Bells HardingstonePark Station is the heartbeat of Johannesburg’s public transport network. Located in the heart of the city centre, it is Africa’s busiest railway station and a major hub for commuters travelling across Gauteng and beyond. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people pass through its gates, catching trains, taxis, and buses to destinations across the province.
For first-time visitors, Park Station can be overwhelming. It is vast, crowded, and can be confusing to navigate. But with a little knowledge and preparation, you can use this vital transport hub safely and efficiently.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Park Station, including directions, safety tips, facilities, and how to navigate this iconic Johannesburg landmark.
Park Station Johannesburg Complete Guide: Directions, Safety Tips And Facilities
What Is Park Station?
Park Station is the main railway station in Johannesburg. It serves as a hub for:
Metrorail: Commuter trains serving the Witwatersrand area, including Soweto, Pretoria, and the East Rand.
Gautrain: The high-speed train linking Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport. The Gautrain station is adjacent to the main Metrorail station.
Long-distance trains: Shosholoza Meyl trains to other provinces.
Taxi ranks: Major minibus taxi ranks are located next to the station.
Bus services: Rea Vaya and other bus routes stop nearby.
The station is a city within a city, with shops, food outlets, and facilities for the millions of commuters who use it every year.
Getting To Park Station
By Train:
If you are already on the Metrorail network, Park Station is the central hub. Trains from Soweto, Pretoria, the East Rand, and other areas all terminate or pass through Park Station.
If you are on the Gautrain, the Park Station stop is on the line between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Gautrain station is connected to the main station by a pedestrian bridge.
By Minibus Taxi:
The main taxi rank is located adjacent to the station on the west side. Taxis from Soweto, the CBD, and other areas drop off and pick up here. Follow the signs or the crowds to the station entrance.
By Bus:
Rea Vaya buses stop at the Park Station terminus. Several bus routes also serve the area. The main bus stops are on Rissik Street and Wolmarans Street.
By Car:
Driving to Park Station is not recommended due to traffic, limited parking, and security concerns. If you must drive, there are some pay-to-park facilities nearby, but they fill up quickly. It is far better to use public transport to reach the station.
By Foot:
If you are in the Johannesburg CBD, Park Station is within walking distance. It is located at the intersection of Rissik Street and Wolmarans Street. Be aware of your surroundings and stick to busy streets.
Navigating Park Station
Park Station is large and can be confusing. Here is a basic layout:
Main Concourse:
The main concourse is a large open area with ticket offices, information desks, and shops. This is where you will find the Metrorail ticket windows and the entrances to the platforms.
Metrorail Platforms:
There are multiple platforms serving different directions. Platform information is displayed on electronic boards and announced over the public address system. Listen carefully and check the boards before heading to your platform.
Gautrain Station:
The Gautrain station is a separate, modern facility connected to the main station by a pedestrian bridge. It has its own ticket office, platforms, and facilities. It is cleaner, safer, and more upmarket than the Metrorail section.
Taxi Rank:
The main taxi rank is located to the west of the station. It is a large, open area with hundreds of taxis departing to various destinations. It can be chaotic, so pay attention to where you are going.
Bus Stops:
Rea Vaya and other bus stops are located on the streets surrounding the station.
Directions To Key Destinations
To Soweto:
From Park Station, take a Metrorail train on the Soweto line. Trains depart regularly for Naledi, Dube, and other Soweto stations. Alternatively, take a minibus taxi from the taxi rank. Look for taxis heading to specific Soweto destinations like Orlando, Dube, or Pimville.
To Pretoria:
Take a Metrorail train on the Pretoria line. Trains run regularly to Pretoria Station. Alternatively, take the Gautrain for a faster, more comfortable journey.
To OR Tambo International Airport:
Take the Gautrain. It is the fastest and most reliable option. Trains run regularly from the Gautrain station at Park Station to OR Tambo.
To the East Rand:
Take a Metrorail train on the Germiston or Springs lines. These trains serve the East Rand towns.
To Johannesburg CBD:
The station is located on the edge of the CBD. You can walk to many destinations, or take a taxi for a short ride.
Safety Tips For Park Station
Park Station is generally safe during the day, but it is a busy public place. Take these precautions:
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings:
Keep your head up and pay attention to what is happening around you.
Do not walk while looking at your phone.
Avoid dark or isolated areas.
Keep Valuables Secure:
Keep your phone and wallet in a secure pocket or bag.
Do not flash expensive items.
Be especially careful in crowds, where pickpockets operate.
Travel During Daylight:
If possible, travel during daylight hours.
If you must travel at night, be extra vigilant.
Use Official Services:
Only use official Metrorail, Gautrain, or registered taxi services.
Avoid unofficial or unmarked vehicles.
Stay In Well-Lit Areas:
Stick to the main concourse and well-lit areas.
Avoid wandering into dark corridors or empty platforms.
Ask For Help:
If you are lost or unsure, ask a uniformed official for help.
There are security personnel and information desks in the station.
Travel In Groups:
If possible, travel with others, especially at night.
There is safety in numbers.
Be Cautious With Strangers:
Be wary of strangers offering help or directions, especially if they are insistent.
Do not follow anyone to a secondary location.
Secure Your Belongings On Trains:
Keep your bag on your lap or between your feet.
Do not leave bags unattended.
Know Emergency Numbers:
Save the SAPS emergency number (10111) in your phone.
Note the location of security personnel.
Facilities At Park Station
Ticket Offices:
Metrorail ticket windows are located in the main concourse.
Gautrain ticket machines and offices are in the Gautrain station.
Long-distance train tickets are available at the Shosholoza Meyl office.
Information Desks:
There are information desks in both the Metrorail and Gautrain sections. Staff can help with directions and train times.
Shops And Food Outlets:
The station has a range of shops selling snacks, drinks, newspapers, and essentials.
Food outlets include fast food chains and small cafes.
Toilets:
Public toilets are available, but cleanliness can be variable. There may be a small fee to use them. The Gautrain station toilets are cleaner and better maintained.
ATMs:
Several banks have ATMs in the station. Be aware of your surroundings when using them.
Waiting Areas:
There are seating areas in the concourse and on platforms. The Gautrain waiting area is more comfortable and secure.
Left Luggage:
There are limited left luggage facilities. Check with station management.
Parking:
Limited pay-to-park facilities are available nearby. They fill up quickly and can be expensive.
Police Station:
There is a South African Police Service presence in and around the station.
Park Station Contact Information
Metrorail Enquiries:
Tel: 080 000 3472 (toll-free)
Website: www.metrorail.co.za
Gautrain Enquiries:
Tel: 0800 428 87246 (0800 GAUTRAIN)
Website: www.gautrain.co.za
SAPS Emergency: 10111
Common Questions, FAQ Section
Is Park Station safe?
Park Station is generally safe during the day with normal precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid isolated areas. At night, be extra vigilant.
How do I get to Soweto from Park Station?
Take a Metrorail train on the Soweto line or a minibus taxi from the taxi rank.
How do I get to Pretoria from Park Station?
Take a Metrorail train on the Pretoria line or the Gautrain for a faster, more comfortable journey.
Is there parking at Park Station?
Limited pay-to-park facilities are available nearby. It is not recommended to drive to the station due to traffic and security concerns.
What facilities are at Park Station?
Ticket offices, shops, food outlets, toilets, ATMs, waiting areas, and information desks.
Are there toilets at Park Station?
Yes, public toilets are available. The Gautrain station toilets are cleaner.
Can I take the Gautrain from Park Station to OR Tambo Airport?
Yes. The Gautrain is the best option for getting to the airport.
What is the difference between Metrorail and Gautrain?
Metrorail is a commuter train service, cheaper but less comfortable. Gautrain is a high-speed, premium service, faster and more comfortable but more expensive.
Are there long-distance trains from Park Station?
Yes, Shosholoza Meyl long-distance trains depart from Park Station to other provinces.
How early should I arrive at Park Station?
For Metrorail, arrive at least 15 minutes before your train. For Gautrain, 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient. For long-distance trains, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Summary: Key Points
Park Station is a major transport hub in Johannesburg.
It serves Metrorail, Gautrain, long-distance trains, taxis, and buses.
Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Use official services and stay in well-lit areas.
Facilities include ticket offices, shops, food outlets, toilets, and ATMs.
For Gautrain to OR Tambo, use the adjacent Gautrain station.
Final Warning: Stay Alert
Park Station is a busy, bustling place. Millions of people pass through every year, and while most are honest commuters, opportunistic criminals also operate in crowded areas. Stay alert, keep your belongings secure, and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, move to a more secure area or seek help from a uniformed official.
Official Metrorail Website: www.metrorail.co.za
Official Gautrain Website: www.gautrain.co.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Facilities, services, and safety conditions are subject to change. Always verify current information with official sources and use common sense when travelling.