Backpacker bus services are popular worldwide for simplifying point-to-point travel. In South Africa, Baz Bus is a well-known tourist option that runs from Cape Town along the southern coast to Durban and then up to Johannesburg.
The service also allows stopovers in smaller towns and villages along the route, which can significantly expand what you see and do during your trip. Because it operates on a hop-on hop-off basis, you can make as many stops as you like along the way.
That said, like any transport option, it has drawbacks. You should weigh your own needs before buying a ticket. There are also cheaper—and sometimes more convenient—alternatives that may fit your itinerary better.
What Is Public Transport Like in South Africa?
In a word: poor. It is not the worst in the world, but South Africa’s bus network is highly unreliable. If you are accustomed to European-style bus and train systems, getting around can be deeply frustrating. Intercity travel is closer to what you find in the United States and Australia—not the worst, but infrequent.
As in the US and Australia, this situation largely stems from the modern country being built around the car. Most people can drive, and the major roads are well maintained.
Inner-city travel, however, is much worse. Safety is a major concern for pedestrians in several cities, and transport networks are inadequate. For those who cannot drive in Cape Town and Johannesburg, taxis are the most common way to get around.
What We Like About Baz Bus
If you cannot drive, Baz Bus is extremely convenient. Getting from one stop to another on a South African journey can be a nightmare, so Baz Bus fills a real gap. Major cities are connected by bus routes, but these are not frequent. Moreover, many towns on the Baz Bus route are not connected by public transport at all. Setting pros and cons aside, this is the travel option we recommend most if you are not hiring a car.
The Beach at Llandudno, Cape Town Photo credit: flowcomm (Flickr)
While safety should not concern you much when traveling between cities, it is somewhat of a concern within larger cities. Cape Town has an edgy feel, and Johannesburg in particular is notorious as a crime hotspot. Baz Bus has a number of partner hostels in each city where you can be picked up and dropped off at the front door, offering some peace of mind. This saves you from figuring out how to reach your accommodation if you arrive after dark—so consider taking this option.
The service is also highly reliable. With public transport, you can never be certain it will arrive on time (sometimes it even departs early!), and even driving can involve unforeseeable delays. It is almost miraculous that Baz Bus is nearly always on time. This makes it much easier to plan your itinerary before you even arrive.
Baz Bus connects the entire southern coast of South Africa before heading up toward Johannesburg and Pretoria. So where are the most popular backpacker hotspots along the route?
Where Can You Go on Baz Bus?
Cape Town
Africa’s southernmost city and by far the biggest gateway to South Africa, Cape Town is an iconic destination. Table Mountain has become a major symbol of the city, but it is surrounded by stunning scenery. This is probably where you will fly into, and it is also where the Baz Bus route starts.
Port Elizabeth
If you take Baz Bus, you will have to spend a night in Port Elizabeth (locals call it PE)—but that is definitely not a bad thing. This quirky little city is a major holiday destination for South Africans. Known as a hub for watersports, it enjoys a warm climate year-round and gorgeous gardens.
Durban
This is another city you will have to stay in if you take Baz Bus. Durban is the country’s third-largest city and the capital of KwaZulu-Natal. It is the heart of South Africa’s Indian culture and a great culinary destination. The iconic Bunny Chow (curry served in a bread bowl) comes from this city. There are some really cool Durban hostels where you can relax and meet other travelers.
Johannesburg and Pretoria
South Africa technically has three capitals, but Pretoria is home to the executive branch and in many ways feels like a typical government city with quaint gardens and planned neighborhoods. Johannesburg (known locally as Jo’burg) lies just to the south and is the largest city in South Africa. This multicultural hub offers a wide array of cultural and historic attractions.
Everywhere in between
One of the big advantages of Baz Bus is that you can hop off at the many small towns along the way. From the winelands of the Western Cape to the epic hikes in KwaZulu-Natal, there is a lot to see en route. There are also a few journeys available off the main route that let you explore the heart of the country. Stellenbosch and St Lucia are our favorites.
Baz Bus Is Not for Everyone
It is reliable, efficient, and safe—but it is not frequent! It runs only once a day between the backpacker hub of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. From PE to Jo’burg, it operates just five times a week. You will have to shape your entire stay in the country around their timetable. Some travelers appreciate this structure, but others find it limiting.
Speaking of limitations, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking. Hop-on hop-off journeys can only be taken in one direction (with the exception of some extra journeys that veer off the main route). Most travelers try not to double back anyway, but you should know that once you decide to move on, you cannot go back.
Watching the sunrise over Cape Town from the top of Lion’s Head:
Return tickets have become somewhat cheaper over the past few years, but again, once you start making your way back, you must stay on the same path. You also have no choice but to stay in Port Elizabeth and Durban. As far as we are concerned, both cities are well worth visiting, but it can be frustrating if you are on a strict schedule and want to prioritize other destinations.
It is also really a backpacker bus in name only and will not be the same experience you are used to with similar services in other countries. It caters to tourists, but do not expect the famous party atmosphere of services like Oz Experience. So, what are your chances of socializing on Baz Bus?
Can You Meet Other Travelers on Baz Bus?
You can, but do not let this be a deciding factor! Think of traveling on Baz Bus the same way you might travel on a plane or train. How often do you strike up conversations with random travelers on those services? It happens, but much of the time your fellow passengers are just looking to get from A to B. Baz Bus is no different.
Sunset at Kruger National Park in South Africa
This might come as a shock to those who have traveled using backpacker buses in Australia and New Zealand, where the social element is a big selling point. It is just different here, and Baz Bus is more functional. As we have already mentioned, public transport is pretty bad in South Africa, so Baz Bus is not really for meeting other travelers—just for getting around.
If socializing is a big concern for you, then consider staying in Cape Town hostels.
What If I Want to Hire a Car?
Go for it! Baz Bus is an incredible service for those who cannot drive or do not want to risk hiring a vehicle in a different country, but we would not choose it over hiring a car. You will find that car hire works out cheaper and gives you more freedom to choose your itinerary. Yes, Baz Bus allows you to hop on and off, but you have no choice but to stay in Port Elizabeth and trendy, up-and-coming Durban.
South Africa’s cheapest surf rentals are at Coffee Shack in Coffee Bay!
That said, some travelers have safety concerns about South African roads. Reviews on this are mixed, so we do not want to say either way, but generally, you should be more concerned about travel within cities than between them. The highways between cities are well maintained and safe for the vast majority of visitors who opt to hire a car.
Final Thoughts
As with anything, there are pros and cons to traveling with Baz Bus. If hiring a car is not an option for you, then it is definitely the best way to get around South Africa. Within some small limitations, you have the freedom to stop at as many towns along the route as you want. Some of these destinations simply cannot be visited by public transport.
If you do choose to travel with Baz Bus, we recommend staying at one of their partner hostels. They have loads of these in each city, and it means you get dropped off right at your front door. This gives you some peace of mind during those late-night arrivals.
