Intercape popular routes and schedules
Book cheap Intercape Bus tickets online, find schedules, prices, stations locations, services, promotions and deals.
| Popular routes | First and last departures | Average duration | Minimum price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durban → Johannesburg | First and last departures6:45am — 10:30pm | Average duration10h 52m | Minimum price$24 | |
| The Edward Hotel (Durban) → Johannesburg Park Station | First and last departures6:45am — 10:30pm | Average duration10h 52m | Minimum price$24 | |
| Johannesburg → Durban | First and last departures7:30am — 11:00pm | Average duration9h 54m | Minimum price$22 | |
| Johannesburg Park Station → The Edward Hotel (Durban) | First and last departures7:30am — 11:00pm | Average duration9h 54m | Minimum price$22 | |
| Durban → Pretoria | First and last departures6:45am — 10:30pm | Average duration12h 7m | Minimum price$24 |
Official PartnerContact Intercape
Intercape's Coverage in Numbers
- Daily Departures6517
- Cities251
- Countries5
- Routes8373
Your ultimate guide to booking Intercape bus tickets with Busbud
Dreaming of exploring the vibrant landscapes and bustling cities of South Africa? Whether you're planning a weekend getaway from Cape Town, a family visit to Johannesburg, or a scenic journey along the Eastern Cape, Intercape bus services offer a reliable and comfortable way to travel. And when you book your Intercape bus tickets with Busbud, you unlock an even smoother experience, complete with our unique refund for any reason add-on which will allow you to cancel your trip 15 minutes before departure and receive a refund, on select Intercape routes.
We understand that travel plans can change in an instant. That's why at Busbud, we're dedicated to making your journey stress-free, right from the moment you book. Discover why Intercape is a fantastic choice for your South African adventures and how Busbud makes securing your seat easier and more flexible than ever before.
Why choose Intercape for your South African adventure?
Intercape is one of Southern Africa's leading long-distance bus companies, renowned for connecting travelers to a vast network of destinations across the region. With decades of experience, they've built a reputation for providing safe, dependable, and comfortable journeys.
A legacy of reliable travel
Intercape’s commitment to passenger service is evident in their widespread routes and consistent scheduling. They play a vital role in connecting major South African cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria, as well as numerous smaller towns such as East London, Mthatha, Pietermaritzburg, and Bloemfontein. When you choose Intercape, you're opting for a bus service with a strong focus on getting you to your destination safely and on time.
Comfort and convenience on the road
While Intercape buses aren't typically described as luxury coaches, they are designed with passenger comfort in mind. You can expect spacious seating, often with recline options, allowing you to relax during your journey. Most Intercape buses are equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant temperature regardless of the weather outside. For longer trips, amenities like onboard toilets are usually available, adding to the convenience of your travel experience. While not all buses feature individual entertainment systems like TVs, the focus is on a smooth and comfortable ride across the scenic South African landscape.
The Busbud advantage: Booking Intercape tickets made easy
At Busbud, we believe that booking your bus, train, ferry, or shuttle tickets should be as enjoyable as the trip itself. That's why we partner with hundreds of bus companies worldwide, including Intercape, to bring you all your travel options in one easy-to-use platform. Booking your Intercape bus tickets online through Busbud means simplicity, transparency, and unparalleled flexibility.
Our Refund for any reason add-on: Your peace of mind
This is where Busbud truly shines. We know plans can change unexpectedly – a sudden meeting, a last-minute opportunity, or simply a change of heart. That's why we offer our unique "refund for any reason" add-on option at checkout on many tickets booked through our platform on select routes.
What does this mean for you? It means unparalleled flexibility. If your plans shift, you can typically cancel your eligible Intercape ticket for a refund, no questions asked, often up to 15 minutes before departure. This policy removes the stress and uncertainty from booking, empowering you to secure your seat confidently. Always check the specific terms and conditions for your chosen Intercape bus ticket on Busbud at the time of booking to ensure it qualifies for this exceptional policy. This level of flexibility is a game-changer for travelers who value adaptability and peace of mind.
A seamless online booking experience
Booking your Intercape bus tickets online with Busbud is straightforward. Our platform allows you to quickly search for routes, compare prices, and view schedules for various departure times. You can filter by price, departure time, and even specific bus companies, making it easy to find the Intercape bus that fits your needs perfectly.
