Make it a trip · Johannesburg, South Africa
What Johannesburg costs
once you land
Real prices, from the airport ride to a room for the night, each with where we found it. Checked October 2026, around Sandton and Rosebank.
Prices as the source quoted them.
Arriving
-
Gautrain from OR Tambo to Sandton Many reports
One way, adult, about 15 minutes. Uber costs about 250 to 450 ZAR.
Sources: The Traveler, Johannesburg airport to city centre (2026-08), AirConnect, Johannesburg airport taxi cost 2026 (2026)
R 200 to R 220 Book an airport pickup -
No visa needed Fixed
For AU, NZ, GB, US, CA, IE, NL, DE, FR, SG passports.
Up to 90 days. Passport must be valid at least one month from arrival.
Source: Wikipedia, visa policy of South Africa (2026)
Free
Getting around
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Gautrain, Rosebank to Sandton, from Many reports
Usually 30 to 38 ZAR. Off peak and peak fares, one way.
Source: Elyforma, Gautrain vs driving to Sandton (2026-04)
R 30 -
Small car hire at OR Tambo, per day Many reports
Average daily rates on comparison sites.
Sources: Cheapflights South Africa, OR Tambo car rentals (2026), Skyscanner, Sixt at OR Tambo (2026)
R 481 to R 541 Compare cars
Eating and drinking
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Lunch menu at a cheap restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Johannesburg (2026-06)
US$12.20 -
US$6.20
-
Dinner for two at a restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Johannesburg (2026-06)
US$46 -
Cappuccino Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Johannesburg (2026-06)
US$2.40 -
Beer at a pub, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Johannesburg (2026-06)
US$2.40
At the supermarket
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Water, 1 litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Johannesburg (2026-06)
US$0.90 -
Coca-Cola at a restaurant, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Johannesburg (2026-06)
US$1.20 -
Beer from a shop, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Johannesburg (2026-06)
US$1.90
Doing
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Apartheid Museum Fixed
International adult, from 1 May 2026. A guided tour costs 260 ZAR per person.
Source: Apartheid Museum, visitor information (2026-05)
R 240 Get tickets
Sleeping, per night
-
Hostel dorm bed Range
Middle half of 6 hostels across the city on Hostelworld, 30 Oct 2026. The cheapest bed was 155 ZAR. Weekends and peak season cost more.
Source: Hostelworld, Johannesburg hostels (2026-10)
R 195 to R 300 Find a hostel
Prices change. Fixed fees come from official or widely reported figures; ranges are what travellers and operators report for 2026. Some links are affiliate links: they never change what you pay. How we make money.
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