The City of Johannesburg and Gautrain have announced special transport arrangements for supporters attending the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 31 October 2026. Rea Vaya will operate additional bus services, while Gautrain will provide dedicated transfers between Park Station and the stadium for supporters who purchased its transport package. With the Betway Premiership match sold out and kick-off scheduled for 15:30, fans are being encouraged to travel early, understand their transport options, and plan their return journeys.
The arrangements are intended to help supporters reach FNB Stadium while managing the large number of people expected to attend one of South Africa’s biggest football fixtures.
ALSO READ: Soweto Derby 2026: Pirates vs Chiefs Kick-Off Time, Where to Watch and League Standings
Rea Vaya Soweto Derby Transport: Tickets and Fares
The City of Johannesburg has confirmed that Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit services will transport supporters to and from FNB Stadium on match day.
Passengers can purchase an account-based ticketing card for R30 at Rea Vaya stations. The City advises supporters to load sufficient funds onto their cards to cover their journeys to and from the stadium.
The R30 is the card purchase price, not a confirmed flat fare for the entire return journey. The cards can also be used for regular travel and future events.
Fans who already have Rea Vaya cards should ensure they have enough funds available before travelling.
Special services will operate alongside the existing trunk and feeder routes, providing connections from Soweto, Johannesburg CBD, Alexandra, Sandton and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Rea Vaya Bus Routes to FNB Stadium
Rea Vaya’s match day arrangements include connections serving Newlands, Florida North, Greymont, Fleurhof, Cresta, Windsor West, Parktown, Yeoville and Bellevue.
Supporters travelling from Sandton and Alexandra can use T4 buses and transfer to T2 services at Brenthurst Station.
Alternatively, they can travel to Library Gardens East and connect with event buses at Library Gardens West.
Passengers using T3 services from Johannesburg CBD and Braamfontein can connect to event buses at Orlando Stadium for the final journey to FNB Stadium.
According to the City, the transfer at Orlando Stadium will be provided at no additional cost for those passengers.
T3 buses are scheduled to operate every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Fans should identify their connecting stations before leaving home and allow time for transfers.
Rea Vaya Soweto Derby Bus Times
The Rea Vaya Soccer City station will open at 10:00 on Saturday.
Event bus frequency will increase to approximately every five minutes between 11:30 and 15:30, providing additional capacity during the main arrival period.
Following the match, buses departing FNB Stadium are also scheduled to operate every five minutes to transport supporters away from the venue.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has encouraged supporters to travel early rather than wait until shortly before kick off.
Alcohol is prohibited on Rea Vaya buses.
Gautrain Soweto Derby Bus Services From Park Station
Gautrain has confirmed dedicated return bus services between Park Station and FNB Stadium for supporters who purchased the combined match ticket and Gautrain bus transport package.
The package is sold out.
According to Gautrain spokesperson Albi Modise, buses will operate between 10:00 and 19:00 on Saturday.
Passengers will be dropped off and collected at the stadium’s designated Transport Hub.
Supporters must present valid match tickets for scanning at Park Station before boarding.
Only ticket holders who purchased the Gautrain transport package will be permitted to use these dedicated buses.
The arrangement does not provide general walk up bus access for all Gautrain passengers.
Are Gautrain Train Fares Included?
No. The Gautrain Soweto Derby package includes return bus transport between Park Station and FNB Stadium, but train journeys are charged separately.
Supporters travelling by rail must pay the applicable standard Gautrain fare.
Gautrain has also confirmed a station parking rate of R10 for passengers using its train services, compared with R135 for people parking without using the rail service.
Travellers should consider both their train fare and parking arrangements when calculating the cost of attending the match.
Gautrain Management Agency Chief Executive Officer Tshepo Kgobe said the dedicated transport arrangements form part of the agency’s efforts to support major events across Gauteng.
Free Park and Ride Parking for Soweto Derby Fans
The City of Johannesburg has identified two locations where free parking will be available for supporters using the relevant Rea Vaya arrangements.
These are Johannesburg Stadium and Indingilizi in Dobsonville.
Security personnel will be present at the parking facilities.
Supporters who purchased transport inclusive match ticket packages must present their tickets for verification.
For applicable package holders, Johannesburg Stadium parking and return transport are included in their arrangements.
Fans should confirm which parking facility and bus connection applies to their ticket or intended journey before travelling.
Gautrain Extends Sandton Train Services Until Midnight
Gautrain has separately announced extended train services from Sandton Station on Saturday, 31 October.
The final train is expected to depart Sandton Station at midnight instead of the usual 20:30 service closing time.
The extension is intended to accommodate passengers attending Johannesburg Pride, the Replenishment Concert and other evening activities in Sandton.
The extended service does not include the Airport Line.
Soweto Derby supporters should not assume that the midnight Sandton departure extends every Gautrain route or the dedicated stadium bus service.
The stadium buses are scheduled to operate only until 19:00.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The special transport arrangements provide alternatives to driving directly to FNB Stadium during a major sporting event.
Residents travelling from Soweto, Sandton, Alexandra, Braamfontein and Johannesburg CBD can consider the Rea Vaya network and its match day connections.
Those with the sold out Gautrain package have a dedicated Park Station transfer service, although train fares remain separate.
Supporters using private vehicles can consider the announced parking facilities, subject to the applicable transport arrangements.
For residents not attending the match, the additional bus services and large match day crowds are reasons to plan journeys around the stadium area carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soweto Derby Transport
How Much Does Rea Vaya Cost for the Soweto Derby?
Rea Vaya account based ticketing cards cost R30. Passengers must load sufficient funds for their journeys. The supplied City announcement does not establish a universal R30 return fare.
What Time Do Rea Vaya Buses Start Operating for the Derby?
The Soccer City station opens at 10:00. Event buses are scheduled to run every five minutes between 11:30 and 15:30, with frequent departures after the match.
Can Anyone Use the Gautrain Buses to FNB Stadium?
No. Dedicated Gautrain buses are restricted to supporters with valid match tickets who purchased the sold out Gautrain transport package.
Where Can Supporters Park for Free?
The City has announced free parking at Johannesburg Stadium and Indingilizi in Dobsonville, with security personnel on site. Supporters should confirm the applicable bus connections and ticket conditions.
Will Gautrain Operate Until Midnight After the Derby?
Gautrain has announced a midnight final departure from Sandton Station for Saturday evening events. The extension excludes the Airport Line and does not extend the dedicated Soweto Derby buses beyond 19:00.
Plan Your Journey Before the Soweto Derby
Supporters attending the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs encounter should confirm their transport arrangements before leaving home.
Rea Vaya passengers should purchase or prepare their cards, load sufficient funds and identify their connecting routes. Gautrain package holders should have their match tickets ready for verification at Park Station.
With kick off scheduled for 15:30, early travel will allow more time for transfers and stadium entry.
For updates, supporters can follow the City of Johannesburg Transport Department, Rea Vaya on X at @ReaVayabus or its official Facebook page.
