Transportation Options in South Africa: Public, Private, and Tourist Travel

Transportation in South Africa

South Africa offers a range of public and private transportation options, including metro rail, buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and domestic flights. Major cities have established networks, but coverage and reliability vary by region.

• Public Transport: Gautrain (Johannesburg–Pretoria rapid rail), Metrorail (Cape Town, Durban, Gauteng), MyCiTi (Cape Town BRT), Rea Vaya (Johannesburg BRT), and People Mover (Durban city bus).
• Key Apps: Uber and Bolt are widely available in major cities. GoMetro provides public transport schedules.
• Internal Flights: Main domestic airlines include South African Airways, FlySafair, Airlink, and Lift. Major routes connect Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth.
• Intercity Trains & Buses: Shosholoza Meyl (long-distance trains), Intercape, and Translux (long-distance buses) serve major cities and towns.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Metered taxis and minibus taxis operate in urban areas. Ride-hailing fares are app-based.
• Car Rental: International and local agencies require a valid driver’s license (English or with certified translation). Driving is on the left.
• Tourist Recommendations: Airport shuttles, Gautrain (Johannesburg), and MyCiTi (Cape Town) are common for airport-city transfers.
• Accessibility: Major airports and some buses/trains offer accessible facilities, but coverage is limited.
• Unique Local Transport: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (Cape Town), minibus taxis (informal, widely used).
• Safety & Payment: Cash and cards accepted for most services; ride-hailing and BRT systems use cashless payments. Exercise caution, especially at night and in informal taxis.