Gautrain at Park Station Johannesburg – Fares, Routes, Operating Hours and How to Use It
Park Station is the southernmost station on the Gautrain rapid rail network and the only Gautrain station in the Johannesburg Central Business District. Located underground directly beneath the main Park Station complex, it provides a critical link between the Johannesburg CBD and the wider Gautrain network.
Whether you’re commuting to Sandton, heading to OR Tambo International Airport, or travelling north to Pretoria or Hatfield, this is the complete guide to using the Gautrain at Park Station.
WHERE IS THE GAUTRAIN AT PARK STATION?
The Gautrain platform is underground, accessed from the southern end of the main Park Station building. The Gautrain entrance and ticketing concourse is clearly signposted from all main station entrances. Escalators and stairs lead down to the modern underground platform. The Gautrain area is a separate, secure facility from the above-ground PRASA Metrorail concourse.GAUTRAIN NETWORK FROM PARK STATION
From Park Station, the Gautrain connects to the following stations:
Johannesburg–Pretoria Main Line (northbound from Park Station):
Park Station → Sandton
approximately 8 minutes
Park Station → Rosebank
approximately 12 minutes
Park Station → Marlboro
approximately 18 minutes — connection point for OR Tambo Airport line
Park Station → Midrand
approximately 30 minutes
Park Station → Centurion
approximately 38 minutes
Park Station → Pretoria
approximately 45 minutes
Park Station → Hatfield
approximately 50–55 minutes
OR Tambo Airport Line (change at Marlboro):
Marlboro → OR Tambo International Airport
approximately 15 minutes
Total from Park Station to OR Tambo:
approximately 35–45 minutes
GAUTRAIN FARES FROM PARK STATION
Gautrain fares are distance-based and paid via the Gautrain Card. Fares are subject to periodic adjustment – always verify current fares on the official Gautrain website or app before travelling. Approximate fares from Park Station (figures for guidance only):Park Station to Sandton: approximately R40–R55Park Station to Rosebank: approximately R45–R60Park Station to OR Tambo Airport (via Marlboro): approximately R185–R215Park Station to Pretoria: approximately R90–R105Park Station to Hatfield: approximately R100–R120Park Station to Midrand: approximately R65–R80Park Station to Centurion: approximately R80–R95 Note: Cash is not accepted on the Gautrain. You must have a Gautrain Card with sufficient credit.THE GAUTRAIN CARD
The Gautrain Card is a rechargeable smartcard used to tap in and out at all Gautrain stations. Where to get one: Gautrain Cards are available at all Gautrain station vending machines including at Park Station. There is a once-off card issuance fee. How to top up: At vending machines at any Gautrain station, online via the Gautrain website, or using the Gautrain App. Important: Always ensure your card has sufficient balance before entering the platform. If your balance is insufficient, you will not be able to enter. Gautrain Plus Card: Registered cardholders can link a Gautrain Plus Card to their bank account for automatic top-ups. Check the Gautrain website for registration details.GAUTRAIN OPERATING HOURS AT PARK STATION
Weekdays: approximately 05:30 – 20:30Saturdays: approximately 06:00 – 20:00Sundays and Public Holidays: approximately 06:30 – 20:00 Train frequency: Every 12 minutes during weekday peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:30–18:30). Every 30 minutes during off-peak and on weekends. Always confirm current times on the official Gautrain website (gautrain.co.za) or app, as schedules are subject to change.HOW TO GET TO OR TAMBO AIRPORT BY GAUTRAIN FROM PARK STATION
Step 1: Enter the Gautrain station at the southern end of the Park Station complex.Step 2: Tap your Gautrain Card to enter.Step 3: Board any northbound Gautrain train (towards Pretoria or Hatfield).Step 4: Travel to Marlboro Station (approximately 18 minutes from Park Station).Step 5: At Marlboro, transfer to the dedicated OR Tambo Airport shuttle (follow the signs for the Airport).Step 6: The Airport shuttle takes approximately 15 minutes to OR Tambo. Total journey: approximately 35–45 minutes from Park Station to OR Tambo terminal. Allow at least 2–2.5 hours before your flight when planning this connection. The Gautrain is the fastest and most reliable way to reach OR Tambo from the Johannesburg CBD.GAUTRAIN PARK-AND-RIDE AT PARK STATION
