General Information

In this section, you will find useful information on how to use the system as well as details on some of the provisions we have made to welcome disabled passengers.

Regulations concerning conditions of carriage and proper usage of this site.

Passengers with disabilities

The Gautrain System was built in accordance with strict international transportation and safety regulations. The Gautrain system is governed by and operates under an Operating License issued by the South African Railway Safety Regulator.

All station environments, trains and Gautrain buses are specifically designed to provide easy access for all passengers. Provision is made for mobility, sight and hearing-impaired passengers.

Wheelchair access is provided for at all stations, on all trains and on every second Gautrain bus, which is equipped with a wheelchair ramp and bay. Please request assistance from your driver.

Non-slip surfaces, handrails and handholds are provided for passengers who are less able to walk or stand for extended periods.

Hearing and sight-impaired passengers are provided for using colour contrasts, clear signage, high-quality lighting and non-reflective surfaces. Announcements are provided in audio as well as on visual information boards. Where applicable, tactile and audible guidance and warning systems are also in place.

Gautrain Travel Rules

GAUTRAIN RULES

  1. Only valid ticket holders will be allowed onto the buses and trains and into the paid sections of the stations.
  2. Passengers may only enter or exit the train once it has come to a complete stop at a station.
  3. Please allow passengers to leave the trains and buses before you board.
  4. Stand clear of closing doors.
  5. Alcohol may not be consumed anywhere inside the Gautrain system including trains, buses and stations.
  6. Eating and drinking is not permitted on the train.
  7. The entire Gautrain system has been designated non-smoking.
  8. The carrying of any dangerous weapons including firearms is prohibited.
  9. The carrying of flammable, explosive and poisonous items is prohibited.
  10. No littering is permitted on the Gautrain. Please use marked refuse bins.
  11. Please keep hands and feet inside the train at all times, especially when doors are about to close. No passenger may ride on the outside of any train or bus.
  12. Discourteous behaviour can be a hazard to other patrons, and violations could result in arrest or fines. The following are examples of behaviour that make it more difficult to navigate through the train car, which could be hazardous, especially in a moving train:
    • Sticking your legs out in the aisle
    • Transporting large objects during rush hour
    • Taking up more than one seat with bags or legs
    • Blocking the exit or walkway with a cart, bike, stroller or other large object
  13. You may use electronic items on the Gautrain, including iPods and cell phones; however please keep the volume to a minimum so as not to disturb fellow passengers.
  14. While the train is in motion, passengers are not allowed to open the door to the driver's section and talk to the driver or disturb him/her in any other way.
  15. Passengers are responsible for looking after their luggage. Please do not leave your luggage unattended.

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How to use the system

Train system

THE TRAIN SERVICE

Simply touch the Gautrain Card to the ticket reader on the fare-gate and wait for the green light and beeping sound to indicate validation. Pass through the glass barrier, board the train, sit back and relax! Upon leaving the train, touch the card to the ticket reader at the fare-gate, wait for validation and pass through. Thank you for using Gautrain!


Bus system

THE BUS SERVICE

Simply touch the Gautrain Card to ticket the reader on the bus, wait for the green light and beeping sound to indicate validation. Be seated and relax! Remember to remove your luggage (and kids!). No tag-off is required. The Gautrain bus system was designed with wheelchair users in mind. Ask your driver for assistance.


Car park system

STATION CAR PARKS

Simply touch Gautrain Card to ticket reader on fare-gate / press button to request paper ticket. Wait for boom and drive in. (Paper ticket holders must take tickets with them, to pay at Ticket Vending Machines after using car park.) Remember to load enough pay as you go value to pay for your parking. If you now wish to use a train / bus, you will need a valid Gautrain Card. When tagging out, insert the paper ticket into and touch the Gautrain Card to ticket reader on exit gate. Wait for boom and drive out.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Gautrain Services

Gautrain currently offers two distinct train services: an Airport Service linking Sandton and Marlboro to the O.R.Tambo International Airport and a Commuter Service linking Rhodesfield, Marlboro, and Sandton (east-west link) and Park, Rosebank, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria Central and Hatfield (north-south link).

All stations except for the OR Tambo Airport station have integrated car parking facilities.

The Gautrain bus fleet currently operates on more than 20 routes.

Where can I purchase a Gautrain Card?

Visit your nearest Gautrain Station to purchase your Gautrain Card. Gautrain Cards may be purchased at a self-help Ticket Vending Machine or at a station Ticket Office at a cost of R19.

