Fun Things To Do In Pretoria
South Africa’s administrative capital city is a charming mix of old and new; a friendly, historical city which bursts into colour in the springtime when over 50 000 Jacaranda trees bloom in all their purple glory. As you would expect from a city with so much history, culture and nature, there’s plenty of fun things to do in Pretoria.
Getting To Time Square
Whether you’re driving in from Johannesburg or taking an Uber from O.R. Tambo International Airport, our Pretoria accommodation can be accessed from multiple routes. Explore our recommended route options below.
O.R. Tambo International Airport to Pretoria
The best and safest drive
You’ve made it safely to Johannesburg. Here is how to reach your Pretoria accommodation at Time Square via car.
TIP: Pre-book a car at any of the car rental agencies based at OR Tambo International Airport. You’ll need a car if you’re going to explore all the places to visit in Pretoria. You can also use Uber to get around.
Pick up your rental car from O.R. Tambo International Airport, and head north-east on Marco Polo Road towards Kenmarc Street, then turn left onto Louis Botha Road. After 650m, turn right onto Tempelhof South Street and, after 300m, turn left onto Atlas Road (M43). Follow Atlas road for 1.5km, and keep left at the fork on Exit 41.
Follow the signs for Kempton Park / R21 / Pretoria and merge onto the R21. Continue on the R21 for approximately 37.7km and use the two left lanes to take Exit 134 for the N1 North towards Polokwane.
Once you’ve merged onto the N1 North, keep straight until Exit 139 towards Garsfontein / M30. Turn right onto Garsfontein road from the off ramp and continue straight.
Turn left onto General Louis Botha Dr / January Masilela Dr / M33 and then left onto Aramist Avenue.
Time Square will be on your left. Here’s your route.
O.R. Tambo International Airport To Pretoria
All aboard the Gautrain
From the baggage collection point at O.R. Tambo International Airport, follow the demarcated signs towards the Gautrain station located in the airport. Once at the station, you can check the timetable to see when the next train is leaving for Sandton.
TIP: You’ll need to purchase a Gautrain Gold Card and add money to it to travel. This can be done at the cashier’s desk inside the station. Allow extra time for this. You can also calculate your fare and look at the timetable in advance on the Gautrain website.
Once you’re on the Gautrain, keep a lookout for Marlboro station, the next stop on the route. At Marlboro, you will switch trains to continue the journey towards Pretoria.
From Marlboro station, you will be in transit for a while, and only disembark at the Hatfield Station, so use this opportunity to stare dreamily out the window or plan your itinerary around all the places to see in Pretoria. Your final stop is Hatfield station.
The Hatfield Gautrain Station to Pretoria
Ride the Gautrain bus
When you arrive via Gautrain at Hatfield station in Pretoria, you’ll need to use the bus service to reach Time Square Casino in Menlyn Maine. Look out for the H5 bus route, which will take you from Hatfield station to the suburb of Menlyn in Pretoria. You can disembark from the bus at stop H5-15 (at Lois and Gobie Street).
For more stops and information, you can view the entire bus route here.
From the bus stop, it’s a brisk 10-min walk to Time Square. Alternatively, you can order a taxi service (like Taxify or Uber) for pick-up and drop-off.
TIP: Pre-calculate your trip fare before you load money on your Gautrain Gold Card – this will ensure you have enough money for both train and bus fares.