Travel Information

Joburg is geographically fairly centrally located in South Africa, and as the biggest urban conurbation it’s also the largest transport hub – for local, cross-border and international travel.

More international carriers fly here than any other city in southern Africa, and there are direct flights to most African cities, New York, Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires, the major European cities, the Gulf, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and three Australian cities. London is an 11 hour flight away, and the time zone is close to central European time.

Within South Africa it’s worth popping online to compare prices between discount carriers like Kulula and Mango. The regular airlines often offer competitive prices so don’t forget to check them out too. Remember that peak times are more expensive, so try and plan your flying during the week and during the day. Durban is an hour’s flight, Port Elizabeth 90 minutes and Cape Town 2 hours.

Buses offer a cheaper way to get to many destinations within South Africa and beyond. The country’s road infrastructure is excellent and the luxury bus liners are comfortable and relaxed, but distances can be big. This is also worth bearing in mind if hiring a car – but all major highways lead to Joburg, so your journey should be easy to plan.

Rail offers an excellent way to see the country – especially if you’re experiencing the first-class treatment on The Blue Train or Rovos Rail, the world’s most luxurious train. More cost-effective options can be found on Premier Classe and Shosholoza Meyl. The latter can also transport your car, but be sure to enquire about availability when making your booking. 

• 1time I t 011 928 8000 www.1time.co.za
• British Airways I t 011 441 8600 www.britishairways.co.za
• Kulula I t 086 158 5852 www.kulula.co.za
• Mango I 086 116 2646 www.mango.co.za
• SAA I t 086 135 9722 www.flysaa.co.za

Intercity buses 

• City to City I t 086 158 9282 www.translux.co.za
• Greyhound I t 011 276 8500 www.greyhound.co.za
• Intercape I t 086 128 7287 www.intercape.co.za
• SA Roadlink I t 011 333 2223 www.saroadlink.co.za
• Translux I t 011 774-3333 www.translux.co.za

• Blue Train I t 012 315 4000 www.bluetrain.co.za
• Premier Classe I t 011 773 7483 www.premierclasse.co.za
• Rovos Rail I t 012 315 8242 www.rovos.com **
• Shosholoza Meyl I t 011 774 4555 www.shosholozameyl.co.za