| Popular Airport | Zurich Airport |
|---|---|
| Popular Airlines | |
| Approximate Flight Duration | 10 hour 30 min |
| Approximate Travel Distance | 8411 Km |
As the distance between Johannesburg city centre and O.R. Tambo International Airport is not much, you can travel to the airport from the city centre in a short time and at reasonable prices. Locals mostly prefer public transportation such as bus or train in the city, but it is recommended to the new travelers in the city to prefer taxi for transportation instead of these vehicles. You can easily find a taxi at any time of the day in the city centre. Also remember that there are many rent a car offices in the city centre if you consider renting a car. Passengers who give priority to comfort and convenience while traveling to the airport from the city centre may consider renting a limousine as well. Limousines transport passengers to the airport from the city centre in about 30 minutes. Train is also another option for traveling to the airport from the city centre but like bus, it is not recommended to the new travelers for safety reasons.
Bus, one of the most preferred vehicles by the locals to travel to the airport from Johannesburg city centre, is not recommended to the foreign visitors for safety reasons. It takes about 35 – 40 minutes to get to the airport by buses departing from the city centre. If you want to travel by bus you can go to the one of the bus stops in the city centre. If you are staying in a hotel in the city, you can get information about buses and bus stops from your hotel. Remember, however, that you should look at other options if your priority is safety rather than a low cost travel.
In Johannesburg, taxis are the most preferred means of transportation especially by foreign travelers. You can be at the airport terminal in a short time by taking these safe and fast vehicles. Taxi fares are not too high for the tourists in the city. However, if you are traveling from somewhere far from the airport, you can get information about the taxi fee in advance. Taxis can take you from your hotel or from anywhere in the city centre and bring you to the airport terminal. They stand out as a much more preferable option when compared to the public transportation such as buses and trains.
Trains are also a convenient and fast option to travel to O.R. Tambo International Airport from the city centre. However, like buses, they are not recommended to the foreign visitors for security reasons. You can take a taxi or rent a car or a limousine as an alternative for a safer and more comfortable journey.
Business travelers in Johannesburg often prefer limousines for transportation. These luxurious and comfortable vehicles, driven by chaffeurs, take you from the city centre and bring you to the airport entrance in about 30 minutes. Although renting a limousine is comfortable and pleasant, it will cost more than the other options. You can use these vehicles at a cheaper price with seasonal discounts or group reservations.
Renting a car is one of the most preferred means of transportation in Johannesburg and vicinity. You can find some rent a car companies such as AVIS, Budget, National and Hertz in the city and within minutes, you can rent a car and begin driving to the airport. If you are not familiar with the city’s roads, remember to get a navigation device or a map beforehand. You just need to inform the rental company in advance if you want to drop off the car at the airport. You must have your internationally valid travel documents with you to rent a car.
Domestic and international terminals at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport offer an extremely pleasant and comfortable environment with lounges, cafes, restaurants and shops to the passengers. Thanks to the wireless internet connection at the airport, you can go online and make your transactions in many areas of the terminal. There are also ATMs and bank offices at the airport for those who want to send or withdraw money or make other banking transactions without leaving the terminal. You can change money at the exchange offices or banks at the airport. There are places of worship in the O.R. Tambo International Airport for Muslim and Christian visitors who wish to pray. You can use the conference room at the domestic terminal if you need to hold a meeting at the airport. You can send mails to different regions both home and abroad from the post office located at the international terminal of the airport. You will find many options such as telephone and accessories, electronic devices, clothes, books, newspapers and magazines if you want to shop at the airport. You have the opportunity to taste delicious meals and drinks from many parts of the world, such as South Africa, Asia and Europe at the airport. You can spend time at the passenger lounges which have comfortable seats. If you have to stay in a place close to the airport, you can make a reservation for one of the hotels around the terminals.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is situated at the tip of Lake Zurich. The city is divided in two by the Limmat River, which is a outlet of Lake Zurich. The city’s main railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof, is the focal point of the public transportation network. Every tram, train, and bus line passes through this area, providing transportation to various parts of the city and its surrounding areas. The public transportation system in Zurich is the Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV). Public transportation vehicles in Zurich are very clean, reliable and comfortable. The prices are very reasonable and every vehicle is extremely punctual. While trains provide transportation within the city, and access to neighboring cities, the most preferred means transportation in the city are buses and trams.
