Before you go

Your trip to Pretória.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Pretória – Gauteng Destination Johannesburg and Pretoria about 60 km from Joanesburgo

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional O. R. Tambo (JNB) Kempton Park · 45 km
Estação de Pretória Pretória · 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From O. R. Tambo Airport (JNB), Pretoria is about 45 km away, connected by the Gautrain with a transfer at Marlboro, or by the R21 highway. From Johannesburg, the Gautrain departs from Park Station, Rosebank and Sandton; by car it is about 60 km via the N1.

How many days

One day covers the Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park. Pretoria works well as a day trip from Johannesburg or as a first stop on the way to the Kruger.

When to go

In October, when the jacarandas bloom. Winter is dry and sunny, with cold nights.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Tip. The Gautrain reaches Pretoria and Hatfield stations, but the monuments are on separate hills; an app or guided tours solve that.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Pretória

Morning
Voortrekker Monument
Start at the Voortrekker Monument and climb to the upper terrace.
Afternoon
Freedom Park
Cross to the Salvokop hill and visit Freedom Park.
Late afternoon
Union Buildings
Finish in the gardens of the Union Buildings, with the Mandela statue and the city view.
Evening
Dinner in Hatfield
Dine at a restaurant in Hatfield or Brooklyn.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Are Pretoria and Tshwane the same city?

Pretoria is the city, and Tshwane is the municipality that includes it; both names appear on signs and maps.

What to do in Pretoria?

Visit the Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park, and see the jacarandas in spring.

How to get from Johannesburg to Pretoria?

By Gautrain, in about 40 minutes, or by car via the N1.

When do Pretoria's jacarandas bloom?

From September to November, with the peak in October.

Back to Pretória