Busbud recommends taking the bus from East London to Cape Town
Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Cape Town. The journey takes about 16 hours 5 minutes and with fares starting at just US$22, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Intercape is praised for its punctuality, friendly and professional drivers, and overall good service. Passengers appreciate the cleanliness of the buses and feel safe during their journeys. However, some reviews mention issues with non-functional charging ports and occasional delays in departure times that could be improved upon to enhance customer satisfaction further.
Intercape Mainliner East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
Firstly I've enjoyed but lastly didn't not enjoy due to not being noticed that the bus wil be bit later.
3 out of 5 stars
Azasakhe M.
The bus and the toilets were clean. The charging sockets were working perfectly fine. The bus drivers were kind and nice.
4 out of 5 stars
Xolelwa S.
The bust got stuck for hours in Cookhouse, the replacement bus only came around 2am, we arrived 5 hours later
Customers have shared positive experiences with the bus service, highlighting friendly and professional drivers, comfortable seating, cleanliness, and timely arrivals. However, some reviews mention issues such as non-functional charging ports and occasional delays in adhering to the timetable. Despite these minor concerns, overall satisfaction remains high among travelers.
Intercity Xpress East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
Their Sita are comfortable and the highlight is that they also have heaters and the staff is very nice
5 out of 5 stars
Asemahle Q.
Bus was 2:30 minutes late, it was supposed to leave 17:10 at Windmill in EL and it left 19:30.
2 out of 5 stars
Nomzamo N.
The service was good I won’t lie, the drivers expressed customer service skills🙌🏽. We did not arrive at the anticipated time though.
Users have shared a mix of positive and negative experiences. Many appreciated the professional drivers, comfortable seating, timely departures, and clean buses. However, some mentioned delays affecting arrival times in Cape Town and concerns about additional luggage charges at East London Park station. Additionally, there were reports of non-functional seats and issues with air conditioning maintenance on certain trips.
APMWC East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
I called to cancel the trip few minutes after booking till tomorrow afternoon with no answer. I sent an email I was told to call the line
1 out of 5 stars
Thanduxolo V.
The seats are too small.
And the bud was cold the whole night. It was raining and rain was coming inside the Bus.
1 out of 5 stars
Nolufefe N.
I enjoyed traveling with an AMPWC because it moves fast and it has comfortable seat , and that charging phone really helped
Passengers have shared positive experiences with the bus service, highlighting punctuality, excellent driver service, and a comfortable journey. The cleanliness of the buses and functioning amenities like toilets were appreciated. However, some users noted minor issues such as waiting times before departure and non-functional phone charging systems. Overall satisfaction remains high among travelers.
Big Sky East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
A people that drive big sky is very humble, they arrive early and they serve good service to passages
5 out of 5 stars
Tebogo S.
The bus left East London at exactly 14:15, on time but only arrived in Cape Town 2 and a half hours later than the time it was said it will arrive.
1 out of 5 stars
Nomvuzo D.
I mic understand the time i though it was 2 pm although it was am so I missed the bus wen i asked for the other one after that i was told i lost my money
Many users appreciate the friendly and respectful drivers, as well as the timely arrivals on some trips. However, there are consistent reports of late arrivals and issues with communication regarding trip details. Additionally, while some buses offer charging sockets, not all ports function properly. The absence of onboard toilets also leads to multiple stops during journeys.
Eagle Liner East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
There is nothing I enjoyed because I booked Eagle Liner with R630 and EAGLE LINER didn't come I traveled with INTERCITY express that came at 14:00 of which I booked for 16:00. So the bus company did not take us seriouse, they sent a message saying the Bus will 35 minutes Early but it was 2 hours early and it was not the bus I booked
1 out of 5 stars
Mawethu Y.
The bus delayed also we were told that the bus driver forgot the permit which led us to wait for intercity bus
1 out of 5 stars
Meluleki M.
The bus was 3 hours late no explanation no communication. Then it was very hot, we kept asking if the driver can switch off the heater to no avail.
Users have shared positive experiences about the punctuality and friendliness of the drivers, highlighting that buses generally arrive on time. Passengers appreciated clear communication from staff during their journeys. However, some were puzzled by a mid-trip bus swap, which caused disappointment among travelers despite an otherwise enjoyable ride.
Delta Coaches East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
In my life, I will never ever use Delta again not even to recommend any person. Poor service ever.
1 out of 5 stars
Babalwa K.
The bus ddint arrive in time, the drivers were rude, the was no communication, we were going to Cape Town. Then at the middle of the road around 00:00 it was sooo cold outside, they gave us another bus so we have to get out of the bus feeling cold and the drivers were soo rude.
2 out of 5 stars
Yonela K.
I didn't enjoy anything and it's my last day using this bus, bus stuck on the field, because of diesel, rude drivers and old bus no charging and cold later with 6 hours
Customers express dissatisfaction with the service, specifically mentioning delays and late arrivals. These issues seem to be consistent across multiple reviews.
Chilwans Express East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
Information on delay was not provided. The bus got involved in an accident which caused more delays. Took Chilwans more than 6 hours to make alternative arrangements for us to get to final destination.
Users have expressed satisfaction with the bus services, highlighting punctuality and effective communication. Many appreciated the friendly and caring nature of drivers, as well as a smooth travel experience. However, there were some concerns about maintaining cleanliness on buses and ensuring comfortable temperatures during night trips to enhance overall comfort.
Greyhound East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
They were very pantual and they communicated everything very well with the passagers
5 out of 5 stars
Sisipho M.
Everything else is fine , just play closer attention to the cleanliness of buses
5 out of 5 stars
Nompumelelo N.
