Transport and Driving in South Africa
Driving and public transport in South Africa is best compared to the United States. Public transport, even within the big cities, is very limited – although some efforts have been made recently – and virtually all expats moving to South Africa purchase a car. However, there are other ways to get around the country.
Cars in South Africa are rather expensive, even though petrol prices are still fairly low compared to Europe. Diesel is widely available and typically cheaper as well as more economical than regular petrol. Compared to the rest of Africa, South Africa’s road network is extensive and in good condition, but as an expat you will still be amazed when what looked like a four-lane highway on the map turns out to be a two-lane potholed country road. If you plan on going on any self-drive safaris, you will travel your share of dirt roads, which makes purchasing a 4x4 vehicle a very good investment.
South Africans drive on the left side of the road. Traffic, especially in the big cities, might be a bit more chaotic than you are used to, but still very tame when compared to countries like India or Egypt. People generally stick to their lanes, and when traffic lights – robots – are not functioning, which does occur on a regular basis, the ensuing four-way-stop traffic is usually very orderly. Don’t be surprised, however, if minibus taxis overtake you illegally on the left during heavy traffic.
It is legal for foreigners to drive in South Africa using their own country’s driving licence, as long as it has a photograph of you on it, is still valid in your home country, and is in English. Some traffic cops will try to tell unsuspecting expats otherwise in hopes of eliciting a bribe, but if you stay firm and know your rights, you have nothing to fear.
The easiest way to get around South Africa (and especially to the neighbouring countries) is by air. A domestic flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes two hours (compared to 16 hours by road or 24 hours by rail). Several local budget airlines offer cheap flights between larger cities.
Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport is a modern and well-organised major hub for all of Southern Africa. Lanseria, a second, smaller airport on the northern outskirts of Johannesburg, offers daily flights to some of the smaller destinations, and Cape Town and Durban also have international airports.
If you are flying into the bush, transport by private plane is also an option. And if you have ever contemplated getting a private pilot’s licence, South Africa is the place to do it, with some of the best and most stable weather in the world, hardly any restricted airspace, and affordable instruction. South African Airways is the national carrier, while Kulula and Mango offer low-cost options between major cities.
When travelling with your family, getting to and from the airport can be a problem since your car probably won’t have enough space for your luggage, and long-term airport parking is expensive. Booking an airport transfer might be a better option. You can take a taxi from the airports in South Africa around the clock, however if you wish to take a taxi anywhere else, you will have to call ahead for one, and sometimes there can be a wait. Be sure to ask for a quote ahead of time. Shorter rides should average between 50 and 100 ZAR, although you should be prepared to pay 200 ZAR or more for a taxi from the airport.
Metrobus is the official bus service provider in the Johannesburg area, but the routes are very limited. Unless you live in or near the city centre, which most expats stay away from, you will not be able to use the Metrobus system to get to work.
Cape Town has a relatively new rapid bus service called MyCiTi, which also offers a shuttle service from the airport to the city for 50 ZAR one way. Ordinary buses in Cape Town are run by Golden Arrow Bus Services and are not particularly reliable. If you’re more interested in sightseeing than commuting, consider a bus tour. Cape Town's red hop-on, hop-off tour bus is a popular and inexpensive way to go sightseeing in Cape Town.
For local tours try Soweto Tours, City Sightseeing Cape Town or Cape Town Day Tours.
For intercity bus travel try Greyhound, Intercape or SA Roadlink.
Lastly, minibus taxis represent a cross between bus and taxi service and are used by some locals as their only form of public transport. There is an informal route system, implemented by various hand signals given by people waiting by the roadside, but queues are often prohibitively long, space in the buses is very cramped, and they often don’t look very roadworthy and are prone to accidents. As a result, they are rarely used by expats.
The high-speed Gautrain has been operating in the greater Johannesburg area since 2010 and has been a big success on the few routes available (between Sandton, Pretoria, and O.R. Tambo International Airport) – clean, safe and on time. But unless you live near one of the stations, it is not a viable form of city-wide transport yet. There is a bus link from Montecasino in the northern suburbs, but since Johannesburg buses don’t have dedicated lanes, they are subject to the same traffic jams as cars.
Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) has been operational for a a number of years and its route network is extensive. IRT trains are not known for their punctuality but are inexpensive and take you along some of Cape Town’s most beautiful scenery.
Try the Blue Train, Premier Classe or Rovos Rail.
Driving in South Africa
Cars in South Africa are rather expensive, even though petrol prices are still fairly low compared to Europe. Diesel is widely available and typically cheaper as well as more economical than regular petrol. Compared to the rest of Africa, South Africa’s road network is extensive and in good condition, but as an expat you will still be amazed when what looked like a four-lane highway on the map turns out to be a two-lane potholed country road. If you plan on going on any self-drive safaris, you will travel your share of dirt roads, which makes purchasing a 4x4 vehicle a very good investment.South Africans drive on the left side of the road. Traffic, especially in the big cities, might be a bit more chaotic than you are used to, but still very tame when compared to countries like India or Egypt. People generally stick to their lanes, and when traffic lights – robots – are not functioning, which does occur on a regular basis, the ensuing four-way-stop traffic is usually very orderly. Don’t be surprised, however, if minibus taxis overtake you illegally on the left during heavy traffic.
