South Africa Getting Around

Getting There

International flights land at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka Airport 60km outside of Durban.

Getting Around

Car

The best advice is to hire a car as public transport in some cities in South Africa is not as organised or reliable as many other countries. Hire car companies include Avis, Hertz and Budget.

Air

If you are travelling between cities and want to save time, there are a number of low-cost carrier airlines from which to choose. Try Mango, Kulula or 1Time.

Bus

There are also a number of long-distance intercity coach services, such as Greyhound, Translux and Intercape. The Baz Bus lets travellers hop on and off on certain routes including Durban, Cape Town & Johannesburg.

Train

PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) is the local train service offering short commuter travel in the cities and long distance travel known as Shosholoza Meyl – it’s not luxury travel but is clean and safe and offers 2 or 4 sleeper cars known as coupes. For the romantics amongst you, try one of the steam train routes which still operate between certain cities.

Safe Travelling

Travellers are usually warned about crime in South Africa, but if you are sensible — don’t walk alone at night or in secluded spots, keep car windows up and doors locked, and seek local advice — you can avoid being a target.