Tastes of Culture

The 2010 world cup will be hosted in South Africa and therefore many people will be visiting the country for the first time. The country has three major airports as well as other smaller airports all operated by acsa, which controls 98% of South Africa’s commercial air traffic. For local and international travelers there are several ways to access the airport depending on your time schedule and budget.

Being dropped off and picked up has its advantages. It allows the traveler to be dropped off directly in front of the terminal, and avoids the hassle of parking a car. The pickup may prove more complicated, as the exact arrival time may vary due to delays. The driver may have to wait an uncertain amount of time, and perhaps even park his or her car. Also, there are the usual costs associated with the drive to and from the airport. This option does have the benefit of being able to be greeted by friends or family after a long trip.

A drop off can overcome the disadvantages of driving yourself. This is usually fast and you are dropped off right at the terminal building with no need to park the car. However, the pickup is the problem. Sometimes flights can be delayed or ahead of schedule. This means you have to wait for the person you are picking up or the person has to wait for you. This may even force you to park the car. Dropping and picking is best for friends or relatives who have been away for long.

For visitors who stay at major hotels, there are shuttle services operated by these hotels that run several times a day. Usually this service is free and it has the added advantage of taking you right to your destination. However, this method runs on a schedule therefore you have to plan your travel as per their schedule. You can also opt for car hire companies especially while on holiday to improve your mobility. There are many recognized rental companies such as avis, europcar and hertz among others.

Shuttle services are also available for visitors on organized tours. Depending on the group size, you will have the tour guide or the shuttle bus driver waiting for you at the airport. There are shuttle services to all major cities, which can be booked online, or on arrival. The major advantage of shuttle services is the affordability. However, you have to wait for sometime or until the shuttle has filled up before you can be taken to your destination. Shuttles also do not take you directly to your destination since every passenger has to be dropped off at a different address Finally, for those traveling to a destination close to the airport you can take metered taxis.

Metered taxi service is an excellent choice if you need to go to a specific address in close proximity to the airport, as they will drop you off exactly where you will need to be. Travel by taxi is not suitable for longer trips due to the cost, but for shorter trips they are a very affordable means of transportation. For longer trips you’re better for using a shuttle service. Gautrain The first section of the Gautrain is scheduled to be in service by 2010. The train will operate between Pretoria and Johannesburg. The Guatrain will have feeder transport from the train stations to get passengers as close as possible to their final destination

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for a leading South African online flights booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za