Getting Between Johannesburg and Rustenburg

Rustenburg in is the direction of one of the preferred weekend getaways for residents of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The main attraction for many is the Lost City and Sun City leisure and casino resorts situated just outside Rustenburg, but also a collection of wilderness preserves and wildlife parks add to the attraction. Rustenburg is also no more than an hours drive from Johannesburg, so getting there is easy.

Flights

You can fly if you want, Rustenburg has an airport offering limited domestic connections, and more will be added for the Fifa World Cup Soccer Tournament 2010. However from Johannesburg to Rustenburg it makes much more sense to jump in a car or on a bus and travel up the N4 for a short an comfortable ride to the sights and the stadium.

Inter-city coaches

Rustenburg is en-route to Botswana and most inter-city coach services ply the route between Pretoria/Gabarone with Rustenburg as a stopover. From Johannesburg though you will need to make your way to Pretoria. The main bus terminus is on the northeast corner of Church Square in downtown Pretoria.

Not all coach services offer Rustenburg as a stopover on this route so it is worth checking in advance. Here are a selection of the main operators:

TransLux

InterCape

Greyhound

City to City (no frills coach booked thru TransLux)

SA Roadlink (super luxury coaches)

Citiliner

Long distance minibus taxis run frequently between Johannesburg and Rustenburg. The main terminus is adjacent to the Pretoria train station on the corner of Railway St and Paul Kruger St

>> This is a rough and ready local service. It is usually friendly but not always safe

Baz Bus

Baz Bus does not currently offer the northwest as a route option.

Trains

There are currently no scheduled train services between Johannesburg/Pretoria. There will however be services available during the Fifa World Cup Soccer Tournament 2010

Driving

Jump on the N1 leading north out of Johannesburg, then keep your eyes open as you come into Pretoria for signs for the N4 west which will include indications for Rustneburg. It is a short drive, less than an hour on a good day, with views on the left hand side of the beautiful Magaliesberg Nature Reserve.

>> Take note of the high crime status of this region and avoid stopping or being stopped by anyone that is not clearly a police detail