Where can I access bus route information?

All bus route information may be found here or at your nearest Gautrain station.

How can I contact the Lost and Found Department?

If you have misplaced any items whilst on the Gautrain, you may contact the Lost and Found department on 011 253 0254 during office hours. You may also log a Lost and Found query at our Contact Page.

How can I claim a refund?

To apply for a refund, please register an account and link your card at www.gautrain.co.za or visit your nearest Gautrain Station Ticket Office. Please take along a copy of your ID and bank statement.

Can I view the balance on my Gautrain Card

To view the balance or the last four transactions on your Gautrain Card, simply visit any of our self-help Ticket Vending Machines at your nearest Gautrain Station and select the 'analyse card' option. You may also request a Card Statement here.

Can I view a statement of my Gautrain Card?

Please request a Gautrain Card Statement here.

What are the train schedules

Trains depart at 10-minute intervals during peak times and at 20 - minute intervals during off-peak times. On weekends and public holidays, trains on the North-South and East-West lines operate at 20-minute intervals between 09h00 - 16h00 and 30-minute intervals between 05h30 - 09h00 and between 16h00 - 20h30. To view detailed schedules please visit this page. Scheduled departure times may also be accessed by downloading the Gautrain app, free of charge.

What services does the Gautrain offer?

Gautrain currently offers two distinct train services: an Airport Service linking Sandton and Marlboro to the OR Tambo International Airport and a Commuter Service linking Rhodesfield, Marlboro, and Sandton (east-west link) and Park, Rosebank, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria Central and Hatfield (north-south link)

Gautrain train service operates across Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni and also connects to the OR Tambo International Airport.

Gautrain bus service offers over twenty bus routes that provide safe and efficient access to our train stations.

Parking and drop-off facilities are available at all stations except for the OR Tambo International Airport Station.

How are Gautrain Fares calculated ?

Gautrain fares are calculated according to your time of travel and the route travelled. These times are divided as follows:

Peak fares are applied when you access the Gautrain system between 06h00 and 08h30 between 16h00 and 18h30 on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays.

Off-Peak fares are applied when you access the Gautrain system before 06h00, between 08h30 and 16h00 or after 18h30 on weekdays.

How do the Gautrain schedules work?

The Gautrain bus and train services operate daily between 05h30 and 20h30. Scheduled departures may be accessed using the Gautrain app, at any Gautrain station or here.


The train schedule differs in peak and off-peak periods as follows:

During Peak Periods trains depart at 10-minute intervals.

During the Off-Peak period trains depart at 20 minute intervals.

On weekends and public holidays, trains on the North-South and East-West lines operate at 20-minute intervals between 09h00 - 16h00 and 30-minute intervals between 05h30 - 09h00 and between 16h00 - 20h30.


How do I use the Gautrain services?

To access the Gautrain train or bus service, each passenger is required to possess a Gautrain Card with a minimum value of R32 loaded onto it or to possess their own Contactless bank card. Gautrain Cards may be re-used by simply loading value as and when needed. The same Gautrain Card or Contactless bank card must be used to tag into and out of the stations, bus and parking. This will ensure that any applicable discounts are automatically calculated and deducted from your fare. Failure to tag out of the service may result in a penalty fee being applied.

Gautrain Cards may be purchased at any Gautrain station using either the Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) or the Ticket Office. The TVMs are similar to the ATM bank terminal and accepts cash and bank cards.

How do I use and pay for parking?

Safe parking facilities are provided at all Gautrain Stations except for the OR Tambo International Airport station. Gautrain parking facilities open at approximately 05h00 and close at approximately 21h00. Vehicles may be left overnight and for your safety, will not be accessible after hours.

How do I use the bus service?

The Gautrain bus service provides safe, comfortable, and reliable passage to and from all Gautrain stations, except for the OR Tambo International Airport. At the station you will find details regarding the various Gautrain bus routes. This information is also available here.

Gautrain bus routes are colour-coded and numbered for ease of reference. These same colours and route numbers, along with a unique stop number, appear at each bus stop. In this way you may easily ensure that you are on the correct bus route.

To use the Gautrain bus service, a Gautrain Card with a minimum value of R32 is required or a Contactless bank card. Rail-users enjoy discounted bus fares. To qualify, passengers must:

  • Tag onto a Gautrain bus within 1 hour of exiting the station, using the same Gautrain card or Contactless bank card
  • Tag into a station within 1 hour of tagging onto a Gautrain bus, using the same Gautrain card or Contactless bank card.

