Best Airport Transfers in Johannesburg – Updated for 2025

---

Are you looking for the easiest way to get where you’re going from the Johannesburg Airport?

That’s what we’ve got for you in this article. The OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg is a chaotic place. I remember how intimidating it was the first time I had to make my way from the airport to my accommodation.

I managed to wade through the crowd of people and the rush of taxi drivers. Of course, I first had to find a cash machine in the airport, as I didn’t know if a Johannesburg airport taxi would accept credit cards. (Spoiler – most do).

But after a few more trips I found the best Johannesburg airport transfers, and it made my travels so much easier! Even the flight was less stressful knowing the ride would be waiting for me even when I landed.

Many airport transfers will even offer city tours and other transportation at your destination. And your driver can be a treasure trove of local information.

A good driver is gold!

Best Airport Transfers in Johannesburg, South Africa

You might be just stopping in Johannesburg on your way somewhere else, or here to see this interesting city. Either way, you want your whole trip to run smoothly.

I love to use Viator when I want to find a day tour somewhere in an African city or a multi-day trip. So I was excited to discover that they also offer a Johannesburg airport shuttle service!

➤ The best airport transfer service I found is this professional shuttle service. They’ve got clean and comfortable private cars with air conditioning.

They even offer group rates if you’re travelling with friends or family.

Obviously, it’s a huge relief knowing that when I get off the plane, I have a ride waiting for me. But even aside from that, I can relax knowing that the driver will know where we’re going!

More than once I’ve had taxi drivers in Africa ask me how to get to the place I asked them to take me to. Granted, new vacation rentals and accommodations are popping up so often, it must be hard to keep up.

* Fortunately, so far I’ve been able to either find directions on Google Maps, or the driver was able to call their dispatch and get the info 😄.

🗺️ But still, that’s a stressful situation at 2 am in a new city! Now when I book online, in advance, my driver will have time to look up the address.

The driver is also an amazing source of information on the city, the surrounding area, and things to do. He was able to answer every question I had, and had some great suggestions for things to see.

We also had a great discussion about South African history and apartheid. There’s so much more to South Africa than we hear on the news or read about online.

I also like that this same service also offers tours and safaris. You can arrange a sightseeing tour of the city with them or even a multi-day excursion.

It’s a smart and fun way to make the most of your time in Johannesburg.

OR

The Cost of an Airport Transfer in Jo’burg

The price for the best shuttle service from the Johannesburg Airport is currently about US$50 for one person.

If you’re two people travelling together, you’ll each pay around US$30. The total price increases to their max of 8 passengers, when each person will pay less than US$18 each.

In comparison, an airport taxi transfer into the centre of Jozie will cost approximately US $35 during the day. The rate is slightly higher at night. You can find more details about taxi transfers by following this link.

How to Get a Free Shuttle from OR Tambo Airport

There’s another great way to arrange a Johannesburg airport transfer service. Book accommodations that offer a free shuttle bus service!

Many people overlook this option while searching for a place to stay. Many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals offer the convenience of a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

By following this Booking.com link, you’ll land on a page listing the options that offer an airport shuttle for your convenience. But you can also get to this page yourself.

To find these options, simply visit the Booking.com website and enter the city where you plan to stay. Hit the Search button.

Then scroll down the left-hand menu until you locate the section titled Property Amenities (sometimes listed as Amenities or Facilities). From there, continue scrolling down the list until you find Airport Shuttle, and click it.

Voila! Your selection will be filtered to include only places that offer an airport shuttle. But remember, it’s crucial to carefully read the hotel descriptions.

Some may charge for the transfer while others provide it free of charge.

Now, simply choose the accommodation that suits your preferences and offers the shuttle service for free!

---

Here’s a list of the different forms of transportation you can use to get around Jo’burg:

1. Metrorail:

Metrorail is a commuter train service that operates in Johannesburg and its surrounding areas.

It’s an affordable option for travelling longer distances within the city and provides connections to various neighbourhoods and suburbs.

Find schedules and routes on the Metrorail Website.

2. Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit:

Rea Vaya is a modern bus rapid transit system in Johannesburg. It offers dedicated bus lanes, making it a fast and efficient way to travel around the city.

Rea Vaya buses serve numerous routes, including connections to major attractions, business districts, and residential areas.

The best place to find info regarding the routes and schedules is the MovingGauteng website.

3. Uber or Ride-hailing Services:

Uber is widely available in Johannesburg. There are also several other ride-hailing services available in the city.

Some of these include Lyft, Blacklane, and Bolt. You can use smartphone apps to request a ride from your current location to your desired destination.

These offer convenience and flexibility, especially for shorter trips or areas not well-served by public transportation.

4. Minibus Taxis:

Minibus taxis are a popular mode of transport in Johannesburg. These shared taxis operate on set routes and can be flagged down along the roadside.

They can be crowded and the routes may not be clearly marked. But, they do offer an authentic local experience and are usually more affordable than many other options.

5. Gautrain:

The Gautrain is a rapid rail network that connects Johannesburg with Pretoria and the O.R. Tambo International Airport.

It’s another convenient option for travellers arriving at or departing from the airport. I can’t say that I’d recommend it for your arrival airport transfer, though, especially not your first time in Joburg.

The timing just isn’t reliable enough.

It’s also great for exploring attractions in both Jo’burg and Pretoria. The Gautrain is known for its speed, comfort, and safety.

🚶🏻‍♀️🥾If you’d like to hook up with a walking tour – I love these when I first arrive to help get my bearings – Viator has a fantastic 3 and half hour one. It covers all the highlights, and even includes a braai (South African BBQ) in the arty Maboneng area.

6. Walking:

Depending on the area you’re staying in, walking can be an ideal way to explore Johannesburg. It lets you immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the local sights and sounds.

I think that the energetic city centre of Jo’burg is the best part to explore on foot. My first choices for walking tours are vibrant Bramfontein and the historic Mining District.

For your safety, though, stick to the daylight hours, and to the central areas if you decide to go walking.

6. Tuk-tuk:

Depending on where you are, a tuk-tuk is a fun way to get where you’re going. These three-wheeled vehicles are compact, maneuverable, and are a convenient and efficient means of transportation. Try it at least once!

Find rates, etc at sheshatuks.co.za.

7. Car Rental:

Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Johannesburg the area at your own pace. It’s the best way to go if you plan to visit attractions outside the city.

I always like to book my rental vehicles through Discover Cars. They’re a rental car price comparison website to help you find the vehicle and the price you’re looking for.

I like them especially because they include local car rental companies in the mix, not just the big international ones.

Remember that in South Africa cars drive on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Also, it can be difficult to get an automatic. If you reserve early enough before your trip, you may have a better chance of finding one.

🚙 Book a rental car through my favourite company, Discover Cars.

7. Hire a driver:

You can find a lot of half-day and full-day tours of Johannesburg and the surrounding area. Be chauffeured to the best sites in and around the city, often for less than US $60.

And again, remember to ask your airport driver! Time permitting, they are an excellent option for getting around town.

Summing it Up: THE Best Airport Transfers in Johannesburg

Start your time in Johannesburg with a worry-free and reliable airport transfer. Book the professional shuttle service and you can look forward to seeing that sign at the airport with your name on it.

That way you won’t have to spend any of your flight stressed out about having to hassle getting to your hotel. Sit back and relax!

Happy travels!

Read more about Africa:

✓ The Best Views and Experiences at The Three Rondavels in 2025
✓ Discover the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in South Africa
✓ A Look at the Safest City in South Africa and Its Competitors
✓ Explore the Spectacular Ancient Cango Caves of South Africa
✓ Travel Resources for Your Trip

Share this article