Rugby fans heading to the highly anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks matches in Gauteng and the Western Cape will have additional public transport options, with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) announcing dedicated train services for the fixtures.
The services are aimed at helping thousands of supporters travel to and from the stadiums safely and efficiently while reducing pressure on roads around the venues.
The arrangements cover the Springboks’ Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park, the Lions’ clash with the All Blacks in Johannesburg, and the second Springboks-All Blacks Test at Cape Town Stadium.
Free Ellis Park shuttle for Springboks supporters
For Saturday’s Springboks vs All Blacks Test at Ellis Park, PRASA will operate a free shuttle between Johannesburg Park Station and Ellis Park Station for supporters with valid match tickets.
Trains will operate every 15 minutes from 12:30 to 20:30.
The service will also connect with Gautrain services at Park Station, giving supporters travelling from other parts of Gauteng an additional option for getting to the match.
Fans are encouraged to arrive at stations early and purchase return tickets in advance where applicable to help reduce queues.
Additional service for Lions vs All Blacks
The transport plan will continue when the Lions face the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Tuesday, 25 August.
PRASA will again operate a shuttle between Johannesburg Park Station and Ellis Park Station.
Trains will run every 15 minutes from 14:30 to 22:30, with connections available to Gautrain services at Park Station.
A return ticket for the service will cost R20.
More trains planned for Cape Town Test
Attention will then turn to the Western Cape when the Springboks host the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August.
PRASA Western Cape will provide additional train services to accommodate the large number of supporters expected to attend the Test.
The extra services are intended to give fans an alternative to driving into the Cape Town CBD and Green Point, where significant traffic congestion is expected around matchday.
Using rail could allow supporters to avoid some of the anticipated road congestion while helping move large crowds more efficiently.
PRASA urges fans to plan ahead
PRASA says rail remains an important option for transporting large numbers of spectators to major sporting events.
The agency has encouraged supporters to arrive at departure stations early and follow all rail safety regulations while travelling.
Further information about the Cape Town train schedules will be released through PRASA’s official digital platforms, including its commuter WhatsApp groups.
Springboks vs All Blacks transport at a glance
| Match | Date | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Springboks vs All Blacks – Ellis Park | Saturday, 22 August | Free Park Station–Ellis Park shuttle for valid match-ticket holders |
| Lions vs All Blacks – Ellis Park | Tuesday, 25 August | Shuttle every 15 minutes; R20 return ticket |
| Springboks vs All Blacks – Cape Town Stadium | Saturday, 29 August | Additional PRASA train services |
For fans heading to the stadium, the message is simple: plan your journey early, allow extra time and consider rail to avoid matchday traffic.
