Population: 4,434,827
Johannesburg
Safety and CrimeThings To DoDiversityMore...
More Topics...

What are transportation options and challenges in Johannesburg, Gauteng?

62 local experts
Share
Share

Are there taxis in Johannesburg? What about scooters? What are the public transportation options? Here's what 62 local experts had to say about transportation methods in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Leave a comment

Johannesburg is a wonderful city with a vibrant nightlife. It is not the safest place and requires one to be very vigilant. To view the many beautiful and historical sites Johannesburg has to offer, you can hop onto ac City Tours bus. There are also many adventurous activities available such as paintballing.

Joeanne, says: 2020

Anyone who is in the process of considering a move to Johannesburg, should be aware of the traffic congestion in the city as well as the high levels of air and sound pollution. Although, overpopulated, the city has a vibrant social atmosphere that would allow anyone to meet new people and fit in quickly.

Ziyanda, says: 2020

Johannesburg- although a lively city filled with many opportunities, is one to tread cautiously. You will always find what you are looking for, from eateries to endless hobby outlets. However, be alert towards taxi drivers, they have no regard for the rules of the road! Friendliness is a dish frequently served by all true South Africans. We are the rainbow nation.

Emilie, says: 2020

It is very busy and home to many businesses and companies. You will often find traffic in most parts of the city. You play as hard as you work. Almost everything is outdoors, not much to do indoors. It is a very diverse city and invites many different kinds of people. There is plenty of opportunity in this city, hence referred to as the city of gold.

Yandiswa, says: 2020

Johannesburg, the city of queens and kings, is a beautiful city that is always lively and bursting with activity. The streets of my city are graced with modern and a few other stone buildings that serve as a reminder and remainder of what is our history. If you consider noise as a form of pollution then that will not be a problem in my city because the blends from the traffic, voices and and the occasional train bells is music to the ears.

Theodrine, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a cool and airy city with a lot of urban living and exciting places to visit. If you are looking for a fun and fast-paced environment then Johannesburg is for you, as it has great night clubs, restaurants, and historical sites with easy access to transport.

Patience, says: 2020

Johannesburg could be an exceptionally huge city. It is the monetary and mechanical city of South Africa, built on a wealthy history of gold mining. The city is quickly advancing from a tense safari stopover to a dynamic center for expressions and culture. More than half of the cargo that arrives through the ports of Durban and Cape Town arrives at the holder terminal at City Profound.

Vhonani, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a city filled with crime and traffic, if someone desires to move to joburg, they need to adapt to a strong security system and early mornings. However, when you are in joburg you will never to have to drive anywhere to get something. Everything is literally at your doorstep.

My city is amazing. It is filled with adventure and many opportunities. The people here are full of humanity and the city as a whole is an absolute vibe. Many people who live in Johannesburg, do not even call it that. It’s called Jozi. Johannesburg is huge and overwhelming. Public transport is virtually nonexistent and driving is a tantamount to a nightmare for newcomers. Yes, Johannesburg does have it’s bad sides but despite all that, this still a remarkable city.

Amanda, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a very beautiful city with a lot of places to visit for experience and entertainment. At the same time, it’s a very busy place to be more especially in the morning and in the evening during the week. There’s too much traffic of people going and coming back from work. Lastly, everything you do is money in this place.

Mayenziwe, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a large city that can get even the most confident person confused. From multiples modes of transport, an array of ethnicities and seemingly strange ways of doing things, one must be prepared. Ensure that you have a close friend who understands how the different modes of transport work and the different hand signs to be used.

Ensure that you don’t carry anything valuable in public and never look lost because oftentimes, those who are targeted by robbers are those who don’t know their way around. If you are a driver, please get accustomed to driving on the left, with the driver seat on the right-hand of a car.

Last but not least, if you will be visiting the Central Business District, note that there are loads of people doing business there, so pickpocketing and claustrophobia can be a major problem. Always watch your step, and keep to the pavement as taxi drivers are the madmen of the road who never never follow the rules of the road.

What someone should know about Johannesburg is that the taxi drivers are living their own life. Although the road rage is at its max the city is still a beautiful place. A city of gold and dreams, a city with history. A day could never go by without you having a laugh even by just simply looking out your window.

Thulane, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a fairly dangerous city, if you plan on visiting this city, you need to be alert to your surroundings. There are no reliable public transport options in Johannesburg and you cannot walk around either, which means that you will need to either rent a car or stay with someone who can take you where you need to go. It is, however, a beautiful city and there are lots of nature-related activities you can do.

