South Africa's administrative capital, about 50 km north of the airport.

About Pretoria (Tshwane)

Pretoria (officially part of the City of Tshwane municipality) is South Africa's administrative capital, a more relaxed and government-oriented city compared to Johannesburg's commercial hustle. The Union Buildings, designed by Herbert Baker and set in terraced gardens on Meintjieskop hill, house the offices of the President and are where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated in 1994.

Pretoria is famous as the "Jacaranda City"—over 70,000 jacaranda trees line its streets, creating a spectacular purple canopy each October. Church Square, the historic center, features the old Raadsaal (Parliament) and Paul Kruger statue. The Voortrekker Monument, a massive granite structure south of the city, commemorates the Afrikaner Great Trek.

The city is home to the University of Pretoria, the CSIR research campus, and numerous diplomatic embassies. The Hatfield neighborhood near the university has a lively restaurant and bar scene. The Gautrain connects Pretoria to Johannesburg and OR Tambo Airport, making the 50 km transfer straightforward.

Nearby Landmarks

Union Buildings Church Square Voortrekker Monument Freedom Park Jacaranda trees

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost R600-R900 (~\$33-\$50)
Time 45-60 minutes

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

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost R500-R750 (~\$28-\$42)
Time 45-60 minutes

Follow signs to rideshare zone

Train (Gautrain)

Cost R220 (~\$12)
Time 40 minutes
Frequency Every 12-20 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Gautrain from OR Tambo to Pretoria/Hatfield station. Transfer at Marlboro if needed.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi R600-R900 (~\$33-\$50) 45-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare R500-R750 (~\$28-\$42) 45-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train R220 (~\$12) 40 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Gautrain to Pretoria runs until about 8:30 PM from the airport. After that, Uber and Bolt operate 24/7 for the longer journey, costing ZAR 600-900 ($33-50) at night. The N1 is clear after 8 PM, making the drive 40-50 minutes. Hatfield's restaurants stay open until 10-11 PM.

Luggage Tips

The Gautrain has luggage space. Transfer at Marlboro station (same platform) to the Pretoria line. Pretoria station has elevators. A direct taxi/Uber avoids the transfer hassle with heavy luggage. Pretoria's streets are wider and calmer than Johannesburg's for last-mile luggage transport.

Accessibility

The Gautrain is fully wheelchair accessible including the Marlboro transfer. Pretoria station has elevators. The Union Buildings grounds are partially accessible (lower terraces). Church Square is flat and accessible. Hotels in Hatfield and Arcadia meet international accessibility standards.