The public transportation network also operates after midnight. This service is called the night supplement. You need to purchase a night supplement ticket, in addition to your regular ZVV network ticket. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines, sales offices, or by SMS.
The ZürichCARD is a fare payment system for all public transit in the city. It is an ideal option for tourists looking to explore the city during their stay. Purchasing a Zurich card to use during your stay ends up being more affordable. You have the option of purchasing a ticket that is valid for 24-hours or 72-hours. These tickets also offer free entry to museums in Zurich, a 10-20% discount in participating stores, and discounts on city tours and various cultural activities.
Zurich Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the country. The airport is located 13 km from the city center, a 12 minute ride by rail. If you plan on getting to the city center by public transportation you can purchase a ticket after you land, which will be valid for 1 hour. Passengers under the age of 16 receive a discount on tickets. Children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult and ride for free. Passengers under the age of 25 can purchase a multi-day pass, which is more affordable.
Train
The easiest way to get to the city center from the airport is by train. The train station is located at the airport, on Level -2, next to the shopping mall. The train runs every 12 minutes and provides transportation to the main railway station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof. The total trip from the airport to the main station takes 12 minutes. The main railway station is located in the city center. The public transportation system in the city is incredibly punctual, so keep in mind that the train will depart on time.
Zurich Hauptbahnhof is a major station with dense passenger traffic. Trains departing from this station provide transportation within the city as well as transportation to other cities in Switzerland and neighboring countries such as France and Germany. The railway station also contains a shopping center, the ShopVille mall, located beneath it. Other areas that regional trains travel to include the Glattbrugg Railway Station, Regensdorf Railway Station, Schlieren Railway Station, Waldburg, Wollishofen and Uetliberg.
Bus
Another way to get to the city center from the airport is by bus. The bus network in the city is very comprehensive and convenient. Buses depart from the Airport Centre and provide transportation to the main railway station. From there you can access every part of the city using different public transportation alternatives. Buses are also very punctual and depart on time under normal circumstance but visitors should expect delays when it snows.
Tram
The tram is the second largest transport network in the city, after buses. There are 10 tram lines that provide transportation within the city. These lines all gather around the city center and operate from the city center to the outskirts of the city. However, since the tram network isn’t as comprehensive as the bus network you can’t access every part of the city by tram. Once you get off the tram you always have the option of transferring to a bus or train.
Taking the tram to the city center is quite convenient. Tram Line 10 provides transportation from the airport to the main railway station located in the city center. The tram departs from the Airport Centre, which is located on Level -2. The tram runs every 7 ½ to 15 minutes.
Tram Line 2 operates between Farbhof and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, tram Line 3 operates between Albisrieden and Kluspla, tram Line 4 operates between Werdhölzli and Tiefenbrunnen Railway Station, tram Line 5 operates between Enge Railway Station and the zoo, tram Line 7 operates between Wollishofen and Stettbach Railway Station, tram Line 9 operates between Triemli and Hirzenbach, tram Line 10 operates between Seebach and the Main Railway Station, tram Line 11 operates between Oerlikon Railway Station and Rehalp, tram Line 13 operates between Albisgütli and Frankental, and tram Line 14 operates between Tremli and Seebach.
Taxi
Another transportation alternative to get to the city center from the airport is by taxi. However, taxis are more expensive than public transportation options and offer the same level of comfort. Public transportation vehicles provide quality service at an affordable price so paying extra for a taxi can be unnecessary.
Rental Car
If you don’t want to use public transportation vehicles, then renting a car is another transportation alternative. You can rent a car from the Airport Center, located on level 1, and return your vehicle to the Rental Car Return area at the end of your trip, if you are flying out of Zurich Airport. You can also book a vehicle in advance by making a reservation online. Rental car companies located at the airport that you can choose from include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt.
