LHR → London CityNRT → TokyoCDG → ParisJFK → ManhattanICN → SeoulSIN → SingaporeDXB → DubaiHKG → Hong Kong
LHR → London CityNRT → TokyoCDG → ParisJFK → ManhattanICN → SeoulSIN → SingaporeDXB → DubaiHKG → Hong Kong
JNBSouth AfricaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook
O. R. Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg, South Africa
Drop-off
Sandton (Johannesburg business district)
Pin before customs
Fastest
Gautrain Airport Service (OR Tambo – Sandton)
rail · 10-30m
Data
Nov 28
Audit
Quick verdict
Fastest into town
Service
Gautrain Airport Service (OR Tambo – Sandton)
rail
Headway
10-30
Backup
Metrobus / Putco OR Tambo – Johannesburg city buses · 1-2 trips/daym
Note
Rapid rail link from OR Tambo International Airport station to Sandton station in about 14–15 minutes; trains generally run every 10–20 minutes on weekdays and 20–30 minutes on weekends and public holidays between roughly 05:15 and 22:00. Sandton station is a major hub with easy onward connections to Johannesburg CBD (Park Station) and other suburbs via the Gautrain network and feeder buses.
Budget focus
Johannesburg: Fare Hacker Playbook
Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likejohannesburg airport busandjnb to city centerfor eSIM funnels.
Cheapest viable route
Brief
Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.
Service
Metrobus / Putco OR Tambo – Johannesburg city buses
Mode
bus
Freq
1-2 trips/daym
Note
City bus services operated by Metrobus and Putco run from the OR Tambo bus and coach terminus behind the car-hire depots to Johannesburg city areas, including the central business district. Services are limited to morning and evening trips aligned with peak passenger times, so check specific routes and times in advance.
Passes and bundles
Brief
Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.
When to splurge
Brief
Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.
Service
Gautrain Airport Service (OR Tambo – Sandton)
Mode
rail
Freq
10-30m
Note
Rapid rail link from OR Tambo International Airport station to Sandton station in about 14–15 minutes; trains generally run every 10–20 minutes on weekdays and 20–30 minutes on weekends and public holidays between roughly 05:15 and 22:00. Sandton station is a major hub with easy onward connections to Johannesburg CBD (Park Station) and other suburbs via the Gautrain network and feeder buses.
eSIMComing Soon
Stay connected from landing
Skip the airport SIM queue. We're partnering with eSIM providers to get you online before you even leave the gate.
✓Instant activation✓Local rates✓No SIM swap
FAQs
KB
01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?
A
Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?
A
Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.