South Africa's transport minister is insistent the gridlock and parking problems that have afflicted some World Cup warm-up matches won't affect games once the tournament begins on Friday.

Many of Johannesburg's roads remain under construction but the city's first high-speed train - Gautrain - ran along new tracks for the first time on Tuesday morning.

It made the 12-minute journey from OR Tambo international airport into one of the city's business districts.

"The World Cup is not just about sport; it is more about transport," minister Sibusiso Ndebele said.

"The Gautrain is a clear demonstration of world-class comfort."

An intercity bus service will also help transport fans to various fan parks and stadiums within the city.

Ndebele urged fans to use public transport to ease the pressure on the road system.

The bus system was launched in August, two months after the end of the Confederations Cup warm-up event.

It includes about 40 buses travelling the main route from Soweto, where the Soccer City stadium is located, to downtown Johannesburg.

This route is expected to be used by World Cup visitors since it is close to tourist attractions in the historic township, such as the famous Regina Mundi church and the old home of former president Nelson Mandela.

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