Transportation in Johannesburg
Car
Car
Johannesburg was designed with motorists in mind. Driving is on the left and poses no problems except from 4pm to 6pm when jams on the N1 highway turn it into a car park. Fuel and car hire are relatively cheap. Any hotel can arrange a hire car within an hour.
Coach
Usually used only by commuters, useful buses run between the bus station in Gandhi (formerly Vanderbiji) Square in the CBD to the northern suburbs along Jan Smuts Avenue, Oxford, Louis Botha and Barry Hertzog roads. There is also the Rea Vaya, a growing bus network with some routes already in operation, including the T1 route linking inner city with Soweto, via Orlando Stadium.
Taxi
Metered taxis cannot be hailed on the street, but any hotel or restaurant can order one and they take just minutes to arrive. If you're going to an obscure destination, the driver may not know the way and will need directions.
Foot
Due to long distances between attractions and safety issues around the CBD, walking is not recommended. Save the leg work for the giant shopping malls or a stroll in the park.
Rent your car
Johannesburg traffic travels on the left-hand side with a speed limit of 60 km (37 miles) per hour in built-up areas. You should buy an up-to-date city map in the country as the road network is changing fast. Traffic on the N1 motorway out of the city is particularly heavy during the evening peak-time.
Transportation tips
City Tours are on offer to all the key sights for those who don't want to drive themselves. Half- and full-day tours in minibuses go to key locations including Soweto, Gold Reef City, the Lion Park, Lesedi Cultural Village and the CBD. Local guides give a fascinating low-down on history, culture and the social make-up of the city. Public transport like minibus taxis, buses and the Metro train are not recommended for visitors because of theft and safety issues.
