Transport and Driving in South Africa

Transport and driving in South Africa can be challenging due to limited public transport options. While there have been efforts to improve public transport in big cities, it remains unreliable. As a result, most people, including expats, choose to buy a car to get around more easily.

Driving in South Africa

Cars in South Africa are somewhat expensive, even though petrol prices are still fairly low compared to Europe.

South Africa’s road network is extensive and is generally in good condition. That said, in some of the more rural parts of the country, potholes can be a problem and can cause severe damage to cars.

In South Africa, driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Traffic, especially in the big cities, might be a bit more chaotic than expats are used to, but it is still far from the level of danger in countries with high road fatality rates, such as Thailand.

Drivers usually stick to their lanes, and when traffic lights (or ‘robots’ as they are referred to in South Africa) aren’t working, the ensuing four-way-stop traffic is usually quite orderly. But don’t be surprised if minibus taxis illegally overtake on the left or perform other alarming and illegal manoeuvres during heavy traffic.

Driver’s licences

Once you are granted permanent residence, you will have one year to convert your driving licence to a South African one. Until then, you can legally drive in South Africa using your home country’s driver’s licence as long as it has a valid photograph of you and is in English.

If your driver’s licence doesn’t meet these requirements, you can use an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some traffic police will try to tell unsuspecting expats that their licences are invalid in hopes of soliciting a bribe, but if you stay firm and know your rights, there is nothing to fear.

Renting a car

While an expat is still in the process of buying a car, or whenever they are travelling in other cities, renting a car in South Africa is a fairly inexpensive option. Most of the major international car hire companies are represented at airports and throughout the main cities. There are also several local car hire companies that might offer more competitive prices, especially for longer-term rentals.

Buying a Car in South Africa

Useful links

• South African Government Information Services – Convert Foreign Driving Licence

Public transport in South Africa

Buses

Metrobus is Johannesburg’s official bus service provider, but routes are limited. Unless you live in or near the city centre, which most expats avoid, you won’t be able to use the Metrobus system to get to work. Another option is the Gautrain bus service. Although designed to link commuters to the Gautrain, this is still a useful system on its own and can be used independently of the Gautrain itself.

Cape Town has a rapid bus service called MyCiTi, which also offers a shuttle service from the airport to the city. Ordinary buses in Cape Town are run by Golden Arrow Bus Services and aren’t particularly reliable. Those more interested in sightseeing than commuting should consider a bus tour. Cape Town’s red Hop-on, Hop-off Tour Bus is a popular way to go sightseeing.

Intercity bus travel is not particularly comfortable or fast, but those who wish to travel this way should go for companies such as Greyhound and Intercape.

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 – it is clean, safe and on time. That said, it isn’t developed enough yet to be a viable form of city-wide transport.

The Gautrain connects Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the Oliver Tambo International Airport. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is working on improving rail services across the country, with 27 out of 40 commuter rail corridors reopened after they were vandalised or previously closed.

Minibus taxis

Minibus taxis represent a cross between a bus and a taxi service, and are used by some locals as their only form of public transport. There is an informal route system accompanied by various hand signals given by people waiting for a taxi at the roadside.

Taxis are generally considered unsafe and uncomfortable. Most of them don’t look especially roadworthy, and the hair-raising style of driving typical of taxis causes frequent accidents. As a result, these are rarely used by expats.

Luxury trains

Expats who have time can explore South Africa’s stunning landscapes on a luxury train, mainly running between Johannesburg and Cape Town, with a few other routes available. While not the cheapest way to travel, it offers a very comfortable and luxurious experience. Some routes even allow you to bring a car.

The Blue Train, Premier Classe, and Rovos Rail are the most well-known luxury trains.

Useful links

• Metrobus
• MyCiTi
• Golden Arrow
• Gautrain

Air travel in South Africa

The easiest way to travel around South Africa and to nearby countries is by plane. Domestic flights are available between all major cities, and they are often affordable.

South African Airways is the national airline, while FlySafair, CemAir, and Airlink offer budget-friendly flights between big cities.

Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport is a modern and well-organised hub for travel across Southern Africa. Lanseria Airport, a smaller airport north of Johannesburg, also has daily flights to various destinations, usually at lower prices. Cape Town and Durban also have international airports.

Useful links

• FlySafair
• CemAir
• Airlink