Dlamini BlessingMinibus taxis are the backbone of Johannesburg’s transport system. They carry millions of people every day, connecting townships to the city centre, suburbs to industrial areas, and every corner of this sprawling metropolis. For most residents, taxis are not a choice; they are a necessity.
But taxi prices are not as simple as a fixed fare. They vary by distance, route, and sometimes even the time of day. Understanding how much you should pay for a taxi ride is essential for budgeting and avoiding being overcharged.
This guide covers everything you need to know about taxi prices in Johannesburg. We break down typical fares for common routes, explain how the system works, and offer tips for navigating the taxi industry.
Taxi Prices in Johannesburg: Complete Guide
How Taxi Fares Work
Minibus taxis operate on a distance-based system. Fares are determined by the length of the journey and the number of zones or landmarks crossed. Unlike metered taxis or e-hailing services, there is no meter. Fares are set by the taxi associations that control specific routes.
Key factors:
Distance: Longer journeys cost more.
Route popularity: High-demand routes may have slightly higher fares.
Fuel prices: When fuel prices rise, taxi fares often follow.
Association rules: Each route is controlled by a specific taxi association that sets the fares.
Payment is almost always in cash. You pay the driver or the conductor when you get in or when you get off, depending on the route.
🚖 Quick Reference: Typical Taxi Fares (2026)
| Route | Approximate Fare (R) |
|---|---|
| Soweto → Johannesburg CBD | 15 – 20 |
| Soweto → Sandton | 20 – 25 |
| Soweto → Roodepoort | 15 – 20 |
| Soweto → Midrand | 25 – 30 |
| Soweto → Fourways | 25 – 30 |
| Soweto → Orange Farm | 25 – 30 |
| Soweto → Lenasia | 15 – 20 |
| Soweto → Vereeniging | 40 – 50 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Sandton | 15 – 20 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Soweto | 15 – 20 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Alexandra | 12 – 15 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Randburg | 15 – 20 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Midrand | 20 – 25 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Fourways | 20 – 25 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Orange Farm | 25 – 30 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Lenasia | 15 – 20 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Roodepoort | 15 – 20 |
| Sandton → Soweto | 20 – 25 |
| Sandton → Alexandra | 10 – 12 |
| Sandton → Randburg | 12 – 15 |
| Sandton → Midrand | 15 – 20 |
| Sandton → Fourways | 10 – 12 |
| Sandton → Roodepoort | 20 – 25 |
| Randburg → Soweto | 20 – 25 |
| Randburg → Johannesburg CBD | 15 – 20 |
| Randburg → Sandton | 12 – 15 |
| Randburg → Fourways | 12 – 15 |
| Randburg → Midrand | 15 – 20 |
| Fourways → Sandton | 10 – 12 |
| Fourways → Randburg | 12 – 15 |
| Fourways → Midrand | 12 – 15 |
| Fourways → Soweto | 25 – 30 |
| Midrand → Sandton | 15 – 20 |
| Midrand → Johannesburg CBD | 20 – 25 |
| Midrand → Fourways | 12 – 15 |
| Midrand → Soweto | 25 – 30 |
| Orange Farm → Johannesburg CBD | 25 – 30 |
| Orange Farm → Soweto | 25 – 30 |
| Lenasia → Johannesburg CBD | 15 – 20 |
| Lenasia → Soweto | 15 – 20 |
| Alexandra → Sandton | 10 – 12 |
| Alexandra → Johannesburg CBD | 12 – 15 |
| Alexandra → Randburg | 15 – 20 |
Notes
- Fares are estimates for 2026 and may vary depending on time of day, traffic, and taxi association.
- Shorter routes (e.g., Sandton ↔ Alexandra, Fourways ↔ Sandton) are the cheapest.
- Longer cross-city routes (e.g., Soweto ↔ Vereeniging, Soweto ↔ Midrand) are more expensive.
Soweto Routes
Soweto is a vast area with multiple origins and destinations. Fares vary depending on where in Soweto you start and where you are going.
Soweto to Johannesburg CBD:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Major taxi ranks: Bara, Dobsonville, Orlando, Pimville
Travel time: 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic
Soweto to Sandton:
Typical fare: R20 to R25
Travel time: 45 to 90 minutes
Often involves a transfer at the CBD or another major rank.
Soweto to Roodepoort:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 60 minutes
Soweto to Midrand:
Typical fare: R25 to R30
Travel time: 60 to 90 minutes
Longer journey, often with a transfer.
