From OR Tambo Airport to Johannesburg's Clubs

Just landed at OR Tambo? Here's your local's guide on getting from the airport to Joburg's best private clubs with a Zazapass entry pass.

From OR Tambo Airport to Johannesburg's Clubs

So you've just touched down at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). Welcome to Joburg. You're probably here to see what this city's all about, and maybe you've heard about its private club scene. Good call. This is your guide for getting from the baggage claim to a cool Zazapass partner club, straight from a local.

Arriving at OR Tambo: Your First Steps

OR Tambo is the busiest airport in Africa, so expect a bit of a crowd. Once you grab your bags and clear customs, you’re officially in Johannesburg. This is where the fun starts.

The airport is about 23 kilometers (14 miles) east of the city center. The drive can take 30 minutes if you're lucky, but over an hour if you hit our famous traffic. You'll want to have your transport sorted before you walk out the door.

Transport Options from OR Tambo to Johannesburg

Getting into the city is pretty straightforward. You've got a few solid choices for getting from OR Tambo to your hotel or wherever you're going in Johannesburg:

• Gautrain: This is our clean, safe, modern train. It’s hands down the fastest way to skip the traffic. The station is right in the airport. It'll get you to major spots like Sandton, Rosebank, and Park Station. From there you can just grab a quick ride sharing service or taxi to your final stop.
• Ride Sharing Services: Apps like Uber and Bolt are everywhere here and work just like they do back home. Open the app after you exit the terminal and follow the signs to the designated pick up spots. Simple. It’s convenient and you know the price upfront.
• Metered Taxis: You'll see official taxi ranks outside arrivals. My advice? Only use the legit ones and make sure the meter is running, or agree on the fare before you get in.
• Car Rental: If you want the freedom to explore Joburg and the areas around it, renting a car is a great move. All the major international and local rental companies have desks at OR Tambo. Just remember, we drive on the left side of the road here. Don't forget.
• Shuttle Services: Check if your hotel offers a pre-booked shuttle. It’s often the easiest option, since they’ll be waiting for you with a sign. No thinking required after a long flight.

Whatever you choose, make sure your phone has juice and a working local SIM or roaming plan, especially for ride sharing apps. And always, always factor in traffic when you're planning your timing. Peak hours are no joke.

Johannesburg's Club Scene: Discovering a Unique Experience

Joburg's social scene is world class. Beyond the usual bars, we have private clubs that offer a more unique, relaxed vibe for a night out or a daytime hangout. These are private spots, not just anyone can walk in.

This is where Zazapass comes in. You get a one year entry pass for a specific club, which means you don't pay the entry fee every time you go for a whole year. You also get to skip the line, which is always a plus. The pass is good for a full year from the day you buy it.

Once you've got your Zazapass, they show you the club's exact address in your Zazapass account to keep things private and exclusive for everyone.

Zazapass Partner Clubs in South Africa

We're talking about Joburg, but if you're heading to Cape Town, Zazapass has you covered there too. Right now in Johannesburg, there’s one partner club, with more in the Mother City.

Johannesburg's Zazapass Partner Club:

• Budrock Cafe: This is your Joburg spot. It’s a proper local hangout that gives you a real feel for the city. You can find more info and grab your entry pass right here: Budrock Cafe.

The one year entry pass for Budrock Cafe is EUR 15. And a heads up for all clubs: you must be 21 or older and have a valid ID. They are serious about this.

Exploring South Africa with Zazapass: Cape Town Options

And if you are making the trip down to Cape Town, you've got some great choices with Zazapass:

• The Alibi Cape Town: This multi level spot is in the cool Bree Street area of the CBD. It has private lounges, spaces to get some work done, and a full service kitchen. It’s great for day or night. More info here: The Alibi Cape Town.
• Nirvana Cafe Sea Point: Right in the popular Sea Point area, this multi level club has private lounges, workspaces, meeting rooms, a library, a kitchen and cafe, pool tables, and terraces with free Wi Fi. You could spend all day here. Find your pass here: Nirvana Cafe Sea Point.
• Nirvana Cafe Blouberg: This is the coastal sister spot to the Sea Point one, but this one's out in Table View, Blouberg, with killer views. It has similar great facilities. Details here: Nirvana Cafe Blouberg.

Each Cape Town entry pass is also EUR 15 for the year, with the same 21 and over ID rule.

While Joburg has one partner club for now, Zazapass is always adding new places. Pretoria, which is about 60 km away, doesn't have any yet. It's smart to check the Zazapass website to see what's new. You can see all the clubs on their Clubs page or find them on a map.

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Private Clubs in South Africa

It’s important you know the rules here. In 2018, the Constitutional Court decriminalized private cannabis use, possession, and growing for adults. More recently, in May 2024, the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act became official law. This means adults can use cannabis in private.

But, and this is a big but, selling it is still illegal. You also can't smoke in public, and driving under the influence will land you in serious trouble. The clubs mentioned here are private places that follow these rules, giving adults a legal space. They provide an environment for adults to exercise their private use rights on the premises.

Your Zazapass is just for getting in the door. It is not for buying cannabis, because again, selling it is not legal. Laws can change, so it’s always a good idea to know the latest local rules. This is just friendly advice, not a legal opinion.

Making the Most of Your Club Experience

So, once you're out of the airport and settled in, checking out a Zazapass partner club is a fantastic way to see a different side of Johannesburg. Just don't forget your ID. You absolutely will need it to prove you're over 21. Saving money on entry for a year and walking right in is a pretty sweet deal.

If you want to see all the passes available, check the Passes page. And for more local tips and guides, the Knowledge Base has you covered.

From landing at OR Tambo to finding a cool spot to relax, Zazapass connects you to some great private club experiences around South Africa.

FAQ

What is a Zazapass one year entry pass?

It’s a pass that gets you into a specific partner club for free for a full year from the day you buy it. You save the club's entry fee every single time you go for a year, and you usually get in faster.

Are there Zazapass clubs in cities other than Johannesburg?

Yes. Right now, there are partner clubs in Cape Town as well as Johannesburg. There aren't any in Pretoria yet, but keep an eye out as new cities and clubs could be added.

What are the age requirements for entering Zazapass partner clubs?

You have to be 21 or older, with a valid ID to prove it. Every single Zazapass partner club enforces this rule, no exceptions.