Gautrain: South Africa's Express Rail

Gautrain is an 80-kilometre higher-speed rail system. It links Johannesburg, Pretoria and O. R. Tambo International Airport.

South Africa uses 1,067 mm tracks nationally. Gautrain runs on 1,435 mm gauge to safely reach 160 km/h.

Gautrain uses standard overhead electric power.

A tunnel boring machine built in Germany dug the underground sections. Workers called it Imbokodo, meaning rock.

Bombardier Electrostar trains were chosen. Fifteen cars were manufactured in England. The rest were assembled locally.

Trains carry both airport and local passengers in separate cars. At Rhodesfield station, airport car doors cannot be opened.

Ten stations serve the route. Sandton, Rosebank and Park Station are underground; Centurion, Rhodesfield and the airport elevated.

In September 2026, Sihamba Sonke won a new 15-year contract. Alstom will supply 8 new four-car EMUs.