Transportation

The O R Tambo International Airport is located 22 kilometers to the east of Johannesburg and all major car hire companies have offices located in the Domestic Arrivals area. Public transport is also available. However, hired cars are strongly recommended.

Metered taxis are very expensive in Johannesburg but are much more convenient and safe for tourists. They will not stop if hailed in the street but can be ordered at any time and can be hired for day trips too. However due to high prices and possibility of meter tampering, visitors should ask the driver an estimated price before setting out. Locals do not give tips. However foreigners can give a small tip, even if it is not expected.

The Metrorail is a train service linking many parts of greater Johannesburg (including Soweto) to the interior. It is however not recommended to visitors and tourists due to high theft rates.

Traveling by bus in Johannesburg is somewhat of a hassle due to traffic congestion and limited routes in the case of some services.

The best way around the city is in a hired car. The city has been planned keeping private cars in mind and hence cars are the best form of commuting around the city. Hired cars are affordable, and insurance is covered in their rates, however full or comprehensive insurance costs extra. Some companies keep this as optional whereas some companies have made it compulsory and it is highly recommended, specially against theft. Drivers must be at least 23 years old and must have an international driving license.

The road and highway network of the city is very well maintained and there are several multi storey car parks all over the city, and all major attractions and shopping malls have car parks. Parking on the streets carries a small R2-5 payment to car guards for watching over your car, with guards typically wearing a badge or work vest. Rush-hour periods are from 7am to 9am and from 4pm to 6pm and traffic congestion is generally constrained to those times. Most locations in the city can be reached in less than an hour.The main road hazards that one has to be on the lookout for are reckless driving, specially by the minibus taxi drivers, smash and grab thieves and armed hijackers, and a lack of visible traffic police. It is strongly recommended that visitors and tourists do not stop for hitchhikers and at accident scenes and keep their windows rolled up and doors locked. Many motorists ignore stop signs and red traffic lights at night in isolated areas for safety reasons.