We support various secure payment methods, including major credit cards, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction. Our user-friendly interface means you can book your ticket in your preferred language and currency, no matter where you are in the world. From finding your ideal route to securing your seat, Busbud streamlines the entire process, making it simple to book your Intercape bus tickets online.
The different Intercape bus classes
Intercape bus service offers travelers three options for bus lines: Sleepliner, Mainliner and Budgetliner.
Intercape Sleepliner buses
When you travel with Intercape's Sleepliner service, luxurious journeys have never been more accessible. Their coaches ensure that your trip will be so comfortable and restful, so you can arrive at your destination, feeling fresh and ready to go.
These buses are equipped with:
Seats that recline 150 degrees
Padded memory foam seats
Extra legroom with leg rest
Reserved Seating
Air conditioning
On-board toilet
Secure luggage storage
Audio and visual entertainment
USB Charging Points
If you’re a traveler looking to get a relaxing and well-rested time throughout the trip, then delight in knowing that this coach allows for a top-of-the-range experience that prioritizes comfort, reliability, safety, and quality performance above all else.
This line of the Intercape experience is certainly one worth considering if you’re looking to arrive at your destination feeling fresh and functional after a long trip.
Intercape Mainliner buses
Intercape’s mainliner is another option to consider when you’re searching for uncompromised excellence. It’s an ideal option for travelers looking for a bus service that covers an extensive network of routes, cities, and towns throughout southern Africa.
With these buses, Intercape prioritizes a convenient and smooth experience for its travelers over anything else. We’ve had many travelers commend the bus service on this line for being exceptional in areas like punctuality, safety, comfort, and a smooth experience no matter the time of the day.
These buses are equipped with:
Mainliner Features
Air conditioning
Onboard toilet
Secure luggage storage
Trained professional drivers
Comfortable reclining seats
Audio and visual entertainment
USB Charging Points
Safe travel environment and unbeatable safety record
📷 Mainliner bus
Budgetliner buses
As the name suggests, this line of coaches is the perfect fit for any traveler looking to get the most affordable option available while still receiving a decent experience. Though these coaches may not have amenities and features similar to the other two lines mentioned above, any traveler can still have a pleasant experience while on the bus.
If you’re riding on a budget and looking for the most affordable experience within the Intercape service, then here’s a list of features that you can expect:
Comfortable Reclining seats
Air conditioning
Reading lights
Onboard USB charging ports
Drivecam
24-hour satellite tracking
📷 Budgetliner bus
Intercape User Reviews
Intercape receives praise for its comfortable buses and friendly staff, with some passengers noting punctual arrivals. However, there are consistent concerns about delayed departures without communication and issues such as uncomfortable seating or insufficient air conditioning. Some reviews also mention disturbances from other passengers and cleanliness of the facilities needing improvement.
I recently had a commendable experience with Intercape Budgetliner. The bus arrived promptly at 4:20 PM, impressively early for a scheduled departure time of 4:30 PM. The seating was comfortable, and the amenities were noteworthy, including fast-charging points and functional fans. Given the winter season, the heater was a welcome feature, and the drivers kindly activated it, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere within the bus. The drivers were courteous and professional, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The bus itself was immaculately clean, and I was pleased with the overall service. The fare was reasonable, and the drivers' navigation skills were impressive. I highly recommend Intercape Budgetliner for its reliability, comfort, and value for money.
Phelokazi M.
We travelled with BigSky instead of Intercape Budget liner. The BigSky had broken seats Infront of me, so whenever the front passenger leaned the seat was leaning back to my knees all the time. So he was forced not to lean at all. Imagine travelling for 8 hours with such discomfort! The seats were not comfortable, as a result my back was painful when I got to my destination. This was a disappointment for me because I travelled with Intercape Budget liner on the 16th of December and it was comfortable, hence I booked it again for my return. The only good thing about the trip was the fact that the bus didn't break down and we made it within the estimated time, otherwise...
Ntokoh G.
The assistant coach driver was very rude.
Rodney M.
Keep bus warm and toilet cleaner
Mpho M.
