A braking device for an magnetic tape apparatus includes a switching unit for selectively transmitting the rotation of a capstan motor to a take-up reel table or to a supply reel table, a clutch for changing the switching unit to a slide rotation mode or to a direct-coupled rotation mode, a brake, a loading motor for driving the brake, and an end sensor. Based on a tape end detection signal produced during an operation in a fast forward mode, the capstan motor is rotated in reverse to permit the switching unit to select a second path, while the switching unit is maintained in the direct-coupled mode. Thereafter, the capstan motor is halted, and the loading motor is rotated to use the brake to halt the take-up reel table.