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Top bus companies in South Africa

South Africa is a country where taking the bus just makes sense: it’s convenient, affordable, and a simple way to get from city to city. Travelers can choose from dozens of bus companies that offer different classes of services, providing the opportunity to find the service that best suits everyone's travel needs and budgets. 

Choosing budget-friendly options may mean occasional delays and basic amenities while investing a little more means having a more comfortable journey with features like air conditioning and entertainment.

Greyhound ZA

Greyhound ZA is one of the most popular bus companies in South Africa. Greyhound ZA has two types of buses: Greyhound premium/Luxury Dreamliner, with extra legroom, charging ports, bathrooms and comfortable seats, and Greyhound lite/single decker that offers a more affordable experience, but also comfortable and convenient. These coaches are equipped with air conditioning, bathrooms and reclining seats.

*Citiliner bus company is now part of the Greyhound ZA group, and their buses were rebranded to Greyhound Lite.

Intercape

Intercape is the largest intercity passenger transport service operating in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique. Intercape has a fleet of coaches that are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard entertainment. The company operates a network of routes that cover most parts of the country. They offer four bus classes: sleepliner (first class), mainliner (executive), budgetliner (economy), and Inter-connect (shuttles), each with its own features.

IntercityXpress

IntercityXpress has daily scheduled trips to and from the East Rand in Gauteng and the South Coast in Kwazulu-Natal, including Margate and destinations located between Johannesburg and Durban. IntercityXpress also offers a luxury bus service at an affordable price to passengers commuting from Gauteng to KZN or Zimbabwe.

Eagle Liner

Eagleliner bus company connects South Africa’s largest cities and beach resorts. The company has two types of buses: luxury and economy. They are known for having the most affordable fares in the country, so if price is your main concern, this might be the bus company for you.

Big Sky Bus

Big Sky offers passenger transportation to more than 60 destinations in the country. Their luxury and semi-luxury buses are equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, bathrooms, and USB ports. The company offers reliable services, competitive prices, and comfortable rides.

Book your bus tickets online

Booking bus tickets with Busbud is a convenient and reliable way to plan your bus travel in South Africa and everywhere in the world. There are several benefits to using Busbud for booking your bus tickets, including:

1. Find a wide selection of bus companies Busbud partners with numerous bus companies in South Africa, but also in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, and Mozambique and more making it easy to find the right one for your travel needs.

2. Count on an easy and secure booking process Busbud is user-friendly and provides a secure booking process that accepts multiple payment methods, including credit cards and instant EFT.

3. Easily compare prices Busbud's platform allows you to compare bus ticket prices across different bus companies, making it easy to find the most affordable option for your travel needs.

4. Enjoy the convenience of the mobile app The Busbud mobile app provides an easy-to-use platform for booking bus tickets on the go. You can search and compare bus ticket prices, view bus schedules, and book your tickets with ease.

5. Earn rewards and exchange for travel credits GO with Busbud, our loyalty program, allows you to accumulate credits for every trip you take. These credits can be redeemed for discounts on your future journeys. The more you travel, the more you save!

Travel experience

With buses connecting almost every city in the country, you can easily travel from coast to coast without flying. Yes, some trips may be long, so you should do your research to make sure you find the most convenient and comfortable ride for a hassle-free trip.

Here's what you can expect from buses in South Africa:

Amenities

The level of comfort on the buses can change drastically from one company to another and also depends on the bus class you choose. In general, the country's long-distance buses are equipped with bathrooms, reclining seats, and air conditioning. These three basic conveniences make the trip more pleasant, but keep in mind you can find companies offering additional amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra wide seats.

Affordable fares

Bus travel is an affordable way to explore South Africa. Bus fares are generally considerably cheaper than flying or driving. As an example, a bus trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg costs on average R 680, while a flight costs on average R 2449.

Scenic Routes

South Africa has diverse landscapes, and bus travel offers stunning views of mountains, forests, beaches, and wildlife reserves. The scenic routes are perfect for nature lovers and provide a unique opportunity to appreciate the country's beauty.

Delays

Bus delays are common in South Africa, due to traffic and other unforeseen circumstances. When choosing a bus ticket, compare punctuality rates on Busbud to minimize your wait time.

Safety

South African roads are safe, and the buses are generally well-maintained and driven by experienced drivers. But, as in any other place, it’s important to remain vigilant at all times, keep your belongings with you, and respect the safety instructions given by staff or the driver.