The bus was too cold , the drivers must stop this thing of putting air condition at night , sinus that I’m having now from being cold in the bus. Heaters must be on please otherwise I enjoyed my ride
Based on 530 reviews, the company was rated 1.7 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the power outlets but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Wez We Coaches ticket prices on this trip start at US$32
Based on 213 reviews, the company was rated 3 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the cleanliness but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Makalala Transport ticket prices on this trip start at US$40
MAKALALATRANSPORT East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
Trip was satisfactory and the client service was in top standard.The bus is luxurious
According to 11 reviews, Jacobs Coaches received a 1.6-star rating for this journey. Travellers were especially satisfied with the cleanliness and the ticket access, but some complained about the value for money. Jacobs Coaches ticket prices on this trip start at US$31
JACOBSCOACHES East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
I booked a bus, why did we get a Veco/Mini bus? Disgusting! Never booking with them again! I highly do not recommend!
1 out of 5 stars
Amanda M.
The experience with Jacobscoaches was very very bad coz the bus supposed to be at the station at 3:20 but we waited until 20:30 that’s when they organised mini bus and quantum
1 out of 5 stars
Nolwando M.
We'll I enjoyed that the driver kept the arrival time as well as the departure time but what I did not like is the kind of bus we were traveling with I was not aware thta we will go on an iceco it was really uncomfortable as I was traveling with a typical toddler
Based on 235 reviews, the company was rated 3.5 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the departure location but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Badela ticket prices on this trip start at US$37
Based on 10 reviews, the company was rated 2.4 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Flexi City Connect ticket prices on this trip start at US$29
Flexi City Connect East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
The bus never showed up I tried to call them and they gave me false hope then after that they avoided my calls and answered me around 7 pm to tell me that they will rebook us. Now am waiting for my refund I was supposed to sign inn at work today but I didn't because I had to go borrow money and rebook another bus for today
Customers had a safe and enjoyable trip with friendly drivers. However, there was a last-minute cancellation. Some suggest installing charging ports for improvement, but overall the ride, drivers, and buses were great. Arrival times were as estimated.
ilulaBus East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
The bus didn't go we slept at the bus because Ilulabus did not buy fuel for their rented bus I'm so furious I have a meeting today in cape town and even worse they couldn't reach Charles(boss)on the phone
1 out of 5 stars
Nosiphelo N.
Ilula bus has not left east london to cape town since yesterday. Offices are still closed.
1 out of 5 stars
Ndixolile C.
There's nothingbI enjoyed from when I got to the station. There was an hour delay and we were only notified after the departure time. The bus that came was a small unbranded bus. Arrival time was suppose to be 6am but due to the delay I expected to arrive at 7am. Heeee we arrived at 10am the bus was not allowed to drop us off at the station in Cape Town we had to be dropped off else where.. If ill ever book this bus again
Based on 408 reviews, the company was rated 1.4 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the power outlets but often complained with the Wi-Fi. FF Gertse ticket prices on this trip start at US$24
FFGERTSE East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
The bus did not arrive and my sister is still in Queenstown the bus was suppose to departure yesterday
1 out of 5 stars
Othandwayo S.
The bus didn’t arrive, i tried to contact all their numbers with no success.
Based on 6 reviews, the company was rated 1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the timeliness but often complained with the ticket access. Mini Mobile ticket prices on this trip start at US$44
BM Tours offers 6 daily buses from East London to Cape Town. Though the average price for this trip is US$44, you can find tickets starting at US$44. The trip between the two cities usually takes about 927.
BM Tours East London Cape Town recent customer reviews
The bus had a tyre punch in the middle of the road and there was no spare wheel, we had to wait for another bus with a spare wheel and that took 2 and a half hours. When we got the wheel there was no jack to change the wheel we had to wait for another bus with the jack and that was approximately 3 hours.
1 out of 5 stars
Simtobele Y.
Horrible, bus never arrived at 16:05 at east london. The mini bus got a tyre burst and drove 20km to Cookhouse. @ 12:18 dropping off Bellville. I'm still to be dropped in Cape Town. Very disappointed
Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from East London to Cape Town.
Bus service from East London to Cape Town will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.
Discover how much the bus trip from East London to Cape Town will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.
Where are the popular stops in East London and Cape Town?
Stops in East London
A - Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park)
8 Mabel St, Oakdale, Cape Town, 7530, South AfricaBellville
Frequently asked questions on the trip East London - Cape Town
What's the distance between East London and Cape Town by coach?
The distance between East London and Cape Town by coach is approximately 550 miles (887 km).
What is the best way to go from East London to Cape Town without flying?
You have the option to select the coach for your journey on this route. The coach provides a comfortable and sustainable journey and allows you to enjoy the sights while reaching your destination. You might also find carpooling options to travel between the two cities.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
Best price found
17/09
US$32
18/09
US$24
Today
US$34
20/09
US$21
21/09
US$21
22/09
US$21
23/09
US$21
24/09
US$21
The cheapest trip from East London to Cape Town was searched and found on 20 Sept 2025 with a price of US$21
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from East London to Cape Town as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from US$21 to US$50 for a bus ticket from East London to Cape Town based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$21, which is on 2025-09-20.
Usually Intercape, Jacobs Coaches will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.
About Bus Travel
Bus Travel Tips
If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from East London to Cape Town but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.
Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from East London to Cape Town, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.
Buses have the smallest carbon footprint of all motorized transport modes. A bus going from East London to Cape Town will emit half the CO2 emitted by a train, and radically less than a car or an airplane.
Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from East London to Cape Town.
Did you know?
9.2% of ground transportation in Europe is done by bus versus 7.4% by train.
Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!
Did you know that 80% of the buses in North America are equipped with WiFi and power outlets ? And 60% of bus travellers have used their electronic device on board during 2014.
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