Gautrain Hatfield to Sandton
Overview of the Gautrain: Hatfield to Sandton
The Gautrain is the first mass rapid transit railway system in Gauteng, South Africa consisting of two links. The 80km network of the Gautrain links Pretoria to Johannesburg, and Pretoria and the OR Tambo International Airport.
Travelling at speeds of up to 160km per hour, the 24 daily luxury trains of the Gautrain stops at ten different stations as it makes it way from Pretoria to Johannesburg or OR Tambo airport and back.
- Hatfield
- Pretoria Station
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Marlboro
- Sandton
- Rosebank
- Park Station
- Rhodesfield
- OR Tambo International
The Gautrain Electrostar trains offers various services to travellers, including bus transport to and from the station, as well as safe and secure parking.
Travellers can expect a smooth, air conditioned ride, with enough space for suitcases and prams.
Review of the Gautrain: Hatfield to Sandton
Ever since the Gautrain opened to the public, we have been wanting to take a fun trip from Pretoria to Sandton, and on this lazy Sunday we finally decided to do it. With the current state of public transport in South Africa, I must admit that we were not really expecting much. But wow! The Gautrain was a real surprise. Clean, safe, air-conditioned, and extremely helpful staff made our trip quite pleasurable.
Our Gautrain trip started at the Hatfield station where we also parked our car, since bus services are not available during the weekend. Being a first time Gautrain traveller, we had to purchase the Gautrain Goldcard, which is fully integrated with the fees for the busses and parking. When you purchase your Goldcard, you top it up with some funds (I topped up from my credit card), and that is used to pay for the various services. Completely user friendly and easy, with staff members on hand to help you if you get stuck.
After about 30 minutes of smooth Gautrain travelling, we disembarked at the Sandton Gautrain station, where we immediately headed out to the Nelson Mandela Square for a late brunch, followed by some heavy-duty window-shopping in Sandton Square shopping mall.
I would definitely recommend using the Gautrain, not only for public transport, but also as a fun and exciting day trip for the whole family.