The trip was horrible, The first bus started giving problems 30 minutes enroute but the driver forced it to 2 hours.We got stuck had to change buses, then the 2nd bus got stuck also….It was just horrible…
Simangele G.
Very clean bus. Helpful staff.
Clare H.
Intercape FAQ
If you’re travelling between borders, you must ensure you have a valid passport with you for approval to cross the border. Another thing to note is that all your other paperwork must be present and up to date. This includes a Visa if it’s been requested and all vaccinations that may be needed.
For better advice, we suggest you consult a travel clinic for more information.
We and Intercape understand that travelling can sometimes involve large luggage items. Intercape allows for large items and extra luggage to be transported on the bus.
It’s good to note, however, that things like bicycles, perishable items, fishing rods, plastic carry bags, surfboards, and abnormal boxes are not allowed.
Unlike the amenities and features that you’d find with our other partners, Intercape, unfortunately, doesn’t serve any food or drinks on the bus. However, buses do make stops along the way to allow travellers to purchase any refreshments and food that they would like for the trip.
At the moment, Intercape has three classes available to travellers. The SAVER plan allows travellers to get the best offers in price. The only downside with this plan is that availability is very limited and comes with several restrictions, especially regarding changes and cancellations done with your booking. For this reason, it’s best to book early enough to find this plan available.
The FLEXI and FULL FLEXI plans are a lot more flexible in comparison to the SAVER tickets. But because of this, they are pricier than your SAVER tickets.
We recommend all travellers arrive a minimum of 60 minutes before departure, especially if you happen to be travelling across borders. Thirty minutes before departure is acceptable for local trips, but we recommend a 60-minute gap to provide for any delays.
Please remember that to board your bus at the Intercape station, you’ll need to have your printed ticket or e-ticket and ID document.
Yes! If the child is younger than 18 months old, they can sit on the lap of the guardian or parent at no cost for as long as they do not occupy a seat. All children above this age are required to book and pay for a seat.
If your child is travelling across the border without you, please ensure that the child has an affidavit from you as the parent permitting this.
No child under 12 can travel alone, and should they be travelling with a guardian, the guardian must be over 18.
If you have a preference on where you’d like to be seated on the bus, then please make sure that your tickets are purchased either through the Intercape call centre or its offices. Seat selection is not possible if you choose to make your booking on our website.
You have until 24 hours before departure to choose a seat within the bus and kindly note that this option is only available to seats that haven’t yet been booked.
You have up to 15 minutes before your departure to make any changes to your ticket booking if you cannot make it for your booking time. Please note that a fee is applied to the changes made, but this fee will depend on the class you’ve chosen for the trip. You can make all your ticket changes by either visiting the Intercape office or calling our call centre.
Kindly note that you cannot make any further changes to a bus ticket that’s already been changed.
You have two payment methods to choose from:
Credit Card: Simply input the required details upon completing your online purchase.
Instant EFT: transfer from any South African bank account directly with Instant EFT. Select "Instant EFT" at check-out, then follow the straightforward instructions and you are off on your journey in no time!
Intercape buses are known for their reliability, comfort, and extensive network rather than being classified as luxury coaches. They provide a high standard of intercity travel with amenities like comfortable seats and air conditioning, focusing on practical and enjoyable journeys across South Africa.
Intercape is a privately-owned South African intercity bus company. It was founded by Johann Ferreira in 1979 and has grown to become one of the largest and most recognized bus operators in Southern Africa.
Bus ticket prices vary based on factors like route length, demand, time of year, and how far in advance you book. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, we recommend searching directly on the Busbud website. Enter your departure and arrival cities (e.g., Cape Town to East London, or Johannesburg to Cape Town) and your travel dates, and Busbud will show you the cheapest available Intercape bus tickets.
Generally, booking your Intercape bus ticket online well in advance (e.g., a few weeks to a month) often yields the best prices and ensures availability, especially for popular routes or during peak travel seasons like holidays.
For new bookings or general inquiries, using the Busbud website is the most efficient way to find and book your Intercape bus tickets. If you need to make changes or have questions about an existing booking made through Busbud, it's usually best to contact Busbud's customer support first, as we can assist you directly. For issues specific to the Intercape bus on the day of travel, their official contact numbers would be applicable.
While some bus companies offer distinct 'sleepliner' (with fully reclining or bunk-style beds) and 'mainliner' (standard reclining seats) services, Intercape primarily operates comfortable coaches with reclining seats designed for intercity travel. Specific terms like 'sleepliner' might not be standard across their entire fleet or booking classifications. When booking an Intercape bus ticket on Busbud, you will see the features available on the specific bus for your chosen route.
Intercape destinations
Intercape buses travel to hundreds of destinations in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique, so you’re likely to find the line you’re looking for with Intercape. Here at Busbud, we’ve made it possible for you to make your Intercape bookings with ease and convenience all online.
Here's where you can go with Intercape:
Most Affordable Trips With Intercape
Interested in wanting an affordable experience with our Intercape partner, why not look at the most affordable trips available through Intercape. Keep in mind that these rates remain uncompromised in offering you the most luxurious bus service experience ever.
Finding your Intercape route and schedule
Intercape boasts an extensive network of bus routes, connecting travelers to destinations far and wide across South Africa and even some neighboring countries. Planning your journey is made simple with Busbud, where you can easily find the best route and departure time for your travel plans.
Popular Intercape routes across South Africa
Intercape provides essential links between South Africa's major economic hubs and tourist destinations. Some of the most frequently traveled Intercape bus routes include:
Cape Town to Johannesburg: A popular intercity route connecting two of South Africa's largest cities.
Johannesburg to Durban: Linking the inland economic powerhouse to the coastal vibrant city.
Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: A key route along the stunning Garden Route.
Johannesburg to Polokwane: Connecting the Gauteng province to Limpopo.
Durban to East London: Providing coastal connections.
Cape Town to East London: A long but scenic journey down the coast.
Pretoria to Bloemfontein: Linking the administrative capital to the judicial capital.
Mthatha to Port Elizabeth: Important for travel within the Eastern Cape.
Kimberley to Johannesburg: Connecting the Northern Cape to Gauteng.
While Intercape primarily operates within South Africa, they also offer select cross-border services, for example, to destinations like Maputo in Mozambique, providing an accessible way to travel internationally by bus. With such a vast network, Intercape makes it easy to travel between almost any two points in South Africa.
Checking departure times and availability
Using Busbud, you can effortlessly check the latest Intercape bus schedules and real-time seat availability. Simply enter your departure and arrival cities, and your preferred travel date. Our system will display all available Intercape bus options, including departure times, estimated arrival times, and current prices.
For the best selection and potentially cheaper fares, it's generally advisable to book your Intercape bus tickets online in advance. This is especially true for popular routes, during peak travel seasons (like school holidays or public holidays), or if you're traveling during December. Booking early ensures you secure your desired seat and can sometimes help you find discount options before they sell out. However, even if you need a last-minute Intercape ticket, Busbud helps you see what's available immediately.
Luggage policy and onboard amenities
Getting ready for your Intercape journey means understanding what you can bring and what services are available onboard. This helps ensure a smooth and stress-free departure.
Packing smart: Your Intercape luggage allowance
Intercape has specific guidelines regarding luggage to ensure comfort and safety for all passengers. Generally, each passenger is allowed a certain amount of free baggage, typically one or two pieces within specified weight and size limits. For instance, a common allowance might be one large bag and a smaller carry-on.
Main Luggage: This is usually stored in the bus's luggage compartment. There might be a weight limit of 25kg (55lbs) and a size limit per bag.
Hand Luggage: A smaller bag that fits in the overhead compartment or under your seat must and weigh no more than 7kg (15.4lbs). This is for essentials you need access to during the journey.
It's important to note that Intercape may charge for excess baggage or for items that exceed the standard dimensions. To avoid any surprises, always check the most current luggage policy on the Intercape section of the Busbud website before you travel. Intercape buses are designed to transport passengers and their personal belongings, so while they don't transport goods as a general cargo service, your luggage is well accommodated within their policy.
Safety and comfort on Intercape buses
When choosing a bus company for your travel needs in South Africa, safety and comfort are often top priorities. Intercape has built its reputation on delivering both, providing peace of mind for passengers exploring the country.
