a 24-hour presence.
- A Gautrain gold card enables you to load single or multiple trips on the train or Gautrain buses, which operate around the stations.
Rail services
- Train services operate across the province, but the routes focus on commuter transport. Routes and timetables are available on the Metrorail website.
- South Africa’s rail travel options include the long-haul, reasonable Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. Luxury options include the Blue Train, Premier Class and Rovos Rail.
- Steam train heritage rail tours are available in the province through Friends of the Rail.