When does the Gautrain start and stop?

Weekday service runs 05:30 to 20:30. On Saturdays trains typically operate 07:00 to 18:00. Sundays and public holidays see a shorter window, roughly 08:00 to 17:00. Confirm exact weekend times on the Gautrain app before you leave.

  • First trains from Park Station and Sandton: 05:30
  • Last trains from OR Tambo station towards the city: 20:30
  • Peak frequency: every 10 to 15 min
  • Off-peak: every 20 to 30 min
  • No overnight service. The last train is gone by 21:00.

The Gautrain is the most reliable airport transfer. Land after 20:00 and you will need a metered taxi or a ride-hailing app.

What time do Rea Vaya buses run?

Rea Vaya BRT serves Soweto and the southern suburbs daily from 05:00 to 21:00.

  • Peak frequency (06:00-08:00 and 16:00-18:00): every 3 to 5 min
  • Off-peak: every 10 to 15 min
  • Last buses leave main terminals around 20:30, reaching the end of the line by 21:00

Cheaper than the Gautrain. Slower. Do not rely on it for a 20:30 flight.

Is Metrorail reliable for a morning commute?

Metrorail (PRASA) operates 04:00 to 20:00. Delays and cancellations are common.

  • First trains leave major stations at 04:00
  • Last trains depart central stations around 19:00 to 19:30
  • Peak frequency: every 20 to 30 min
  • Off-peak: every 40 to 60 min

Metrorail is the cheapest rail option and the least dependable. Need to be somewhere at 08:00? Add half an hour of buffer. On public holidays service is reduced or suspended entirely.

Can you catch a minibus taxi after dark?

Minibus taxis run roughly 05:00 to 20:00. The busiest windows are 06:00-08:00 and 16:00-18:00.

No fixed schedule. A driver leaves when the vehicle is full. Routes are fixed but unpublished; ask at the taxi rank. After 20:00 availability drops sharply. After 21:00 expect to wait 30 to 60 min.

Minibus taxis are the cheapest inner-city option. Skip them on a tight schedule or with luggage.

Does OR Tambo International ever close?

No. OR Tambo operates 24/7. But check-in desks open 2 to 3 hours before scheduled flights, not earlier.

  • International flights: check-in opens 3 hours before departure
  • Domestic flights: check-in opens 2 hours before departure
  • Security opens from 04:00 daily

Arriving at 04:00 for a 06:00 domestic flight means standing in an empty terminal for an hour. Arrive 90 min before the flight.

Peak traffic hours in Johannesburg

Peak traffic hits 06:30-08:30 and 16:00-18:00 on weekdays.

Worst roads: M1, N1 Western Bypass, William Nicol Drive, Rivonia Road. Friday afternoons peak starts earlier, around 15:30, and stretches to 19:00. During school holidays the morning peak is lighter.

Skip driving from Sandton to OR Tambo between 07:00 and 08:00. The usual 25 min trip can take 45 min longer.

How load-shedding affects transport

Load-shedding disrupts traffic lights, Gautrain signalling, and Metrorail power. Check the Johannesburg load shedding schedules before you travel.

  • Traffic lights out: treat intersections as four-way stops
  • Gautrain runs on backup generators, but delays of 10 to 20 min occur
  • Metrorail cancellations are more likely during stages 4 to 8

Travelling during load-shedding? Add 30 min to your journey. Use the EskomSePush app to check the current stage.

Gautrain vs Metrorail vs Rea Vaya: hours at a glance

Mode First departure Last departure Peak frequency Best for
Gautrain 05:30 weekdays 20:30 weekdays 10-15 min Airport, Sandton, Pretoria
Rea Vaya BRT 05:00 21:00 3-5 min Soweto, southern suburbs
Metrorail 04:00 20:00 20-30 min Budget travel, long distances
Minibus taxi ~05:00 ~20:00 Variable Inner-city, informal routes
OR Tambo 24/7 24/7 N/A International and domestic flights

Need shop and office hours after you arrive?

See the Johannesburg business hours page for banking, retail, and government opening times. Planning a full day? The Johannesburg daily rhythm guide covers meal times, school hours, and social life.