It is legal for foreigners to drive in South Africa using their own country’s driving licence, as long as it has a photograph of you on it, is still valid in your home country, and is in English. Some traffic cops will try to tell unsuspecting expats otherwise in hopes of eliciting a bribe, but if you stay firm and know your rights, you have nothing to fear.
Renting a car in South Africa
While you are still in the process of buying a car, or whenever you are travelling in other cities, renting a car in South Africa is a fairly inexpensive option. Most of the major international car rental companies are represented at airports and throughout the main cities. There are also several local car rental companies that might offer more competitive prices, especially for longer-term rentals. Try Drive Africa, Tempest Car Hire, Johannesburg Car Rent, or the portal for online rental car quotes carrentalsouthafrica.co.za.Air travel in South Africa
The easiest way to get around South Africa (and especially to the neighbouring countries) is by air. A domestic flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes two hours (compared to 16 hours by road or 24 hours by rail). Several local budget airlines offer cheap flights between larger cities.Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport is a modern and well-organised major hub for all of Southern Africa. Lanseria, a second, smaller airport on the northern outskirts of Johannesburg, offers daily flights to some of the smaller destinations, and Cape Town and Durban also have international airports.
If you are flying into the bush, transport by private plane is also an option. And if you have ever contemplated getting a private pilot’s licence, South Africa is the place to do it, with some of the best and most stable weather in the world, hardly any restricted airspace, and affordable instruction. South African Airways is the national carrier, while Kulula and Mango offer low-cost options between major cities.
Airport transfers and taxis
When travelling with your family, getting to and from the airport can be a problem since your car probably won’t have enough space for your luggage, and long-term airport parking is expensive. Booking an airport transfer might be a better option. You can take a taxi from the airports in South Africa around the clock, however if you wish to take a taxi anywhere else, you will have to call ahead for one, and sometimes there can be a wait. Be sure to ask for a quote ahead of time. Shorter rides should average between 50 and 100 ZAR, although you should be prepared to pay 200 ZAR or more for a taxi from the airport.- EZ Shuttle (all SA airports)
- There & Back Shuttle Service (JHB)
- Exclusive Travellers (JHB and Lanseria)
- Cabs for Women
- Delta Cab
- SACAB (London Taxi)
Public transport in South Africa
Buses
Metrobus is the official bus service provider in the Johannesburg area, but the routes are very limited. Unless you live in or near the city centre, which most expats stay away from, you will not be able to use the Metrobus system to get to work.Cape Town has a relatively new rapid bus service called MyCiTi, which also offers a shuttle service from the airport to the city for 50 ZAR one way. Ordinary buses in Cape Town are run by Golden Arrow Bus Services and are not particularly reliable. If you’re more interested in sightseeing than commuting, consider a bus tour. Cape Town's red hop-on, hop-off tour bus is a popular and inexpensive way to go sightseeing in Cape Town.
For local tours try Soweto Tours, City Sightseeing Cape Town or Cape Town Day Tours.
For intercity bus travel try Greyhound, Intercape or SA Roadlink.
Lastly, minibus taxis represent a cross between bus and taxi service and are used by some locals as their only form of public transport. There is an informal route system, implemented by various hand signals given by people waiting by the roadside, but queues are often prohibitively long, space in the buses is very cramped, and they often don’t look very roadworthy and are prone to accidents. As a result, they are rarely used by expats.
Commuter trains
The high-speed Gautrain has been operating in the greater Johannesburg area since 2010 and has been a big success on the few routes available (between Sandton, Pretoria, and O.R. Tambo International Airport) – clean, safe and on time. But unless you live near one of the stations, it is not a viable form of city-wide transport yet. There is a bus link from Montecasino in the northern suburbs, but since Johannesburg buses don’t have dedicated lanes, they are subject to the same traffic jams as cars.Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) has been operational for a a number of years and its route network is extensive. IRT trains are not known for their punctuality but are inexpensive and take you along some of Cape Town’s most beautiful scenery.
Luxury trains
A wonderful way to discover South Africa and its sweeping landscapes, if you have time, is by way of one of the luxury trains, operating mainly between Johannesburg and Cape Town and a few other routes. It’s not the cheapest way to travel but a very comfortable one. Taking your car along with you is an option on some of the routes.Try the Blue Train, Premier Classe or Rovos Rail.
About the author
Sine Thieme moved from the United States to South Africa in 2010 and lives in Johannesburg with her husband and her four children. Read about her experiences of buying a car in South Africa on her blog, Joburg Expat.
