Pretoria Railway Station Herbert Baker
A grand Herbert Baker-designed heritage building serving as Pretoria's bustling central transport hub, connecting you via Gautrain, bus, and taxi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, safer feel
Pretoria Railway Station Herbert Baker
Best Time
Less crowded, safer feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand Herbert Baker-designed heritage building serving as Pretoria's bustling central transport hub, connecting you via Gautrain, bus, and taxi.
"A beautiful heritage building, but a hotbed of theft and harassment, making it dangerous for travelers."
Stay Alert ⚠️
Be mindful of your belongings due to reports of theft. Avoid engaging with unsolicited help.
Transport Hub 🚆
Excellent connectivity via Gautrain, buses, and taxis for city and inter-city travel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Herbert Baker Architecture
Admire the grand, historic architecture of this iconic Pretoria landmark.
Gautrain Hub
Conveniently connect to other parts of Gauteng via the efficient Gautrain rapid rail.
Transport Variety
Access buses, taxis, and Gautrain, making it a central point for all your travel needs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Station's Buzz
Heritage Meets Modernity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stay Alert ⚠️
Be mindful of your belongings due to reports of theft. Avoid engaging with unsolicited help.
Transport Hub 🚆
Excellent connectivity via Gautrain, buses, and taxis for city and inter-city travel.
Food Options 🍔
Grab a bite at familiar spots like King Pie or McDonald's within the station.
Plan Your Pickup 🚗
Uber/Bolt pickups might be challenging; consider designated safe zones or alternative transport.
Tips
from all over the internet
Stay Alert ⚠️
Be mindful of your belongings due to reports of theft. Avoid engaging with unsolicited help.
Transport Hub 🚆
Excellent connectivity via Gautrain, buses, and taxis for city and inter-city travel.
Food Options 🍔
Grab a bite at familiar spots like King Pie or McDonald's within the station.
Plan Your Pickup 🚗
Uber/Bolt pickups might be challenging; consider designated safe zones or alternative transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pretoria Railway Station is recognized for its significant Herbert Baker architecture and its vital role as a multi-modal transport hub, including the Gautrain. However, many visitors report a decline in safety, citing issues with harassment, theft, and a general lack of security, making it a challenging environment for travelers.
"Beautiful building. Still remember coming here many many years ago to catch a train to Durban. The building hasn’t really changed, but a lot of the shop spaces are deserted."
Thomas Meyer
"The station is very busy with a lot of jostling by "self-styled" porters and ambulant vendors. It is a hotbed of theft and harrassment and the poor understaffed police are powerless. I have been mugged there once and blatantly violently stolen from twice. The park in front of the station is thick with marijuana and methamphetamine smoke and Uber/Bolt drivers cannot collect you directly as there lives are under threat by the local taxis. Essentially a blight on the nation's capital and highly dangerous"
Dr. Giles Hartman
"This an opinion from an academic point of view. It is a pity that this heritage building has been destroyed by incompetence and corruption."
Pablo Corroto Pradillo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The station is a major hub accessible by various means. You can take the Gautrain directly to Pretoria Station, which is a popular and recommended option for avoiding traffic and potential safety concerns. Buses and taxis also frequent the area, serving as central points for local and long-distance travel.
While the station is a busy transport hub, some travelers have reported instances of harassment and theft. It's advisable to stay alert, keep valuables secure, and be cautious of your surroundings.
Some users have noted difficulties with Uber and Bolt pickups directly at the station due to local taxi competition and safety concerns. It might be necessary to walk a short distance to a designated safe pickup point or arrange for alternative transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general entry to the station concourse and public areas is free. Tickets are required for specific services like the Gautrain.
The station operates as a transport hub throughout the day and into the evening to accommodate train and bus schedules. Specific service hours may vary.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for various transport services, including the Gautrain, at designated counters within the station.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The station offers a variety of facilities including food stalls like McDonald's and King Pie, restrooms, and waiting areas. It's a busy place with many people moving through.
Information on specific accessibility features is limited, but as a major transport hub, it aims to accommodate passengers. It's recommended to contact the relevant transport providers for detailed accessibility information.
The station is a notable example of Herbert Baker's architectural style, characterized by its grand and imposing design, reflecting a significant heritage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find fast-food outlets such as McDonald's and King Pie within the station, offering convenient options for travelers.
While there are fast-food chains, dedicated sit-down restaurants or cafes are not widely reported. The focus is on quick service for travelers on the go.
📸 📸 Photography
The station's Herbert Baker architecture offers a visually striking backdrop for photography. However, be mindful of the busy environment and crowds.
Focus on the grand facade and interior architectural details. The main concourse and the exterior of the building are prime spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
Despite its architectural importance, reviews suggest that parts of the station's interior have fallen into disrepair, with many shop spaces reportedly deserted. This contrast between its historical grandeur and current state is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. The station's design, however, continues to be appreciated by those interested in architecture and history.
Transport Nexus
The station is a key stop for the Gautrain, South Africa's rapid rail network, connecting Pretoria to Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo International Airport, and other major centers. This makes it an essential link for commuters and tourists alike.
Safety and Traveler Experience
Travelers, especially women, have reported feeling unsafe due to aggressive touts and vagrants. The difficulty in arranging safe pickups for ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt further complicates the traveler experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit