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Airport Hotel Shuttle Safety?

santa rosa, ca
83 posts
38 helpful votes
Airport Hotel Shuttle Safety?

I've got a very long layover in at the Johannesburg airport (landing at 5:30 PM in a couple weeks) and will be staying at a nearby airport hotel that has a shuttle service from the airport. Someone told me that shuttle service at the airport isn't safe and it can be dangerous waiting for the shuttle and even being in the shuttle. This sounds a bit unreasonable to me. Can anyone shed light on this?

3 replies to this topic
Redlands, California
9,333 posts
50 helpful votes
1. Re: Airport Hotel Shuttle Safety?

In my experience the pick-up area is always busy and I've never had an issue--last used it in April to visit the Emperor's Palace! I can't promise that there won't be a tout there offering a taxi, but I've never considered it unsafe even after dark. Just my experience.

Leeds, United...
Destination Expert
for Western Cape, Cape Town Central
9,520 posts
300 helpful votes
2. Re: Airport Hotel Shuttle Safety?

The shuttle pick up point is by the intercontinental hotel and hire car offices. I have used shuttles before and would happily do it again, including when it’s dark

Edited: 04 October 2024, 07:13
George, South Africa
2,144 posts
59 helpful votes
3. Re: Airport Hotel Shuttle Safety?

I've personally used the airport shuttles to various hotels many times, and never had a problem. Our guests have used them hundreds of times, never had an incident. It's perfectly fine and safe to take the shuttle to the hotel. Most of the airport hotels have free shuttles that pick up every half an hour from the bus terminal.

To find the bus terminal, follow the signs to bus terminal / car rental which is out the main doors, across the street, and then walk between the car rental building and the intercontinental hotel to the back of the intercontinental. The terminal is here. Look out for the hotel logo on the side of the minivan when it pulls into the parking lot. There is a waiting area with seats and toilets nearby. Attendants are on hand to direct you to the correct bus.

On your way there you may be approached by people offering to help with your trolley or luggage, or to show you to the bus terminal, or offer you a taxi ride to your hotel. Simply decline firmly but politely with "no thank you, I'm fine".

Happy travels!

Onne from Wild Wings Safaris

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