South Africa Transportation

When mapping out a vacation itinerary, determining the type of South Africa transportation that will take you to your designated destination in a comfortable and timely manner is an important step, regardless of whether you plan to travel by car, train, or bus in South Africa.

South Africa is a relatively large country and for the most part, a car rental is sufficient for travel, but for those who want to relax and not worry with driving, a bus in South Africa may be the ideal transportation solution. However, for visits to areas where mountain trails are in rough terrain and rock-laden beaches are not easily accessible, a 4-wheel drive SUV, truck, or van may be required.

Major car rental companies providing South Africa transportation include Avis, Thrifty, Hertz, and Budget along with smaller, locally owned companies with cars, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and motor homes. Car rentals can easily be obtained at the airport and in major cities, making it easy to plan your transportation to coincide with your itinerary—meaning that you don't need to keep a rental car for your entire stay if you'd rather not.

Transportation by bus in South Africa is available throughout the region via Greyhound. The bus lines cover Cape Town in the Western Cape through Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The lines continue through Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Kroonstad and Bloemfontein in the Free State, and Pretoria and Johannesburg in the Gauteng region. The lines also cover Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal region and Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga area. Overall, Greyhound provides South Africa transportation from Cape Town to Zimbabwe.

There are also tour buses that provide hikers and backpackers with door-to-door service to the next hostel, with the flexibility of getting on and off the bus as often as you like as long as you have a ticket. Tickets range from seven- to 21-day passes and cover Johannesburg or Pretoria to Cape Town, as well as Cape Town to Durban or Port Elizabeth. The bus provides a convenient and safe way to travel for independent vacationers.

Other coaches travel a network of routes between the South African provinces and Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho, and Mozambique. The coaches offer a safe and comfortable long-distance transport. Although not as fancy as the South Africa trains that often provide very luxurious accommodations, different companies operate comfortable single and double-decker coaches along inter-city routes between major urban areas in South Africa, including Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Upington. The amenities include air-conditioning and heating, reading lights, onboard restroom facilities, audio and visual entertainment options, and comfortable reclining seats.

Taking a train in South Africa to traverse across long distances from the Western Cape to the North-West region in first-class accommodations ensures comfortable travel. The South Africa trains provide luxury suites and fine dining, and they also offer an opportunity for luxury safaris, if you're interested in seeing the country's wildlife more closely. Trains are an excellent choice for vacationers who like to travel in style and would prefer not to rent a car.

The Blue train in South Africa is luxury on wheels, and it has repeatedly been named at the World Travel Awards as the world's leading luxury train. Each suite is fitted with a full en-suite bathroom, phone, air-conditioner, and TV. A butler is on duty for the convenience of the guests along with excellent dining, high tea, and fine wines. Routes for this particular train in South Africa include Pretoria to Victoria Falls, Cape Town or Nelspruit, or Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.

The second of the luxury South Africa trains is Rovos Rail, and their service is excellent as well. The classic restored trains retain their original Victorian elegance and each spacious suite combines the original Edwardian ambiance with new technology, full bathrooms, fridge, a personal safe, and private lounges.