Detailed bus fares are available here.


Wheelchair access on buses:

Every second bus is equipped with a wheelchair ramp and wheelchair bays. Please ask your driver for assistance, if need be.

Guide dogs for the visually impaired are welcome on board all Gautrain services. No other pets are allowed.

To track your bus in real-time, simply download the Gautrain app free of charge. On most routes, and subject to road and traffic conditions, buses are provided every 12 minutes during peak times and every 20 minutes during off-peak times.


Please note:

We make every effort to ensure the bus intervals are adhered to, however buses make use of public roads and the service is subject to road incidents and traffic congestion.

Does Gautrain travel underground?

Yes, the underground section of Gautrain is approximately 15km long, stretching from Johannesburg Park Station to the vicinity of Marlboro Station. It includes three underground stations: Johannesburg Park Station, Rosebank Station and Sandton Station. At its deepest, the tunnel reaches a depth of over 25 storeys.

Where can I find information about service delays?

To register for service updates, please SMS the word 'ALERT' to 44181 at a once-off cost of R1.

Information regarding delays or disruptions will be conveyed in-station by way of announcements and signage.

Significant delays will be communicated via SMS, the Gautrain mobile app, as well as on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Where can I buy a Gautrain Card?

Gautrain Cards may be purchased at any Gautrain station using either the Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) or the Ticket Office. The TVMs are similar to an ATM bank terminal and accept cash and bank cards.

How much money should I load onto my Gautrain Card?

Passengers are required to have a minimum of R32 value loaded onto their Gautrain Card in order to access Gautrain services. Our mobile app includes a handy fare calculator that will help you to determine the cost of your journey, including bus and parking fares. Fare information is also available at any Gautrain Station and here. Passengers may load value onto their Gautrain Card using our self-help Ticket Vending Machines, online, via our mobile app, or at a Ticket office in station.

Please note: children under the age of 3 travel free.

Help! I've lost my Card!

We encourage you to register your Gautrain Card at any station Ticket office, or here.

A registered Gautrain Card allows you to block your Gautrain Card in the event of it being lost or stolen. This may be done here.Once your Gautrain Card has been blocked, you may then apply to have the funds on your lost/stolen Gautrain Card transferred to a new registered Gautrain Card. If you have value remaining on a blocked Gautrain card, you may submit a claim request online or complete a refund application at a station Ticket Office. If your Contactless bank card is lost or stolen, please contact your bank to have the card blocked.

How do I get to the Gautrain?

Please click here to access information about the Gautrain stations and respective bus routes.

Do Gautrain services cater for passengers with disabilities?

All Gautrain stations have been equipped to facilitate passengers with disabilities. Our trains allow for wheelchair access and provide designated areas for passengers with disabilities. Every second Gautrain bus is equipped with a wheelchair ramp. Please ask the driver to assist, if need be.

Guide dogs for the visually impaired are welcome onboard the Gautrain system, no other pets are allowed.

Is the Gautrain secure?

Safety and security are top priorities at Gautrain. To ensure safe and secure travel on Gautrain we have in place a number of world-class safety and security features, which include:

  • CCTV camera surveillance, both on trains and in stations
  • 24-Hour Security presence at all stations
  • Secure fencing along the Gautrain route

The Bus service is monitored via satellite tracking and we work together with relevant authorities, such as the South African Police Service, to ensure a safe and secure environment for our passengers.

How do I apply for a refund?

If you have been incorrectly charged or have been unable to use your train product because of a service disruption, please apply for a refund by submitting a refund request online. Remember to register an account and link your Gautrain card or Contactless bank card at your nearest Gautrain Station. For us to process the application at a station, please be sure to have the following on hand when completing the forms at the station:

  • A copy of your ID.
  • A recent bank statement.
  • Your Gautrain Card number.

What are Gautrain penalty fees and when do these apply?

A penalty fee is applied when any of the Gautrain rules are contravened. The Gautrain rules help to ensure that all passengers enjoy a safe and clean environment. Gautrain system rules are available at all stations and a comprehensive list of these rules may be viewed here.

Why can I not eat or drink on the Gautrain system?

This rule is enforced to ensure that all passengers are able to enjoy a clean and hygienic environment whilst using our services. To view a comprehensive list of the Gautrain system rules, please visit this page.

How can I suggest a bus route or stop?

Please visit this page to suggest or request a new bus route or stop. Your request will be reviewed and considered against the need, feasibility and popularity of the route.

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