The first group of Johannesburg residents to travel on the Gautrain say the high-speed train has exceeded their expectations and will be the perfect alternative to sitting in traffic on the city’s highways.

Sixty people had the opportunity to travel on the Gautrain from the Marlboro Station to OR Tambo International Airport on Friday morning.

When the golden round-nosed locomotive pulled into the station the excited members of the public quickly snapped a few pictures before getting on board.

They were then whisked to the airport, all the while being impressed by the train’s speed, luxury and comfort.

"Wow! It was absolutely amazing," said one woman, while another passenger commented that it "was stunning inside."

Some did not even realise they were travelling at 160 kilometres an hour.

"It’s better than sitting in traffic on the highway. At least you know you won’t be late," one man said.

The people say the Gautrain is the transport mode of the future.

It will cost R100 for a trip from Sandton to the airport when the service officially opens to the public.