Nasiphi, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a vibrant city, there are lots of opportunities for anyone who wants to move to the city. The city has world class infrastructure such as buildings, roads and sports facilities. The transport system is reliable and you can get anywhere you want with either Uber, Bolt, Bus or Minibus taxi.

Michael, says: 2020

Be prepared for crazy traffic, whether during hour or not. You will however meet some of the friendliest people on the planet. The cost of living is relatively low, so the accommodation tends to also be reasonable. The wonderful weather is something to sure enjoy all year round. This makes for excellent visits to nature parks and nature reserves.

Anyone moving to Johannesburg should be well aware of the busyness around the city. There are cars everywhere, a lot of traffic and very high skyscrapers. The city is well known for being the City of Gold because Johannesburg lies on the world’s largest gold deposits. The night life is amazing and wild with many popular clubs in Johannesburg.

a person considering moving to Johannesburg should know this is a high crime area, ranging from pickpocketing to areas known as as snatch and grab at the traffic lights. One should also expect a very lively nightlife in the city center especially during the weekends. Johannesburg is one of the most racial integrated cities in South Africa. There are a lot of historical tourist attraction places one can visit.

Xolile, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a lively and lovely place, but you need to think about safety; you should never stop at a traffic light after 10 pm and you need to make sure all your belongings are in the boot and out of sight. It is also important to remember to never trust anyone, be alert and you’ll have the best time.

Solomon, says: 2020

– Crime – Johannesburg has rather high crime rates
– Urban life – everything is rather urbanized with great transportation and wide range of city lifestyle
– Accessibility – Johannesburg is highly accessible with great modes of transportation
– Multiracial people – Johannesburg is a combination of various racial groups from various historical and social groups combined together to share the endeavors the city offers.

Debbie, says: 2020

Don’t walk alone during the night as chances of you being robbed are high and that taxi drivers usually don’t follow the rules of the road, which is rather sad. This definitely dims the light of what Johannesburg has to offer as a city.

Lungelo, says: 2020

A person considering moving to Johannesburg should be aware of at least three things.
– First, commuting to and from work. The traffic is utterly undesirable, especially if you are living in the city center.
– Secondly, the crime rate is not something openly discussed by the media.
– Lastly, the load shedding schedule is your friend. If you are unclear on what load shedding is, it is when the government decides to cut-off power to certain areas on rotation to stabilize the power grid.

Qhawekazi, says: 2020

It would be helpful to know that the traffic is quite an irritation and when travelling, time delays should be taken into consideration. The weather is usually warm and there is little rain in the winter. Remain friendly when approaching police officers and government officials, at home affair institutions as this could aid in avoiding conflict.

Bronwyn, says: 2020

My city has the most amazing sites to visit. It has great infrastructure. We are a true rainbow nation with kind hearted people, amazing street food, and 11 official languages. The city is a true World class African City, with great places to live. Malls are in most areas, we have uber services and a great train service.

Zenash, says: 2020

This sprawling metropolis is rich in culture, colour, and curiosity. The people are kind, the food is great, and the sunsets are simply stunning. It is a city of extremes, where people participate in the daily rat race, and relaxation time is a unanimous decision. Commuting can be a nightmare at times, but listening to our homegrown artists float over their unique beats can help relax those shoulders. Join us in Johannesburg, the New York City of South Africa.

Johannesburg is the epitome of the hustle and bustle of city life; where the streets are always rampaged with people looking to make a quick buck. It is no wonder there is always a congestion of traffic, with taxis hooting from the side of the road, looking to squeeze between the side barricade and your car.

Rendani, says: 2020

It is a low density place and very good to stay. It is accompanied by a lot of security no worries for thieves. The area has many recreational parks for entertainment. The area has well tarred roads so you do not have to worry about potholes. There are various types of transport available in the place.

Brandon, says: 2020

A person considering moving to Johannesburg should know that the city has a lot of traffic during the week. The city of Johannesburg is famously known as the business capital of South Africa. The city also has diverse groups of peoples from all over who are from different ethnic backgrounds.

Khotso, says: 2020

Anyone moving to my city should know that when traveling in the mornings, adding an extra hour to your trip will allow you to arrive on time. In Johannesburg, traffic is highly unpredictable. You never know if there will be roadworks or accidents on the highway, so it is better to be safe rather than sorry.

Johannesburg can be an exciting place to live, especially since you can go anywhere in the city with help from multiple public transport modes. Though you do need to be aware of your surroundings and the people therein, most South Africans are more than willing to help a stranger in need. Johannesburg is one city where you can find pretty much everything you are looking for, from farm-fresh produce to high society entertainment.

