Traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Are you traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town and vice versa? Whether you prefer a fast transfer or a cheap transfer, you have plenty of options!

Below, I listed all transfer options between JNB and CPT, including flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, buses, driving from Joburg to Cape Town, and even a train.

Cape Town is a popular tourist destination in South Africa, known as a paradise for beach lovers and wine aficionados alike. It’s not a surprise that the city received 2.6 million visitors in the past year.

One of the most common questions I get about Cape Town is “What is the best way for traveling from Johannesburg to Cape town and how many kilometers from Johannesburg to Cape Town?”

This guide will include everything you need to know from how far is Johannesburg from cape town and the most important laws for driving in South Africa.

If you plan on traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town, here’s everything you need to know.

Distance between Johannesburg and Cape Town

The distance between Johannesburg and Cape Town is 1403 kilometers (872 miles). If you drive your car with the South African maximum speed limits of 120 kilometers/hour, travel time will be 13 hours 30 mins to 14 hours.

Landing at Johannesburg International Airport will give you multiple transfer options from the airport to Cape Town. Having many options, however, can also be overwhelming, which is why I have created an overview of all your options, followed by detailed descriptions.

Traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by car

A road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town is pretty long, you can either take the longer route and pass through the Northern Cape or follow the conventional route along the N1 highway.

On the N1, there are six tolls on the drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town and this will cost you about R250 (16 USD) depending on the size of your vehicle. For updated pricing check the AA website for updated toll tariffs and information.

Flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by flight is the most common and fastest way to travel between the two cities. The most popular airlines are South African Airways Safair, Kulula, Mango, and British Airways (Comair).

The most popular and expensive month to visit Cape Town is Summer in December and wintertime (June – August), prices for flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town tend to be cheaper.

How long is a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town

The flight duration from Johannesburg to Cape Town is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Price for flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town

The cost of flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town varies on the airline. Availability and season but on average, the price of a one-way flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town is between R1100 – R300 (70 – 180 USD).

Traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by bus

Traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by bus is doable but this will be the most uncomfortable as you will be seated on a bus for up to 19 hours.

The bus companies that offer this route are City to City, Translux, Intercape, Greyhound, and Citiliner. These buses travel 2-4 times a day and prices vary according to bus company and season.

How many hours from Johannesburg to Cape Town by bus

Traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by bus takes 18 hours 30 minutes to 19 hours.

Bus prices from Johannesburg to Cape Town

The bus prices from Johannesburg to Cape Town depend on the bus company you choose, prices vary from R500 – R1000 (USD 32 -64).

Train from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Blue Train from Johannesburg to Cape Town

The Blue Train is a luxury train that travels from Pretoria (about 40 mins from Johannesburg) to Cape Town.

This 31 hours and two-night journey of 1,600 kilometers (994 miles), takes travelers through some of Africa’s most rich and beautiful scenery, including an off-train excursion to Kimberley for a visit to the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum.

Rates per person are inclusive of all meals, high tea, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and offer train excursions including French Champagne, caviar, and external telephone calls. Prive of the Blue Train from Johannesburg to Cape Town varies from low to high season and type of cabin. It starts at R20 615 (USD 1361) and rates are quoted for a one-way journey.

Shosholoza Meyl Premier Classe Trains

If you are traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by train, Shosholoza Meyl Premier Classe Trains are an amazing option. This is the affordable luxury alternative to the Blue Train.

For a minimum of R3120 (USD 200), Included in the fare are bedding, amenities, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Premier Classe trains offer air-conditioned sleeper coaches with single-berth coupes, two-berth coupes, family compartments, communal lavatories, and showers.

This train operates on this route once a week – Thursdays.

Conclusion: Best way for traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town

• What is the cheapest way of traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town? By Bus (19 hours)
• What is the fastest way to get from Johannesburg to Cape Town? By Plane (2 hours)
• The most scenic way of traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town? By Train (31 hours)

Travel Insurance for South Africa

Use travel insurance while visiting South Africa so you are covered for theft and medical expenses. There are a lot of adventurous activities to do in SA, and it’s best to have peace of mind while driving, hiking, and trying some of the best food in the world.

Find out why I recommend World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance review.

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