Travel via bus increases in South Africa as flight prices soar Posted on 29 December 2022 With the high costs of fuel and flights, travelling by bus has become a more popular option for South Africans. The Bus Price Index recorded an average 112% increase in bus searches in South Africa over 2022 compared to 2021. This increase in bus searches may be thanks to the cost-savings implications of travelling by bus compared to cars, as well as the exorbitant prices of flights and SA’s failing railway systems. In South Africa, passengers can make their way around for around R37 per 100km via bus. One-way bus ticket prices from Johannesburg to Cape Town start from around R600, and a ticket from Durban to Johannesburg starts from around R400. These prices are much cheaper compared to the cost of petrol and toll fees to drive alone from Johannesburg to Cape Town or Durban, and a one-way flight between these cities can set passengers back up to R2 500 over the festive period. ‘In 2022, growing energy costs also pushed bus prices up. Still, bus travel seems to remain by far the cheapest mode of transportation,’ says Marc Hofmann, CEO of CheckMyBus. Wallet-friendly bus trips in South Africa according to Busbud Destination Average cost of trip Johannesburg – Qgeberha R1 069 Durban – Cape Town R1 220 East London – Cape Town R755 Durban – Pretoria R550 Bloemfontein – Johannesburg R608 Johannesburg – Cape Town R420 Qgerberha – Johannesburg R520 Qgerberha – Durban R820 Nelspruit – Johannesburg R440 Polokwane – Johannesburg R320 ‘Buses are a good alternative for budget-conscious travellers. While a road journey may take longer, it is a good chance to relax and avoid the chaos of airports. To assist travellers in finding the best money-saving deals and offer them more transportation options to choose from for getting from point A to point B, Cheapflights has added buses to its core search,’ says Laure Bornet, GM, KAYAK EMEA, who manages Cheapflights.co.za. Picture: Unsplash Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured. TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter ALSO READ: OR Tambo experiences 41 flight delays after fuel supply valve breaks Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more
Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more
Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more