Soweto to Fourways:
Typical fare: R25 to R30
Travel time: 60 to 90 minutes
Soweto to Orange Farm:
Typical fare: R25 to R30
Travel time: 45 to 75 minutes
Soweto to Lenasia:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 45 minutes
Soweto to Vereeniging:
Typical fare: R40 to R50
Travel time: 60 to 90 minutes
Long-distance route.
Johannesburg CBD Routes
The CBD is a major hub, with taxis departing to all corners of the city.
Johannesburg CBD to Sandton:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 60 minutes
Major rank: Park Station area.
Johannesburg CBD to Soweto:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 60 minutes
Multiple ranks serving different Soweto destinations.
Johannesburg CBD to Alexandra:
Typical fare: R12 to R15
Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes
Johannesburg CBD to Randburg:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 60 minutes
Johannesburg CBD to Midrand:
Typical fare: R20 to R25
Travel time: 45 to 75 minutes
Johannesburg CBD to Fourways:
Typical fare: R20 to R25
Travel time: 45 to 75 minutes
Johannesburg CBD to Orange Farm:
Typical fare: R25 to R30
Travel time: 45 to 75 minutes
Johannesburg CBD to Lenasia:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 45 minutes
Johannesburg CBD to Roodepoort:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 60 minutes
Sandton Routes
Sandton is a major business hub with taxi routes connecting it to surrounding areas.
Sandton to Soweto:
Typical fare: R20 to R25
Travel time: 45 to 90 minutes
Often requires a transfer.
Sandton to Alexandra:
Typical fare: R10 to R12
Travel time: 15 to 30 minutes
Short, popular route.
Sandton to Randburg:
Typical fare: R12 to R15
Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes
Sandton to Midrand:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 50 minutes
Sandton to Fourways:
Typical fare: R10 to R12
Travel time: 15 to 30 minutes
Sandton to Roodepoort:
Typical fare: R20 to R25
Travel time: 40 to 70 minutes
Randburg Routes
Randburg is a residential and commercial area with good taxi connections.
Randburg to Soweto:
Typical fare: R20 to R25
Travel time: 40 to 70 minutes
Randburg to Johannesburg CBD:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 60 minutes
Randburg to Sandton:
Typical fare: R12 to R15
Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes
Randburg to Fourways:
Typical fare: R12 to R15
Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes
Randburg to Midrand:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 50 minutes
Fourways Routes
Fourways is a major residential and commercial node in the north.
Fourways to Sandton:
Typical fare: R10 to R12
Travel time: 15 to 30 minutes
Fourways to Randburg:
Typical fare: R12 to R15
Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes
Fourways to Midrand:
Typical fare: R12 to R15
Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes
Fourways to Soweto:
Typical fare: R25 to R30
Travel time: 60 to 90 minutes
Midrand Routes
Midrand is located between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Midrand to Sandton:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 50 minutes
Midrand to Johannesburg CBD:
Typical fare: R20 to R25
Travel time: 45 to 75 minutes
Midrand to Fourways:
Typical fare: R12 to R15
Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes
Midrand to Soweto:
Typical fare: R25 to R30
Travel time: 60 to 90 minutes
Orange Farm Routes
Orange Farm is a large township south of Johannesburg.
Orange Farm to Johannesburg CBD:
Typical fare: R25 to R30
Travel time: 45 to 75 minutes
Orange Farm to Soweto:
Typical fare: R25 to R30
Travel time: 45 to 75 minutes
Lenasia Routes
Lenasia is a predominantly Indian area south of Soweto.
Lenasia to Johannesburg CBD:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 45 minutes
Lenasia to Soweto:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 45 minutes
Alexandra Routes
Alexandra is a densely populated township bordering Sandton.
Alexandra to Sandton:
Typical fare: R10 to R12
Travel time: 15 to 30 minutes
Alexandra to Johannesburg CBD:
Typical fare: R12 to R15
Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes
Alexandra to Randburg:
Typical fare: R15 to R20
Travel time: 30 to 50 minutes
Taxi Ranks In Johannesburg
Major taxi ranks where you can catch taxis to various destinations:
Park Station (CBD): The largest rank, serving routes across the city.
Bara Rank (Soweto): Major hub for Soweto routes.
Dobsonville Rank (Soweto): Serves western Soweto.
Orlando Rank (Soweto): Serves central Soweto.
Sandton Taxi Rank: Located near the Sandton City shopping centre.