TIPS FOR USING THE GAUTRAIN AT PARK STATION
Always have your Gautrain Card topped up before arriving at the platform. During peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:30–18:30 on weekdays), trains are busy. If travelling with luggage to the airport, try to travel off-peak where possible. Do not attempt to jump turnstiles or travel without a valid Gautrain Card. Offenders face prosecution. If travelling to OR Tambo for an international flight, always allow significantly more time than the journey itself. Factor in check-in, immigration and security. Luggage is permitted on the Gautrain. There is dedicated space for suitcases and bags. The underground platform at Park Station is modern, well-lit and staffed – it is one of the most secure parts of the overall Park Station precinct..FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where is the Gautrain at Park Station?A: The Gautrain platform is underground at the southern end of the main Park Station building, accessible via signposted entrances, escalators and stairs from the main concourse. Q: How much is the Gautrain from Park Station to Sandton?A: Approximately R40–R55. Fares are subject to adjustment – verify on the official Gautrain website before travelling. Q: How long does the Gautrain take from Park Station to OR Tambo?A: Approximately 35–45 minutes total, including a change at Marlboro for the Airport line. Q: How much is the Gautrain from Park Station to Hatfield?A: Approximately R100–R120. Always confirm the current fare on the Gautrain website. Q: How do I use the Gautrain at Park Station?A: Get a Gautrain Card at the station vending machine. Top it up. Tap in at the turnstile. Board your train. Tap out at your destination. Q: What time does the Gautrain start at Park Station?A: Approximately 05:30 on weekdays, 06:00 on Saturdays and 06:30 on Sundays and public holidays. Q: Can I pay cash on the Gautrain at Park Station?A: No. The Gautrain does not accept cash. A Gautrain Card with sufficient credit is required. Q: How do I get from Park Station to OR Tambo by Gautrain?A: Take the northbound Gautrain from Park Station underground to Marlboro. Change at Marlboro for the Airport shuttle. Total approximately 35–45 minutes. Q: How much is the Gautrain from Park Station to Pretoria?A: Approximately R90–R105. Verify the current fare on the Gautrain website before travelling. Q: Is Park Station on the Gautrain line?A: Yes. Park Station is the southernmost and most central Johannesburg station on the Gautrain network. Q: Is there parking at Park Station Gautrain?A: Yes. Park-and-Ride parking is available at Park Station for Gautrain commuters. Q: Is the Gautrain at Park Station safe?A: Yes. The underground Gautrain platform is a modern, secure facility with dedicated security personnel and CCTV. It is one of the safest areas within the Park Station precinct. Q: What are the Gautrain operating hours at Park Station?A: Approximately 05:30–20:30 on weekdays, with slightly reduced hours on weekends. Always confirm on the official Gautrain website. Q: Can I take luggage on the Gautrain from Park Station?A: Yes. Luggage including suitcases is permitted. There is space for bags on board, making the Gautrain practical for airport trips. Q: How often do Gautrain trains run from Park Station?A: Every 12 minutes during peak hours on weekdays. Every 30 minutes during off-peak periods and on weekends. Q: How do I get from Park Station to Midrand by Gautrain?A: Board the northbound Gautrain at Park Station and travel directly to Midrand – approximately 30 minutes. Q: What is the difference between Gautrain and Metrorail at Park Station?A: Metrorail is the affordable commuter rail network serving greater Johannesburg and operates from the above-ground station hall. The Gautrain is a modern rapid rail system from an underground platform. The Gautrain is faster, more expensive and more comfortable than Metrorail. Q: How do I get a Gautrain Card at Park Station?A: Gautrain Cards are sold at the vending machines inside the underground Gautrain section at Park Station. There is a once-off card fee. Q: Is there a Gautrain from Park Station to Rosebank?A: Yes. Board any northbound Gautrain from Park Station. Rosebank is two stops from Park Station, approximately 12 minutes.