Durban to Cape Town bus with Intercape Mainliner

Thu, Nov 12
+ Add return
Intercape Mainliner
Intercape Mainliner Express
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Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
Intercape Mainliner
Intercape Mainliner Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Durban to Cape Town

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 12
Cheapest price on Nov 12
€45
Average ticket price on Nov 12
€48
Fastest journey on Nov 12
1 d 50 m
Average journey duration on Nov 12
1 d 2 h 15 m
Buses on Nov 12
10
Distance
1272 km
Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Durban to Cape Town is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Durban to Cape Town will cost around €48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €45.

Fast buses

On Thu, Nov 12, we found 10 buses from Durban to Cape Town, including 10 direct services.

On Thu, Nov 12 the direct buses cover the 1272 km distance in an average of 1 d 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 50 m .

On Thu, Nov 12 the slowest buses will take 1 d 5 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Intercape Mainliner ExpressMAINLINER EXPRESS
    0 transfers
  • Intercape Mainliner ExpressMAINLINER EXPRESS
    0 transfers
  • Big Sky IntercityBig Sky Intercity
    0 transfers
  • Big Sky IntercityBig Sky Intercity
    0 transfers
  • Intercape MainlinerMAINLINER
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Durban to Cape Town

South AfricaSouth Africa
South AfricaSouth Africa
Icon of bus

Buses from Durban to Cape Town run on average 1 times per day, taking around 28h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €46 if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:05, the last at 15:20. The fastest bus covers the 790 miles (1272 km) distance in 25h 30m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
790 miles (1272 km)
Average bus duration
28h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
€46
Buses per day
1
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
25h 30m
First bus
6:05 AM
Last bus
3:20 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Frequently asked questions about your Durban to Cape Town trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Durban to Cape Town.

Cheap bus tickets from Durban to Cape Town can start from as little as €46 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Durban to Cape Town is €50 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Durban to Cape Town leaves at 6:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Durban to Cape Town leaves at 3:20 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Durban to Cape Town with Intercape Mainliner, Intercape Mainliner Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.

Durban to Cape Town Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Intercape Mainliner
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
29h50
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€48
Operator
Intercape Mainliner
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
29h05
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€48
Operator
Intercape Mainliner
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
10:50AM
Duration
25h35
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€50
Operator
Intercape Mainliner
Departure Time
10:00AM
Arrival Time
10:50AM
Duration
24h50
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€50
Operator
Intercape Mainliner Express
Departure Time
10:15AM
Arrival Time
12:30PM
Duration
26h15
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
€45
Operator
Intercape Mainliner Express
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
12:30PM
Duration
25h30
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
€45
Operator
Big Sky Intercity
Departure Time
03:15PM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
31h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€46
Operator
Big Sky Intercity
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
30h15
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€46
Operator
Intercape Mainliner
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
30h15
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€48
Operator
Intercape Mainliner
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
29h30
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€48

Live departures

Durban to Cape Town bus times

The table below shows live departures for Durban to Cape Town buses for today, Wednesday, November 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Big Sky IntercityBig Sky Intercity3:15 PM Durban
31h00
10:15 PM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Intercape MainlinerMAINLINER4:00 PM Durban
30h15
10:15 PM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Big Sky IntercityBig Sky Intercity4:00 PM Durban
30h15
10:15 PM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Intercape MainlinerMAINLINER4:45 PM Durban
29h30
10:15 PM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Thursday, November 12
Intercape MainlinerMAINLINER6:15 AM Durban
29h50
12:05 PM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Intercape MainlinerMAINLINER7:00 AM Durban
29h05
12:05 PM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Intercape MainlinerMAINLINER9:15 AM Durban
25h35
10:50 AM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Intercape MainlinerMAINLINER10:00 AM Durban
24h50
10:50 AM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Intercape Mainliner ExpressMAINLINER EXPRESS10:15 AM Durban
26h15
12:30 PM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect
Intercape Mainliner ExpressMAINLINER EXPRESS11:00 AM Durban
25h30
12:30 PM Cape Town, St George's0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Bus providers: Intercape Mainliner, Intercape Mainliner Express from Durban to Cape TownYou can travel by bus between Durban to Cape Town with Intercape Mainliner, Intercape Mainliner Express for as low as €46. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Intercape Mainliner

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercape Mainliner Duration
28h 55m
Cheapest Intercape Mainliner Price
€46
Intercape Mainliner frequency
1 a day

Intercape Mainliner Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercape Mainliner Express Duration
25h 30m
Cheapest Intercape Mainliner Express Price
€59
Intercape Mainliner Express frequency
1 a day

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Durban and Cape Town

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a bus from Durban to Cape Town, you can count on Intercape Mainliner, Intercape Mainliner Express for the best way to get you to Cape Town. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Durban and Cape Town and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
No, the bus from Durban to Cape Town has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Durban to Cape Town.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Durban to Cape Town.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Durban to Cape Town.
No, luggage for the bus from Durban to Cape Town needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Durban to Cape Town.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Durban to Cape Town.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Durban to Cape Town.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Durban to Cape Town.

Complete guide to Cape Town

Things to do in Cape Town

Discover the best of Cape Town — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cape Town trip today.

  • Must visit

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

Powerful contemporary African art museum in a converted grain silo, known for bold exhibitions and dramatic architecture at the waterfront.

  • Must visit

Iziko South African National Gallery

South Africa’s premier art museum, housing major African, Dutch, French, and British works beside the Company’s Garden.

  • Must visit

District Six Museum

Moving social history museum in District Six, documenting forced removals and community memory under apartheid.

South African rand (R)

Moderate for tourists: stays and dining are often cheaper than major US or EU cities, while attractions, wine estates, and ride-hailing can raise daily costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
R80-R150 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
R180-R350 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
R600+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
R30-R45 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 10-15% in restaurants if not included. Round up or tip taxi drivers about 10%. Small tips are appreciated at cafes.

Plan your visit to Cape Town

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Cape Town.

South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Travelers can use both cash and cards, but card payments are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash is preferred in smaller towns and markets. Carrying some cash is advisable for convenience.
In Cape Town, travelers should be cautious of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated neighborhoods, and be wary of unofficial taxi services. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and distraction techniques used by thieves. Using reputable transportation options and keeping valuables secure can help ensure a safer experience.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

FAQs: Bus from Durban to Cape Town

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Durban to Cape Town by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cape Town, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Yes, you can take a flight between Durban and Cape Town.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Durban to Cape Town

Most Durban to Cape Town buses use the to Cape Town, St George's station pair. Use this guide to compare Durban and Cape Town bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Durban
Arrival bus stations in Cape Town
Cape Town, St George'sCape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South AfricaAccessibility

Cape Town, St George's bus station facilities and services

Cape Town, St George's has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cape Town, St George's: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.

More options for your journey from Durban to Cape Town

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular bus connections to Cape Town

HomeBusesBuses in South AfricaDurban to Cape Town bus

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