How much does a bus ticket cost in South Africa?

Bus travel in South Africa is one of the most affordable ways to get around. Prices vary depending on distance and route: Short trips between nearby cities are usually budget-friendly. In the last 12 months, the average ticket price for domestic routes was MX$490. Long-distance journeys connecting major hubs are more expensive but still offer great value. International routes to neighboring countries are higher priced but often cheaper than flights. Example fares in South Africa: Cape Town ↔ Johannesburg (average: MX$1,035 ) Johannesburg ↔ Durban (average: MX$448 ) Pretoria ↔ Durban (average: MX$475 )

What is the best way to travel around South Africa?

While you can choose between different transports, Buses, Shuttles, and Shuttles are usually the most convenient and cost-effective way to explore South Africa: - Bus: 11438 routes - Shuttle: 1227 routes - Van: 190 routes

How do I book bus and train tickets in South Africa?

Booking a bus or train ticket is simple and flexible: Online with Busbud, you can compare schedules and operators, reserve your seat in advance and pay securely by selecting your preferred method and currency. You can also download our App: Get it on Google Play , Download on the App Store .

Do I need cash, or can I pay by card in South Africa?

When buying Bus or Train tickets in South Africa with Busbud we accept the following payment methods: Visa, MasterCard Currency: South African Rand (ZAR) is the main currency.

How do I travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg by bus?

The bus is the most popular way to travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg Travel time: 19h Ticket prices: From MX$1,035 Frequency: 35 departures daily Recommended operators: Intercape , Greyhound South Africa , Intercity Xpress , APM WC , Eagle Liner , Big Sky , Swiss Express , Ramalo , tamuka , Badela

How do I get from South Africa to neighbouring countries by bus or train?

The buses connecting with major cities in neighboring countries are: Johannesburg ↔ Maputo, Mozambique Johannesburg ↔ Harare, Zimbabwe Cape Town ↔ Harare, Zimbabwe Pretoria ↔ Harare, Zimbabwe

What are the most popular airports in South Africa?

You can find trains and bus routes to and from some major airports. For example: Durban King Shaka Airport , O.R Tambo Airport Johannesburg

Bus, Shuttle, and Shuttle in South Africa | Refundable Tickets

What are the most popular routes to South Africa?

Route	Average price	Average duration	Daily departures
Cape Town - Johannesburg	Average priceMX$1,035	Average duration19h	Daily departures35
Johannesburg - Durban	Average priceMX$448	Average duration8h 10m	Daily departures64
Johannesburg - Cape Town	Average priceMX$1,032	Average duration19h 5m	Daily departures37
Pretoria - Durban	Average priceMX$475	Average duration9h 35m	Daily departures60
Durban - Johannesburg	Average priceMX$496	Average duration8h 30m	Daily departures60
Cape Town - Mthatha	Average priceMX$881	Average duration17h 50m	Daily departures68
Pretoria - Cape Town	Average priceMX$996	Average duration21h 15m	Daily departures30
Cape Town - Butterworth	Average priceMX$883	Average duration17h 10m	Daily departures22
Johannesburg - Maputo	Average priceMX$880	Average duration10h 10m	Daily departures13
Cape Town - Durban	Average priceMX$1,108	Average duration1d 3h	Daily departures25

Explore South Africa on a budget on your next vacation

South Africa is a beautiful country with so much to offer to its visitors. From its wildlife to its scenic routes, it is a destination worth exploring, and one of the most affordable ways to travel around the country is by bus.

Bus travel is affordable and convenient, making it an ideal option for both locals and tourists. But before starting your journey, it's good to know the essentials about bus travel in South Africa. With the right information and preparation, you can make the most out of your trip.

See the best of South Africa by bus

South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country, with numerous cities that offer unique travel experiences. Here are some of the top cities in South Africa that you can travel to by bus, and what makes each of them special:

Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa, and for good reason. The city boasts stunning natural scenery, with iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Town is also home to vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine, and a rich cultural history.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the economic hub of the country. The city is known for its rich history, with landmarks such as the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela House. Johannesburg is also home to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Durban

Durban is a coastal city known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. The city is a popular destination for surfing and water sports, and is home to numerous cultural attractions such as the Durban Botanic Gardens and the Umgeni River Bird Park.

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is a vibrant city on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, known for its beautiful beaches and scenic natural beauty. The city is home to numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.

Pretoria

Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa, and is known for its rich cultural history and beautiful architecture. The city is home to landmarks such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument, as well as numerous museums and galleries.

Traveling by bus in South Africa is an affordable and convenient way to experience some of the country's top destinations. Each city offers a unique travel experience, with something to offer for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for natural beauty, cultural attractions, or urban excitement, South Africa has it all.

What popular bus companies operate in South Africa?

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Frequently asked questions about traveling in South Africa

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much does a bus ticket cost in South Africa?
Bus travel in South Africa is one of the most affordable ways to get around. Prices vary depending on distance and route: Short trips between nearby cities are usually budget-friendly. In the last 12 months, the average ticket price for domestic routes was MX$490. Long-distance journeys connecting major hubs are more expensive but still offer great value. International routes to neighboring countries are higher priced but often cheaper than flights.
Example fares in South Africa:
Cape Town ↔ Johannesburg (average: MX$1,035)
Johannesburg ↔ Durban (average: MX$448)
Pretoria ↔ Durban (average: MX$475)
What is the best way to travel around South Africa?
While you can choose between different transports, Buses, Shuttles, and Shuttles are usually the most convenient and cost-effective way to explore South Africa:
- Bus: 11438 routes
- Shuttle: 1227 routes
- Van: 190 routes
How do I book bus and train tickets in South Africa?
Booking a bus or train ticket is simple and flexible: Online with Busbud, you can compare schedules and operators, reserve your seat in advance and pay securely by selecting your preferred method and currency. You can also download our App: Get it on Google Play, Download on the App Store.
Do I need cash, or can I pay by card in South Africa?
When buying Bus or Train tickets in South Africa with Busbud we accept the following payment methods: Visa, MasterCard
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR) is the main currency.
How do I travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg by bus?
The bus is the most popular way to travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg
Travel time: 19h
Ticket prices: From MX$1,035
Frequency: 35 departures daily
Recommended operators: Intercape, Greyhound South Africa, Intercity Xpress, APM WC, Eagle Liner, Big Sky, Swiss Express, Ramalo, tamuka, Badela
How do I get from South Africa to neighbouring countries by bus or train?
The buses connecting with major cities in neighboring countries are:
Johannesburg ↔ Maputo, Mozambique
Johannesburg ↔ Harare, Zimbabwe
Cape Town ↔ Harare, Zimbabwe
Pretoria ↔ Harare, Zimbabwe
What are the most popular airports in South Africa?
You can find trains and bus routes to and from some major airports. For example: Durban King Shaka Airport, O.R Tambo Airport Johannesburg

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