Victoria, says: 2020

Being a big city filled with all its pros and cons, Johannesburg can be an exciting place to live, especially since you can go anywhere in the city, with help from multiple public transport modes. Though you do need to be aware of your surroundings and the people therein, most South Africans are more than willing to help a stranger in need. Johannesburg is one city where you can find pretty much everything you are looking for, from farm-fresh produce to high society entertainment.

Kwanele, says: 2020

It is a small city, that is quite busy during the day due to transportation and a lot of people, and has a busy night life, due to students. It is an area filled with students from the surrounding universities, and colleges. However, crime rate is right. Therefore do not work with your belongings visible.

Thenjiwe, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a city full of bright lights. Busy city life and houses the biggest Airport in Africa OR Tambo airport. It is next to the capital Pretoria and the two of them make up the most populated city in South Africa. It is popularly known as the itu of gold due to the number of gold mines in Johannesburg.

Ntsikelelo, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a vibrant cosmopolitan city however it will behoove you not to rely on public transportation but rather hire a car to ensure freedom of movement. We drive on the left of the road, this should be taken into consideration when hiring a vehicle for your holiday.

Louise, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a bustling city with a large population and a high crime rate. Traffic is a nightmare to those who commute to Sandton for work daily. Apart from the negative aspects, Johannesburg is quite a nice city. There are plenty of tourist attractions and heritage sites to visit and the people are friendly and polite towards foreigners.

Trysten, says: 2020

We call “traffic lights” robots, we have thee most beautiful shopping centers, and the wildlife is something you’ve never seen before. a lot of people who move to Johannesburg have love the city and would not dream of leaving this place. Itsa place to call home. Summers are magnificent.

My city is notorious for traffic, therefore, they must expect heavy traffic in the mornings and the afternoons. it is a very busy city. There is life and you can realize your dreams, no matter what they are. it is important that you always remember why you came here or else you may be consumed in the busyness of it all.

Daleen, says: 2020

Our city is very busy and crowded. It is the largest city in South Africa. Ubers are available for people who need transport. There are also buses moving around if you are comfortable with public transport. Two crowded areas to avoid are mtn rank and bree taxi rank. You must always be carcareful, attend to your bags.

Lusanda, says: 2020

Never walk under bridges, especially at night, as you could get mugged. The closer you are to the CBD, the cheaper the goods you will buy. Traffic is a nightmare at peak time, so schedule your travel times accordingly. Public transport is notoriously unreliable, though there are some expensive but fairly reliable options.

Muneeb, says: 2020

The crime rate in Johannesburg is quite high. Johannesburg is one of the most vibrant cities in South Africa. It’s the the capital city of Gauteng. The most commonly spoken language in Johannesburg is English, followed by isiZulu. The most easily available modes of transport in Johannesburg are minibus taxis, Gautrain, Uber, and Bolt.

Lizelle, says: 2020

Be prepared to face some of the scariest traffic. Also, Johannesburg is not the safest parts of the country, there’s a lot of crime that takes place. But there are a lot of great things you can do in Johannesburg and great sites to visit, such as the apartheid museum.

Johannesburg is the city of gold. Although businesses thrive here, so do criminals. It is important to be vigilant. Always lock your vehicle’s door. Never walk alone, especially at night. Hide your jewelry and wallet. There are not a lot of interesting places to visit, but the nightlife is exciting.

Mmathapelo, says: 2020

It is a very modern city with a lot to offer. There are various places that offer all kinds of activities, from outdoor to indoor, you can never be bored. The city is also moving up in the technology space, offering free WiFi in almost all public spaces. It also boosts the first high speed train in Africa, Gautrain.

Sakhile, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a busy, heavily populated metropolitan city in Gauteng, South Africa. known as “Joburg”, it is an inland city with high-volume traffic and many shopping malls, residential complexes and restaurants. It is the “City of Gold” and forms part of South Africa’s smallest province. Whilst Joburg is the smallest province it is also the most densely populated.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in a stationary vehicle, with windows closed and doors locked, due to the high hijacking rate. Driving in the city is stressful with road names barely visible, and minibus taxis that drive as if the rules of the road are non-existent. Traffic robots are not in sync, so on a road with multiple traffic robots there are plenty of stop-starts.

Mpendulo, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a very big city so you need to know the surrounding areas. These are the places that you can live as they are safer than living in Johannesburg CBD. Prepare to drive a lot. Places are very far from each other so you need a car. I would not use public transport as it is also not safe to use.

Sithembiso, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a sprawling city in South Africa, at the southern tip of Africa. It has an international airport (O. R. Tambo International Airport), but it takes a long time to get to international destinations such as London, New York, Paris, Rome and Berlin. Flights are very expensive, as there protectionist regulations are in place to protect the local airline (SAA). Travel within the country is also expensive and not easy, as there is no railroad or acceptable bus service to speak of. The only options are to fly using SAA, which is very expensive, or to drive, but the roads are not good and there is a very real problem with danger on the roads.