Alexandra Rank: Serves Alexandra and surrounding areas.
Randburg Taxi Rank: Located near the Randburg CBD.
Fourways Taxi Rank: Serves the Fourways area.
Midrand Taxi Rank: Located near the Midrand CBD.
How To Pay And Tips For Riding Taxis
Payment:
Cash only. Have the correct change if possible.
Pay the driver or conductor when you get in or when you get off.
On some routes, you pay when you get off. Watch what others do.
Tips:
Know your route and the fare before you get in.
Sit near the window if you are getting off soon.
Be aware of your belongings. Taxis can be crowded.
Tell the driver or conductor where you want to get off.
Do not be afraid to ask how much the fare is if you are unsure.
Travel during daylight hours when possible.
Use major, well-known ranks for safety.
Transport Options: Sandton → Johannesburg CBD (2026)
| Mode | Typical Fare (R) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minibus Taxi | 15 – 20 | Cheapest • Extensive network • Frequent trips | Crowded • Less comfortable • Safety concerns |
| Uber / Bolt (E-Hailing) | 75 – 110 | Convenient • Comfortable • Safer experience • Door-to-door service | Expensive • Surge pricing • Traffic delays |
| Rea Vaya Bus | 15 – 25 | Safe • Reliable • Fixed routes • Affordable | Limited network • Fixed schedules • Less flexible |
| Gautrain | 25 – 30 | Fast • Safe • Comfortable • Avoids traffic | Limited stations • Higher cost vs. taxis • Requires feeder transport |
Key Insights
- Most affordable: Minibus taxis and Rea Vaya buses.
- Fastest option: Gautrain, though limited by station coverage.
- Best for convenience: Uber/Bolt, but at a much higher cost.
- Coverage vs. comfort trade-off: Taxis cover more areas, while Gautrain and buses are safer but less flexible.
Common Questions, FAQ Section
How much is a taxi from Soweto to Sandton?
Expect to pay R20 to R25 for a taxi from Soweto to Sandton. The journey takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and transfers.
How much is a taxi from Johannesburg CBD to Soweto?
Fares range from R15 to R20. Travel time is 30 to 60 minutes.
How do I pay for a taxi?
Cash only. Have small bills and coins if possible.
Are taxis safe in Johannesburg?
Taxis are a fact of life for millions of people. Use major ranks, travel during daylight, and be aware of your surroundings. Crime can occur, as it can anywhere.
What is the cheapest way to get around Johannesburg?
Minibus taxis are the cheapest option for most routes.
What is the difference between a taxi and an e-hailing service?
Taxis are minibuses that follow fixed routes and carry multiple passengers. E-hailing services like Uber provide private, point-to-point transport.
Do taxi fares increase at night?
Some routes may have higher fares late at night. Ask before you get in.
Can I get a taxi from the airport?
Taxis from OR Tambo Airport primarily serve surrounding areas like Kempton Park and the East Rand. For the city centre, the Gautrain or e-hailing services are better options.
How do I know where to catch a taxi?
Ask locals or look for the major taxi ranks. Each rank has taxis for specific destinations.
What happens if I don’t know the fare?
Ask the driver or conductor before you get in. Most will tell you the fare.
🚖 Taxi Fares At A Glance (Johannesburg Routes – 2026)
| Route | Fare Range (R) |
|---|---|
| Soweto → Johannesburg CBD | 15 – 20 |
| Soweto → Sandton | 20 – 25 |
| Soweto → Roodepoort | 15 – 20 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Sandton | 15 – 20 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Soweto | 15 – 20 |
| Johannesburg CBD → Alexandra | 12 – 15 |
| Sandton → Alexandra | 10 – 12 |
| Sandton → Randburg | 12 – 15 |
| Sandton → Fourways | 10 – 12 |
| Randburg → Fourways | 12 – 15 |
| Fourways → Midrand | 12 – 15 |
Final Warning: Fares Can Change
Taxi fares are not fixed in stone. They can increase when fuel prices rise or when taxi associations adjust their rates. Always confirm the fare before you get in, especially if you are travelling a route for the first time.
The fares in this guide are estimates for 2026. Actual prices may vary.
Official Resources:
Department of Transport: www.transport.gov.za
City of Johannesburg Transport: www.joburg.org.za
Rea Vaya: www.reavaya.org.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Taxi fares are subject to change without notice. Always verify current fares with drivers or at taxi ranks before travelling.