By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
IIf you’re short on time, traveling around South Africa by air is the less scenic, but often the quicker and more cost-effective option. Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways. There are 3 low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com, Mango and Safair. South African Express and Airlink serve the smaller centres.
FFacilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), among them OR Tambo International Airport (Ortia), King Shaka International Airport, and Cape Town International Airports. In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.
An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Note:
- A valid international driver's licence is required.
- We drive on the left hand side of the road.
- Wearing seat belts is compulsory and cellphones can only be used ‘hands free'.
- Speed limits are generally set at 120km on freeways, 100km on secondary roads and 60km in urban areas.
- Toll fees apply on certain national roads.
- Petrol stations are widespread.
- Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa, along with local concerns.
- The Automobile Association (AA) supplies road maps.
AAnother means of getting around South Africa are luxury inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Translux, as well as the backpackers' Baz Bus. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone. There is a hop-on-hop-off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail.
In Gauteng, Rea Vaya is a bus rapid transport system that operates around the Johannesburg CBD, and branches out to selected areas of Soweto and Eldorado Park.
The Gautrain, Gauteng's high-speed rapid rail link has routes between Pretoria and Johannesburg, OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton, Rosebank and Sandton, and Rosebank and Park Station in the inner city. If you are landing in Johannesburg, the Gautrain is a convenient way to reach the city and other popular areas. Always check the schedule online if you are planning on taking the train.
South Africa on social media
Useful links
Explore
