How to Get Around in Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and home to a diverse culture that blends its history, art and music. Because of the high crime rate, tourists in Johannesburg should be knowledgeable about the different modes of transportation to get around safely in the city.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map
• Itinerary (optional)
• Travel guide (optional)
• List of taxi services (optional)

1. Pick up a free map of Johannesburg at the airport or from the Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC). (See Resources) It's easy for travelers to get lost in Johannesburg, and foreign maps aren't as likely to be up to date on current changes.

2. Compare deals from car rental agencies. Having a car allows you to see the city at your pace, an added bonus for most travelers is the road signs are in English. Major car rental agencies are available and offer a range of prices and models for adventure trips or just sight seeing.

3. Consider minibus taxis for short trips around Johannesburg. These small buses are cheap, take small groups of people and allow you to mingle with the locals. A downside is that these informal buses are unable to drop you off at your exact location and lack bus stops or scheduled times.

4. Take advantage of the Metrobus service for daytime travel. Timetables and bus routes are available at the main bus terminal. A tag system can be used instead of cash to purchase multiple trips and CitySlicker tours are available to see the best attractions.

5. Obtain help from your hotel concierge service. Metered taxis are available, but expect to pay more than other methods of travel. Unlike in other major cities, metered taxis aren't on the street you have to call for service. The hotel arranges this service or use the Internet to print a list of agencies before your trip.

Tips & Warnings

• ORTIA or O.R. International Airport (see Resources) is near the city of Johannesburg and the central location for international and domestic flights for all of South Africa. Flying is the fastest way to travel to and from other large cities in the region.
• For questions of assistance getting around in Johannesburg, South Africa start with the JTC: 011 ([phone]. When calling outside the U.S. And Canada, replace "011" with "00."
• Car rental companies provide kiosks at ORTIA. Izinga Transport Management (iTram) offers taxis, buses and shuttles at the airport featuring standard rates and routes (see Resources).
• Avoid traveling in dangerous areas at night. Keep doors locked when driving and leave a cars length between vehicles in front of you in case of emergency. If you believe that you are in danger, it's not illegal to run a red light.
• Use minibus taxis with caution; they are often in poor service and the drivers are prone to dangerous driving practices.

Resources

• The JTC is the official tourism site for Johannesburg.
• Flight information is available at ORTIA.
• Visit iTram for quotes, chauffeur services and travel modes.

[JamesEngelbrech]

on 8/4/2008 Their is an new company which picks you up from the airport and with armed escort take you to your desired location
http://www.atransporters.co.za/