- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Johannesburg to Cape Town
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 25
Cheapest price on Oct 25
$55
Average ticket price on Oct 25
$67
Fastest journey on Oct 25
19 h
Average journey duration on Oct 25
19 h 35 m
Buses on Oct 25
8
Distance
1262 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg to Cape Town will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Fast buses
On Sun, Oct 25, we found 8 buses from Johannesburg to Cape Town, including 8 direct services.
On Sun, Oct 25 the direct buses cover the 1262 km distance in an average of 19 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h .
On Sun, Oct 25 the slowest buses will take 19 h 50 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.
SLEEPLINER3:30 PM22h30Johannesburg2:00 PMCape Town, St George's$551One-way0 transfers- SLEEPLINER12:00 PM20h45Johannesburg8:45 AMCape Town, St George's$551One-way0 transfers
- SLEEPLINER6:30 PM19h45Johannesburg2:15 PMCape Town, St George's$571One-way0 transfers
- SLEEPLINER6:00 PM19h30Johannesburg1:30 PMCape Town, St George's$591One-way0 transfers
MAINLINER7:15 AM26h30Johannesburg9:45 AMCape Town, St George's$601One-way0 transfers
ME3:00 AM19h00Johannesburg10:00 PMCape Town, St George's$1241One-way0 transfers- SLEEPLINER6:00 PM19h30Johannesburg1:30 PMCape Town, St George's$591One-way0 transfers
- SLEEPLINER6:30 PM19h45Johannesburg2:15 PMCape Town, St George's$571One-way0 transfers
SLEEPLINER EXPRESS1:00 PM19h50Johannesburg8:50 AMCape Town, St George's$631One-way0 transfers- SLEEPLINER11:30 AM19h50Johannesburg7:20 AMCape Town, St George's$661One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town
South AfricaSouth Africa
Buses from Johannesburg to Cape Town run on average 8 times per day, taking around 20h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€38) if you book in advance.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:30, the last at 17:00. The fastest bus covers the 784 miles (1262 km) distance in 19h 0m.
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 784 miles (1262 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€38) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 19h 0m |
First bus 9:30 AM |
Last bus 5:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 Johannesburg to Cape Town trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Cheap bus tickets from Johannesburg to Cape Town can start from as little as $45 (€38) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Johannesburg to Cape Town is $65 (€54) ; 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 Johannesburg to Cape Town leaves at 9:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town leaves at 5:00 PM.
Yes, there are 8 direct buses a day from Johannesburg to Cape Town with Intercape Sleepliner, Big Sky Express, Intercape Mainliner, Intercape Mainliner Express, MB Transport, Intercape. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
Johannesburg to Cape Town Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator MB Transport | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Intercape Mainliner | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 26h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Intercape Sleepliner | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 19h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Intercape Sleepliner | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Intercape | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 19h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Intercape Sleepliner | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Big Sky Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 19h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Intercape Sleepliner | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Intercape Sleepliner | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Live departures
Johannesburg to Cape Town bus times
The table below shows live departures for Johannesburg to Cape Town buses for today, Saturday, October 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLEEPLINER | 6:00 PM Johannesburg | 19h30 | 1:30 PM Cape Town, St George's | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SLEEPLINER | 6:30 PM Johannesburg | 19h45 | 2:15 PM Cape Town, St George's | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, October 25 | |||||
| ME | 3:00 AM Johannesburg | 19h00 | 10:00 PM Cape Town, St George's | 0 transfersDirect | |
| MAINLINER | 7:15 AM Johannesburg | 26h30 | 9:45 AM Cape Town, St George's | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SLEEPLINER | 11:30 AM Johannesburg | 19h50 | 7:20 AM Cape Town, St George's | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SLEEPLINER | 12:00 PM Johannesburg | 20h45 | 8:45 AM Cape Town, St George's | 0 transfersDirect | |
