Is Pretoria far from Johannesburg?

No, it is about 60 kilometers away and easily accessible by road or train.

How do I get to Pretoria from the airport?

The Gautrain is the most efficient and safe transport option.

Yes, the N1 is a safe and well-traveled highway.

What is the best time to visit?

October is popular for the jacaranda season.

Are there direct flights?

No, you must fly from George to Johannesburg and then travel to Pretoria.

Albertinia

Pretoria

Flight Driving

Albertinia to Pretoria

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Albertinia to Pretoria spans approximately 1260 kilometers. The most practical approach is to drive to George Airport and fly to OR Tambo International Airport, followed by a short drive or Gautrain trip to Pretoria. Driving the entire distance takes about 14 to 15 hours via the N1 highway. This route traverses the vast Karoo and the Free State plains. Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and is known for its beautiful jacaranda trees.

Total Distance: 1260 km driving distance; 1100 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from George Airport is the fastest way to reach Pretoria.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most economical for groups, while flying is best for time-sensitive travelers.

Compare Albertinia to Pretoria Routes

	Flight Connecting via George	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours (including transfers)	15 hours
Avg Price	R2000 - R3500	R2400 - R3200 fuel cost
Operator	Airlink / FlySafair	Private Vehicle
Route	Drive to George Airport (GRJ) then fly to OR Tambo (JNB).	N2 to N1 via Beaufort West and Bloemfontein.
Tip	Use the Gautrain from the airport to reach Pretoria central quickly.	The N1 is well-maintained but watch for speed traps near small towns.

Travel Tips

Gautrain
The Gautrain is the fastest way to get from OR Tambo to Pretoria.
Traffic
Avoid peak hour traffic in Pretoria (07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:00).
Jacarandas
Visit in October to see the city streets covered in purple flowers.
Road Tolls
Ensure your e-tag is active if you have one, or pay at toll gates.
Accommodation
Stay in areas like Brooklyn or Hatfield for easy access to amenities.

Safety Tips

General Safety
Be aware of your surroundings in the city center.
Driving
Keep doors locked and windows closed while driving in urban areas.
Emergency
Save the local emergency numbers for Pretoria police and medical services.
Parking
Use secure, guarded parking lots when visiting tourist attractions.