South Africa offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife safaris, stunning landscapes from Table Mountain to the Garden Route, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage. From world-class wine regions to pristine beaches and the iconic Kruger National Park, it's a destination that captivates every type of traveler.
- Public
- South Africa's public transport is city-specific: Cape Town has the MyCiTi bus rapid transit system covering popular tourist routes ($1.50-3/trip), while Johannesburg has the world-class Gautrain ($2-9) connecting OR Tambo airport to Sandton and Pretoria. Other cities have limited formal public transport.
- Taxi
- Uber and Bolt operate in all major cities and are the recommended taxi option for tourists — safe, metered, and with verified drivers. Traditional metered taxis exist but are expensive; minibus taxis serve locals but are not recommended for tourists.
- Rental
- Car rental is the single best transport choice for South Africa — the road network is excellent, distances are manageable, and most attractions are car-dependent. International licenses are accepted. Drive on the left.
- Walking
- Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, Bree Street, and Long Street areas are pedestrian-friendly; the rest of the city is car-dependent. Johannesburg is best navigated entirely by car or Uber — never walk after dark.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- MyCiTi Airport Bus - $4.50, 30 minutes to city center
- Shuttle
- Uber/Bolt - $12-18, 20-30 minutes
- Bus
- Private shuttle - $15-25 per person
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Limited public bus services. MyCiTi in Cape Town is best option. Most buses $1-2 per trip.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered taxi
- Rare and expensive. Base fare $5, then $1.50/km. Only use reputable companies.
- Uber bolt
- Widely available in cities. Base $2, then $0.80/km. Safest and most convenient option for tourists.
- Minibus taxi
- Local transport, not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns.
- Apps
- Uber and Bolt widely available in all major cities. Uber X from $0.70/km, Bolt slightly cheaper.
- App Names
- Uber and Bolt widely available in all major cities. Uber X from $0.70/km, Bolt slightly cheaper.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
- Intercape
- Most reliable long-distance bus. Cape Town to Johannesburg $40-60, 18-19 hours.
- Greyhound
- Comfortable coaches with WiFi. Similar routes and prices to Intercape.
- Translux
- Government-run service. Slightly cheaper but less frequent.
- Baz bus
- Backpacker-friendly hop-on-hop-off service along Garden Route. From $200 for full route.
Flights
Affordable and recommended for long distances. Cape Town to Johannesburg from $60 one-way, 2 hours.
Routes: Excellent network connecting all major cities and tourist destinations including Kruger (Skukuza, Hoedspruit).
- Airlines
- South African Airways, FlySafair (budget), Kulula (budget), Mango (budget). Book in advance for best prices.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Cape Town International Airport
From centre: 20 km
Options: MyCiTi Airport Bus - $4.50, 30 minutes to city center; Uber/Bolt - $12-18, 20-30 minutes; Private shuttle - $15-25 per person; Rental car - starts at $25/day
O.R. Tambo International Airport
From centre: 25 km from Johannesburg
Options: Gautrain - $9, 15 minutes to Sandton; Uber/Bolt - $18-25 to Sandton, $25-35 to Johannesburg CBD; Airport shuttle - $20-30 per person; Rental car - starts at $22/day
King Shaka International Airport
From centre: 35 km from Durban
Options: King Shaka Shuttle - $12, 30-40 minutes; Uber/Bolt - $20-30, 30-40 minutes; Private transfer - $25-35; Rental car - starts at $20/day
Port Elizabeth International Airport
From centre: 5 km
Options: Uber/Bolt - $6-10, 10 minutes; Airport shuttle - $10-15; Rental car - starts at $20/day
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Best for city travel, airport transfers, and late-night rides; widely available in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria
Bolt
Slightly cheaper than Uber; excellent coverage in all major cities; recommended as backup if Uber prices surge
MyCiTi (myconnect card)
Cape Town's bus rapid transit system app for planning routes; load a myconnect card at the airport or Civic Centre station
Gautrain App
Johannesburg's premium rail service connecting OR Tambo Airport, Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria; buy tickets via app or at station kiosks
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download Uber and Bolt apps before you arrive — essential for safe city transport in all South African cities
Never use unlicensed taxis or accept rides from strangers at airports — always use pre-booked Uber, Bolt, or official transfer services
Rent a car for any journey outside major cities — public transport is inadequate for tourist destinations like Kruger, the Garden Route, or the Winelands
Drive on the LEFT side of the road — South Africa follows British road rules; traffic lights are called 'robots' by locals
At Cape Town International Airport, the MyCiTi bus (Route A01) is the cheapest and most reliable airport transfer at R80 ($4.50)
The Gautrain from OR Tambo Airport to Sandton takes 15 minutes and costs R185 ($9) — far faster and cheaper than taxis during peak hour