| SLEEPLINER EXPRESS | 1:00 PM Johannesburg | 19h50 | 8:50 AM Cape Town, St George's | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Bus providers: Intercape Sleepliner, Intercape, Intercape Mainliner, Big Sky Express, MB Transport, Intercape Mainliner Express from Johannesburg to Cape TownYou can travel by bus between Johannesburg to Cape Town with Intercape Sleepliner, Intercape, Intercape Mainliner, Big Sky Express, MB Transport, Intercape Mainliner Express for as low as $45 (€38). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Intercape Sleepliner
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercape Sleepliner Duration
19h 30m
Cheapest Intercape Sleepliner Price
$49 (€42)
Intercape Sleepliner frequency
4 a day
Intercape
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercape Duration
19h 0m
Cheapest Intercape Price
$51 (€43)
Intercape frequency
1 a day
Intercape Mainliner
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercape Mainliner Duration
19h 50m
Cheapest Intercape Mainliner Price
$59 (€50)
Intercape Mainliner frequency
1 a day
Big Sky Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Big Sky Express Duration
19h 50m
Cheapest Big Sky Express Price
$45 (€38)
Big Sky Express frequency
1 a day
MB Transport
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average MB Transport Duration
19h 0m
Cheapest MB Transport Price
$107 (€90)
MB Transport frequency
1 a day
Intercape Mainliner Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercape Mainliner Express Duration
19h 0m
Cheapest Intercape Mainliner Express Price
$54 (€46)
Intercape Mainliner Express frequency
1 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg to Cape Town, you can count on Intercape Sleepliner, Big Sky Express, Intercape Mainliner, Intercape Mainliner Express, MB Transport, Intercape for the best way to get you to Cape Town. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Johannesburg and Cape Town and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
No, the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
No, luggage for the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Johannesburg 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
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.
- Must visit
Bo-Kaap
Colorful hillside quarter famed for bright facades, Cape Malay heritage, mosques, and photogenic cobbled streets close to the city center.
- Must visit
Company's Garden
Historic public garden with museums, monuments, squirrels, and shaded walks, ideal for a central break between major sights.
- Must visit
V&A Waterfront
Lively waterfront district combining harbor views, heritage buildings, public art, shopping, and easy access to museums and ferries.
- Gluten-free
Bobotie
A fragrant Cape Malay rice dish with curried meat, dried fruit and warm spices. It reflects Cape Town's Malay heritage and is a local comfort food.
- Gluten-free
Pickled Fish
A tangy Cape Malay pickled fish dish, usually eaten at Easter. White fish is marinated with curry spices, onions and vinegar.
- Gluten-free
Waterblommetjie Bredie
A slow-cooked stew of vegetables and often mutton, spiced in Cape Malay style. It is a long-standing home-style dish in the Cape.
Chef's Warehouse at Beau Constantia
Elegant dining in Constantia with seasonal menus, estate wines and a tranquil garden setting on one of the Cape's best-known wine estates.
La Colombe
Acclaimed fine dining at the V&A Waterfront, known for inventive tasting menus, polished service and a refined contemporary South African approach.
Bo-Kaap Kombuis
Historic casual spot in Bo-Kaap famous for Cape Malay curries, samoosas and koesisters in a simple, long-running local setting.
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.
MyCiTi
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- R 15
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
St George's -> Cape Town City Centre
- Distance
- 750 m
- Travel time
- 10 min
- MyCiTi uses the myconnect card for travel; bank card contactless payment is not generally accepted on buses.
- Use the official journey planner on the MyCiTi website or app before travel, as fares vary by route and time.
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 Johannesburg to Cape Town
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Johannesburg 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town including taking a bus and flight.
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 Johannesburg to Cape Town
Most Johannesburg to Cape Town buses use the to Cape Town, St George's station pair. Use this guide to compare Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg
Arrival bus stations in Cape Town
Cape Town, St George'sCape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
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 Johannesburg to Cape Town
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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