Sandton for business travellers: getting around Africa’s financial hub
5 min read · Facts checked
The short answer
Sandton is Johannesburg’s business district, home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Sandton Convention Centre and many corporate head offices. The Gautrain links it to OR Tambo in about 15 minutes. Roads are busy at rush hour, so plan meetings around the peaks and keep a chauffeur on call for the gaps between them.
What makes Sandton different
Often called Africa’s richest square mile, Sandton is where many of South Africa’s banks, law firms and multinationals have their offices. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Sandton Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City all sit within a compact core.
Arriving
- From OR Tambo: about 15 minutes on the Gautrain airport service to Sandton station, or by road, which depends heavily on traffic.
- From Lanseria: by road through the northern suburbs.
- Sandton station is the hub of the Gautrain network, with connections north to Midrand and Pretoria and south to Rosebank and Johannesburg Park Station.
Getting between meetings
- Weekday peaks (roughly 06:30–09:00 and 16:00–18:30) can turn a 10-minute drive into 40. Schedule cross-town meetings outside them where you can.
- Within the central blocks, short daytime walks between neighbouring buildings are common; after dark, use transport.
- A chauffeur on standby between meetings removes parking and waiting from your day.
The Sandton Convention Centre
One of South Africa’s leading conference venues, linked to Nelson Mandela Square and a short walk from the Gautrain station. On big event days, plan drop-off and collection points in advance: the surrounding streets fill up quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sandton from OR Tambo airport?
About 15 minutes on the Gautrain airport service. By road the time varies with traffic and can be much longer at peak times.
Is Sandton walkable?
The central blocks around Nelson Mandela Square and the Convention Centre are walkable by day. For longer distances or after dark, use pre-booked transport.
Sources
Rules, advisories and schedules change. Always check the official source before you travel.
Travel with Envo Prestige
Executive Day
A chauffeur and vehicle for your schedule: meetings, site visits and stops, by the hour or the day.
About Executive Day