Prioritizing passenger well-being
Intercape places a strong emphasis on safety. Their fleet undergoes regular maintenance and inspections to meet stringent safety standards. Drivers are professionally trained and adhere to strict regulations regarding driving hours and speed limits. The company also employs advanced tracking systems to monitor their buses in real-time, ensuring adherence to routes and schedules while enhancing overall security.
While it's difficult to definitively name "the safest bus service in South Africa" as safety is a multi-faceted measure, Intercape consistently ranks among the top bus companies due to its established operational procedures and commitment to passenger security. When you book an Intercape bus ticket, you're choosing a provider that makes your safety a key priority.
A comfortable journey awaits
Beyond safety, Intercape strives to offer a comfortable travel experience. The design of their coaches, with their spacious and often reclinable seating, aims to make even the longest journeys relaxing. The air-conditioned environment adds to the comfort, especially during warmer months.
When considering "which bus is more comfortable in South Africa," Intercape is frequently cited for its consistent quality and passenger-focused amenities, making it a strong contender for a comfortable travel choice. Many passengers appreciate the consistent service and attention to comfort provided on their long-distance routes.
Why choose Busbud?
The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets
Busbud is a bus and train search tool - we include Intercape routes, schedules and prices in our searches along with many other train and bus companies. You can compare prices, amenities and times by searching for a route. If you find a suitable trip, you can go ahead and get your Intercape ticket from us. Note that train tickets sell out, Intercape and other operators generally charge a lot more for last-minute tickets or for tickets bought in person.
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Popular Routes, Destinations and Stations
Top Bus Lines
Curious about Intercape's busiest routes? Here's where most of our passengers are heading!
- Johannesburg to Durban$26
- Pretoria to Durban$27
- Johannesburg to Cape Town$45
- Durban to Johannesburg$27
- Durban to Pretoria$27
- Cape Town to Johannesburg$43
- Pretoria to Cape Town$46
- Vereeniging to Durban$27
- Durban to Cape Town$53
- Cape Town to Mthatha$45
- Cape Town to Pretoria$44
- Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth$37
- Bloemfontein to Durban$43
- Johannesburg to Maputo$40
- Cape Town to Queenstown$40
- Cape Town to East London$39
- Port Elizabeth to Cape Town$33
- Mthatha to Cape Town$43
- Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg$38
- Cape Town to Durban$54
Top Destinations
From big cities to hidden gems, these are the places Intercape can take you on your next adventure!
- Buses to Johannesburg
- Buses to Cape Town
- Buses to Pretoria
- Buses to Durban
- Buses to Bloemfontein
- Buses to Midrand
- Buses to Port Elizabeth
- Buses to Mthatha
- Buses to East London
- Buses to Pietermaritzburg
- Buses to George
- Buses to Welkom
- Buses to King William’s Town
- Buses to Queenstown
- Buses to Kimberley
- Buses to Mossel Bay
- Buses to Paarl
- Buses to Potchefstroom
- Buses to Worcester
- Buses to Klerksdorp
Top Stations and Locations
Need to know where to catch Intercape? We've got a list of our main stops to help plan your trip.
- Durban Beach - Intercape Office, o.r Tambo Parade (Opposite Tropicana Hotel)
- Intercape Office, C/O Fleming and North Union Street (Central)
- Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park)
- Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)
- Intercape Office, Cathcart Road (next to Sasol Garage)
- Railway Station
- Kimberley - Tourist Centre, Bultfontein Road (Civic Centre)
- Butterworth - Ellerines, High Street
- Bp Garage - Main Road
- Intercape Office, Station Street (George Station)
- Welkom - EP Building, 17A Buitenstreet (TL Barnard behind Checkers)
- The Frontier Country Hotel, Bathurst Street
- Total Garage
- Polokwane - Mall Of The North
- Paarl - Shell Garage, C/o Suid and Hoof Street
- Harrismith - Shell Garage, Mkechnie Street (building adjacent to Garage)
Most popular airports and destinations
Flying part of the way? See where Intercape can connect you to popular airports and help your reach your final stop!
- O.R Tambo Airport Johannesburg to Gaborone
- Rustenburg to O.R Tambo Airport Johannesburg
- Newcastle to The Edward Hotel (Durban)
- The Edward Hotel (Durban) to Pretoria
- Standerton to The Edward Hotel (Durban)