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Johannesburg to Cape Town from $21: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Johannesburg, South Africa
to
Cape Town, South Africa

How to Get from Johannesburg to Cape Town: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$21 by busBest price
1270 kmDistance
2h 58m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
2h  58m
Estimated price
$79-233
Recommended
Company
Eagle Liner
Bus
Average Duration
17h  35m
Estimated price
$21-65
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1270 km
Duration: 2h 58m

See more options

Company
Shosholoza Meyl
Drive
Average Duration
41h  20m
Estimated price
$22-40
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
22h  45m
Estimated price
$32-70
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$44-148
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
14h  8m
Estimated price
$190-290
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Johannesburg to Cape Town

The journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town offers a fascinating contrast between Johannesburg's vibrant urban energy and Cape Town's stunning natural beauty.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cape Town

Cape Town boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm.

Camps Bay
• Famous for its stunning beach and sunset views.
• Chic restaurants and lively nightlife along the promenade.
Bo-Kaap
• Known for its colorful houses and rich cultural history.
• A hub for Cape Malay cuisine and local markets.
V&A Waterfront
• A popular shopping and dining destination by the harbor.
• Home to attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Best Times To Visit Cape Town's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your Cape Town experience.

Table Mountain
Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and clear views.
Robben Island
Opt for mid-week tours to avoid weekend tourist rush.
Cape Winelands
Visit during harvest season in autumn for picturesque vineyards.

Cape Town Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are during the summer months from December to February, when outdoor activities are at their peak, though shoulder seasons offer milder weather and fewer tourists.

Dining Recommendation in Cape Town

A visit to Cape Town isn't complete without indulging in fresh seafood at The Test Kitchen, where innovative dishes showcase local ingredients and vibrant flavors. This dining experience contrasts with Johannesburg’s urban bistro scene, as here you'll enjoy a relaxed coastal ambiance paired with dishes inspired by the ocean.

Johannesburg - Cape Town operators

Explore transport companies operating between Johannesburg and Cape Town, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
flysafair.co.za

Plane from Lanseria (HLA) to Capetown (CPT)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$40-230

Plane from Johannesburg (JNB) to Capetown (CPT)

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$35-160
Website
flexflight.dk

Plane from Johannesburg (JNB) to Capetown (CPT)

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$65-290
Website
g-airways.com

Plane from Johannesburg (JNB) to Capetown (CPT)

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$65-290
Website
flysaa.com

Plane from Johannesburg (JNB) to Capetown (CPT)

Average Duration
2h 7m
Estimated price
$85-260
Website
flycemair.co.za

Plane from Johannesburg (JNB) to Capetown (CPT)

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$60-220
Website
flyairlink.com

Plane from Johannesburg (JNB) to Capetown (CPT)

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$60-200
Website
singaporeair.com

Plane from Johannesburg (JNB) to Capetown (CPT)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$130-340
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+27 87 150 1895
Website
eagleliner.co.za

Bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Average Duration
17h 35m
Estimated price
$21-65
Website
res.prasa.com

Bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Average Duration
18h 8m
Estimated price
$22-35
Contact phone
+27 11 611 8000
Website
greyhound.co.za

Bus from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Average Duration
19h 30m
Estimated price
$30-50
Contact phone
+27 (0)21 380 4400
Website
intercape.co.za

Bus from Paul Kruger & Scheiding St to Intercape Old Marine Drive

Average Duration
21h
Estimated price
$28-65
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
011 013 0231
Website
shosholozameyl.co.za

Train from Park Station to Cape Town

Average Duration
41h 20m
Estimated price
$22-40
Contact phone
+27 80 042 8872
Website
gautrain.co.za

Train from Park to Pretoria

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
$4-6

Johannesburg to Cape Town: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Johannesburg and Cape Town offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a breathtaking road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town, spanning a distance of 1405.0 km, offering scenic vistas and cultural experiences along the way. 💸 The cost of this adventure ranges from $190 to $290 for the road trip, providing flexibility in choosing accommodations and dining options to suit all budgets. 🌟 Spend approximately 14 hours and 8 minutes behind the wheel, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes of South Africa on the journey from Johannesburg to the vibrant city of Cape Town.
Average price
$190 - $290
🚂 Experience the scenic beauty of South Africa on a train journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Departing from Park Station, this 41-hour ride with Shosholoza Meyl operates once a week on Sundays. 💰 Tickets for this train ride from Johannesburg to Cape Town range from $22 to $40, offering an affordable and leisurely way to explore the stunning sights and sounds of the country.
Departure Point
Park Station
Arrival Point
Cape Town station
🛫 Experience quick and convenient travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town with Safair's direct flight from Lanseria Airport to Cape Town Airport, taking just 2 hours and 5 minutes. ✈️ Enjoy a hassle-free journey as you traverse the scenic landscapes of South Africa, covering the distance between the two vibrant cities in just under 3 hours. 💸 With flight prices ranging from $79 to $233, you can find affordable options to suit your budget for a smooth and comfortable trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town by plane.
Departure Point
Lanseria Airport
Arrival Point
Capetown Airport
🚌 The journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town by bus offers a direct route with services departing twice daily and taking approximately 17 hours and 35 minutes. 💰 Prices for the bus ticket between Cape Town and Johannesburg range from $21 to $65, providing an affordable and convenient transportation option for those looking to explore these two iconic cities in South Africa.
Departure Point
Johannesburg station
Arrival Point
Cape Town station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your ticket online in advance through operators like Eagle Liner (eagleliner.co.za) or Intercape (intercape.co.za) to secure the best prices and preferred seats for your 17-hour journey.
• Bring along snacks and a reusable water bottle, as while the bus offers some amenities, having your own food and hydration will keep you comfortable during the long haul, especially if you plan to travel overnight.
• Upon arrival at Cape Town station, follow the signs toward the main exit and be prepared for crowds; consider using local transport options like the MyCiTi bus service (myciti.org.za) for easy access to the city center and the V&A Waterfront.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

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The distance between Johannesburg and Cape Town is approximately 1268.2 km by air and 1405.8 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 4 hours to fly from Johannesburg to Cape Town, 14 hours by car, and 17 hours and 35 minutes by bus. Alternatively, taking the train from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes approximately 30 hours and 4 minutes, while combining train and bus can take about 22 hours and 45 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town is by car train, which takes approximately 30 hours and costs around $20-$30. However, if you're looking for a more time-efficient option, the fastest way to reach Cape Town is by flying, which takes around 4 hours and costs between $40-$150.
The prices for a train journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town can range from $21 to $30. Similarly, the prices for a bus trip between Cape Town and Johannesburg can vary from $21 to $65.
To travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town without using public transportation, you can rent a car and drive. The driving distance is approximately 1405 km and the journey takes around 14 hours and 8 minutes. Rental car prices vary from $190 to $290, depending on the type of vehicle and rental company you choose.
If you want to travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 17 hours and 35 minutes and typically costs between $21 and $65.
There is no direct train link between Johannesburg and Cape Town. However, you can take a train from Johannesburg Park to Springfontein, and then transfer to another train to reach Cape Town. This journey takes approximately 30 hours and 4 minutes. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that operates twice daily, taking around 17 hours and 35 minutes to travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
The flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town typically takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes. The prices for this route can vary between $44 and $148, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There is a wide range of accommodation options available near Cape Town. There are over 1743 hotels to choose from, with prices starting at $55 per night.