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
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).
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