Johannesburg is one of the most dangerous cities in South Africa. get thorough information about the suburb where you wish to move to together with all information on surrounding bus routes, commuting services and shopping centres before moving. know your land lord and neighbourhood before moving In.

Sakwakana, says: 2020

Johannesburg is the capital of South Africa. It is close to O. R. Tambo International Airport. It is a business hub and the heart of the South African economy. It is very cold in winter and very hot in summer. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng. It is also referred to as the City of Gold.

Bridgette, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a city of gold. Surrounded by gold mines. There is a high rate of crime especially and the central business district where there is high dense population. The townships surrounding the city are occupied by low earning individuals with shacks. The mode of transport to the city is train.

Louise, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a sprawling city and has numerous attractions. The city centre is home to big businesses and skyscrapers abound. Housing in and around the city is fairly affordable and reasonably easy to secure. Traffic can be a problem during rush hour but public transport in and around Johannesburg is reliable.

Monique, says: 2020

Consider the major traffic jams we experience during peak hours. It gets really bad during peak times and even worse when traffic lights are off. However, our weather is incredible.

Lebogang, says: 2020

It is a city of gold and there is a lot of jobs. Johannesburg is the biggest city in Gauteng and has very good property, and good educational platforms. It is most famous for its catchy lyrics that embody post-apartheid township culture and the OR Tambo International in Johannesburg is the biggest airport on the continent of Africa.

I recommend that they are always vigilant; do not trust anyone and always guard your belongings. Refrain from using public transport, it is better to use a private transport. Use the GPS even when you are in the car.

Chwayita, says: 2020

The city is the money hub of South Africa. There are over one million cars on the roads daily and traffic to the main freeways are normally congested during peak hours. The city has a very diverse population that are friendly most of the time. The public transport in the city is a bit of an issue.

Steven, says: 2020

Johannesburg is in the east of the province and is home to the largest airport on the African continent. Our culture is very diverse as we are the economic hub of our country. With the huge influx of migrants comes the increase in the crime rate. My city was one of the main cities that hosted the 2010 FIFA world cup.

It is imperative to note that life in Johannesburg is diverse and multicultural. Having a car as means of travel is crucial as the public transport network is not very reliable. Many suburbs have either malls or shopping centers so access to basic daily essentials is within more or less five miles. The local and national police services are satisfactory in terms of reaction time to a distress call or arrive at a crime or accident scene therefore, it would be handy to have the contact details of the community security patrol as they are in each suburb especially in the norths of Johannesburg.

Lerato, says: 2020

Johannesburg is a city like no other. It is one of South Africa’s employment hubs. It has a long history of political events and it is where 1,000s of youth were killed during the struggle to abolish racial segregation. It’s clean and modern with the best transportation services that are affordable.

Andrea, says: 2020

Johannesburg, although beautifully diverse and cosmopolitan, has its fair share of crime. I would not discourage someone from moving here, however. I would simply warn them to be cautious and act wisely; do not flash fancy watches or jewellery, keep your car windows closed in traffic and check behind you before driving into your home. In saying that, the excitement and multiculturalism of Johannesburg are the best reasons to move here and one should not let the thought of crime stop one from experiencing this thrilling and dynamic city.

When moving to Johannesburg, visit the famous soccer stadium at its outskirts. To the north of Johannesburg, there are several entertainment facilities where the big five can be viewed in open air vehicles. At all times, ensure that your car door is locked for your safety. The nightlife in Johannesburg is world-class.

Rodwell, says: 2020

Traffic is terrible. Public transit is almost non existent. Johannesburg is not as dangerous as the media says it is. Pedestrians no respect from the drivers, they all in a rush. Winter nights are very cold. That being said prepare for quick changes in weather, one moment it’s cold the next it’s warm especially during fall.

Cynthia, says: 2020

People are friendly and accomodating. Be aware of your environment because of crime. The weather is great year-round with no real harsh winters. Traffic is a nightmare so planning is essential. Accommodations are well-priced in good areas. Schools, shopping, and churches are all with in reach of each other.

Johannesburg is full of wonderful welcoming people and very beautiful attractions, including where the late Nelson Mandela lived most his life with his wife Winnie Mandela. And don’t forget that Gautrain is the fastest train in Africa.

Annegret, says: 2020
Safety and CrimeThings To DoDiversityMore...
More Johannesburg Topics...

Comments are closed.

Names of respondents may have been changed.

Share
Share