If you're heading to Johannesburg or Pretoria, one of the more convenient ways to travel between the two cities would be by Gautrain. The Gautrain is a rapid rail network that connects Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the OR Tambo International Airport. But how much does a Gautrain card cost?
Gautrain Travel Cost
Unlike most other train systems, the Gautrain does not make use of paper tickets. Instead, passengers need to get a Gautrain card, which is a smart card used to pay for their train trips. The card can be used to travel on both the Gautrain and the Gautrain bus services.
The Gautrain card itself costs R30 and is available at all Gautrain stations, including OR Tambo International Airport, Sandton, Rosebank, Park Station, Pretoria, and Hatfield. Once you have your Gautrain card, you can load it with a minimum of R50 up to a maximum of R3,000 of credit. This credit is used to pay for your travel on the Gautrain.
Gautrain Fares
The Gautrain uses a distance-based fare system, which means the further you travel, the more you pay. There is also an additional fee charged for the use of the Gautrain bus services. The Gautrain fares range from R21 to R162 for a single trip if you're traveling between Johannesburg and Pretoria. If you're traveling from OR Tambo International Airport, fares range from R21 to R162 for a single trip to Sandton, and R162 to Pretoria. Additionally, there are discounted fares available for children under 18, pensioners, and students with a valid student card.
Gautrain Metrorail Transfer
It's also worth noting that you can use your Gautrain card to transfer to Metro trains in Johannesburg and Pretoria as well. You'll need to purchase a separate train ticket and use your Gautrain card to access the Metro station.
Gautrain Card Refunds
If you decide you no longer need your Gautrain card or if you've moved away from Johannesburg or Pretoria, you can get a refund for your Gautrain card. The refund amount will depend on the remaining credit on your card, and an administration fee will be charged. You can apply for a refund at any Gautrain station, and it can take up to 21 working days to process the refund.
In summary, the cost of a Gautrain card is R30, and the minimum amount you can load on your card is R50 up to a maximum of R3,000. The Gautrain fares are distance-based, and the fares range from R21 to R162 for a single trip. If you're a regular commuter, you might want to consider purchasing a weekly or monthly pass to save money.
