How Public Transport Works in Centurion
Centurion is widely regarded as a car-oriented city, but public transport options have steadily improved over the past decade.
With the introduction of the Gautrain, expanded minibus taxi routes, and feeder bus systems, residents can now access most parts of the metro without owning a car – if they plan carefully.
This article explores the different public transport options in Centurion, their routes, advantages, and limitations.
Overview of Public Transport in Centurion
Centurion’s public transport system is multi-modal, comprising:
- Gautrain rail and feeder buses
- Minibus taxis (kombis)
- Municipal buses (limited)
- Private shuttles and ride-hailing services
Public transport use is highest in the following segments:
- Commuters travelling to Pretoria or Johannesburg CBD
- Domestic workers and blue-collar workers travelling to and from the suburbs
- Students accessing schools or tertiary institutions
- Residents without personal vehicles using taxis and Gautrain buses
1. Gautrain and Feeder Bus System
Gautrain Station: Centurion
Centurion has its own Gautrain Station, located between Die Hoewes and the Centurion CBD. It offers fast rail links to:
- Pretoria (8 min)
- Hatfield (12 min)
- Midrand (11 min)
- Sandton (22 min)
- OR Tambo International Airport (approx. 45 min with transfer)
Fares (2024):
- R36–R80 per trip depending on distance
- Contactless cards and app-based ticketing available
Feeder Bus System
Gautrain feeder buses run from the station into residential and commercial suburbs.
| Route Code | Destination Area | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 1 | Highveld Techno Park | Peak every 20 min |
| CEN 2 | Southdowns and Irene | Peak every 20 min |
| CEN 3 | Centurion Mall and CBD | Frequent all day |
| CEN 4 | Eco Park and The Reeds | Peak hours only |
Bus Stops: Clearly marked, safe, and integrated with Gautrain app tracking
Best Use: Office workers, students, mall visitors, airport transfers
Pros: Reliable, clean, and safe
Cons: Limited to certain suburbs; does not run late at night
2. Minibus Taxis (Kombis)
Minibus taxis remain the most widely used public transport option in Centurion, particularly in:
- Olievenhoutbosch
- The Reeds
- Rooihuiskraal
- Kosmosdal
- Laudium (via transfers)
Routes
Taxis operate on a network of informal stops, with hubs at:
- Centurion Mall taxi rank
- Olievenhoutbosch rank
- R55 road corridor
- Old Johannesburg Road (R101)
Common Destinations:
- Pretoria CBD
- Johannesburg CBD (via Midrand)
- Diepsloot
- Laudium
- Tembisa
Fare Range (2024): R15–R40 one way depending on distance
Pros: Ubiquitous, affordable, fast
Cons: Unregulated schedules, cash only, no fixed timetable
3. Municipal Buses (City of Tshwane)
The City of Tshwane runs a limited number of buses into Centurion, though routes are fewer than in Pretoria central.
Key Services:
- School transport routes (early morning/afternoon)
- Workforce buses connecting industrial zones to townships
- Route-based services on main roads like Jean Ave and Old JHB Road
Limitations:
- No real-time tracking
- Few inner-suburb loops
- Less predictable than Gautrain buses
4. Ride-Hailing and Private Shuttles
Uber and Bolt
Available across Centurion with moderate wait times (5–10 minutes in most suburbs). Commonly used for:
- Gautrain station pickups
- Night travel
- Mall visits
- School transport when parents are unavailable
Fares (2024):
- R35 minimum, approx. R7/km base fare
- Higher during peak times or events
Private Shuttles
Used for:
- School and university runs
- Airport trips
- Monthly staff transport
- Special events
Service providers are localised, with pricing based on distance or monthly contracts.
Public Transport Access by Suburb
| Suburb | Gautrain Bus | Taxi Access | Uber/Bolt | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Die Hoewes | ✅ Yes | ✅ High | ✅ High | Walkable to station |
| Highveld | ✅ Yes | ✅ Medium | ✅ Medium | Served by CEN 1 bus |
| Irene | ✅ Limited | ❌ Low | ✅ Medium | Private shuttles popular |
| The Reeds | ❌ No | ✅ High | ✅ Medium | Closest to R55 route |
| Olievenhoutbosch | ❌ No | ✅ Very High | ✅ Medium | Taxi-dominant |
| Amberfield | ❌ No | ✅ Medium | ✅ High | Uber preferred |
| Eldoraigne | ❌ No | ✅ Medium | ✅ High | Private shuttles available |
| Clubview | ❌ No | ✅ Medium | ✅ Medium | Uber/taxis common |
Challenges and Limitations
- No unified payment system across all public transport
- Taxi routes are informal, requiring local knowledge
- Night transport is limited outside Uber/Bolt
- Gautrain buses don’t cover all suburbs
- Municipal buses are inconsistent and not well promoted
Future Outlook
Gauteng has plans to:
- Extend Gautrain feeder routes to underserved areas like The Reeds and Olievenhoutbosch
- Introduce cashless fare integration between Gautrain, taxis, and buses
- Upgrade taxi infrastructure at Centurion and Samrand nodes
Municipal services may improve if demand increases and township-to-suburb commuting rises.
Tips for Using Public Transport in Centurion
- Get a Gautrain card or app account for seamless travel
- Use Google Maps and Moovit to understand taxi routes
- Verify pick-up zones for Uber/Bolt especially in malls and gated complexes
- Join community Facebook groups to ask about safe taxi options
- Use shuttle services for school runs and staff transport where possible
Conclusion
While Centurion remains car-centric, public transport is viable for those who plan around Gautrain services and taxi routes.
The combination of fast rail, extensive taxi networks, and app-based ride-hailing makes it possible to live and work in Centurion without a car – especially in areas like Die Hoewes, Highveld, and The Reeds.
As infrastructure expands, Centurion’s transport landscape is set to become more inclusive and integrated.
