Traffic in Johannesburg
Johannesburg's traffic landscape in 2024 is dominated by car usage, with over 92% of commuters relying on this mode of transport.
Despite the heavy reliance on cars, the city faces significant traffic inefficiencies and high CO2 emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable transport solutions.
Average Commute Times
The average commute time in Johannesburg is approximately 40.75 minutes, with most of this time spent driving.
- Bus - Bus commuters spend around 40 minutes on the bus, with an additional 13.5 minutes waiting.
- Car - Car users experience an average driving time of 40.9 minutes, with minimal waiting time.
- Train - Train commuters have a total travel time of 28 minutes on the train, with 10 minutes waiting and 15 minutes walking.
- Walking - Walking commutes average 10 minutes for a distance of 1 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Bus
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Train
Average when primarily using Walking
More Information
Seasonal Trends
Traffic congestion tends to increase during the holiday season, particularly in December, as more people travel for leisure.
Winter months see a slight decrease in traffic as people tend to stay indoors more often.
Commuter Pain Points
Long waiting times for buses and trains contribute to commuter dissatisfaction.
High traffic congestion during peak hours leads to increased travel times and stress for car users.
Best Travel Times
Traveling before 7 AM or after 7 PM can help avoid the worst of the traffic congestion.
Midday travel is generally smoother, with less congestion compared to peak morning and evening hours.
Event Impacts
Major events at venues like FNB Stadium can cause significant traffic disruptions, especially on weekends.
Public holidays and festivals often lead to increased traffic as people travel to and from events.
Sustainability Efforts
Johannesburg is exploring the expansion of its bus rapid transit system to provide more efficient public transport options.
The city is also promoting cycling and walking through improved infrastructure and awareness campaigns.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have helped reduce the number of cars on the road, offering a flexible alternative to car ownership.
These services are particularly popular among younger commuters and those without access to private vehicles.
