Downtown Johannesburg with Carlton Centre, Constitution Hill, and Maboneng district.

About Johannesburg CBD

Johannesburg's Central Business District (CBD) is a complex, evolving urban landscape. Once the continent's gleaming financial center, it experienced significant decline from the 1990s, but is now undergoing a remarkable renewal. The Maboneng Precinct (meaning "place of light" in Sotho) has emerged as an arts and culture hub with galleries, restaurants, a weekend market, and the Hallmark House hotel designed by David Adjaye.

Constitutional Hill, a former prison that held Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela at different times, now houses South Africa's Constitutional Court—a powerful symbol of the country's democratic transformation. The Apartheid Museum (near Gold Reef City, south of the CBD) is an essential visit for understanding South Africa's history.

The CBD also features the Carlton Centre (Africa's tallest building, with a public observation deck), the Neighbourgoods Market at Braamfontein, and the vibrant Fordsburg neighborhood for Indian cuisine. While the CBD has safety concerns, organized walking tours (Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, Past Experiences) provide safe, insightful ways to explore.

Nearby Landmarks

Constitutional Hill Carlton Centre Maboneng Precinct Braamfontein Apartheid Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost R350-R550 (~\$19-\$30)
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost R250-R400 (~\$14-\$22)
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow signs to rideshare zone

Train (Gautrain)

Cost R180 (~\$10)
Time 25 minutes
Frequency Every 12-20 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Gautrain to Park Station in the CBD. For specific areas, connect to Rea Vaya bus rapid transit.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi R350-R550 (~\$19-\$30) 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare R250-R400 (~\$14-\$22) 25-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train R180 (~\$10) 25 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Gautrain to Park Station runs until about 8:30 PM from the airport. After that, Uber and Bolt operate 24/7 and are the recommended transport (avoid unmarked taxis). A nighttime ride costs ZAR 350-500 ($19-28). The CBD is not recommended for walking at night—use door-to-door transport only.

Luggage Tips

The Gautrain has luggage space. Park Station has security but watch belongings carefully. For safety, take an Uber from Park Station to your final destination rather than walking with luggage. Maboneng hotels offer vehicle drop-off access.

Accessibility

The Gautrain and Park Station are wheelchair accessible. The CBD's sidewalks vary in condition—main streets are passable but side streets can be challenging. Constitutional Hill and the Apartheid Museum are wheelchair accessible. Maboneng Precinct is relatively flat and accessible.