Transportation in South Africa
South Africa's cities are sprawling and car-oriented. While ride-sharing has revolutionized urban mobility, a car may be necessary depending on your lifestyle.
Driving in South Africa
Basics:
- Drive on the LEFT (like UK, Australia, Japan)
- International driving permit valid for 12 months
- Must obtain SA license within 12 months of residency
- Generally good road infrastructure
- Petrol (gas) much cheaper than Europe
License conversion:
- Foreign license valid 12 months
- Conversion requires written and driving test
- Process can be lengthy (government department)
Ride-Sharing
Uber and Bolt (Taxify):
- Widely available in major cities
- Reliable, affordable, safe
- Many expats don't own cars in Cape Town
- Payment via app (card) or cash
Sample costs:
- Airport to city center: R200-400
- Within city: R50-150 typically
- UberX most common, UberBlack available
Public Transportation
Cape Town MyCiti Bus:
- Modern, safe, reliable
- Covers major routes (airport, Waterfront, Table View)
- MyConnect card required
- Limited evening/weekend service
Gautrain (Johannesburg/Pretoria):
- Modern rapid rail system
- Airport connection
- Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria
- Safe and efficient
Minibus Taxis:
- Most South Africans use these
- Not recommended for expats (safety, complexity)
Car Ownership
Buying:
- New cars: Similar to international prices
- Used cars: Check mileage carefully
- Popular brands: Toyota, VW, Ford
- Used car fraud exists - use reputable dealers
Monthly costs:
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Fuel | R1,500-3,000 |
| Insurance | R800-2,000 |
| Maintenance | R500-1,000 |
| Parking (if needed) | R1,000-3,000 |
Car rental:
- Short-term: R400-800/day
- Long-term: R8,000-15,000/month
- Good option while settling in
Safety Considerations
While driving:
- Keep windows up and doors locked
- Don't leave valuables visible
- Be alert at traffic lights (smash-and-grab)
- Avoid driving in townships unless with local guide
- Night driving requires extra caution
Between Cities
- Domestic flights: Affordable, multiple daily (FlySafair, Kulula, Airlink)
- Bus: Intercape, Greyhound - safe, long-distance
- Car: Excellent highways, manageable distances
Pro Tips
- •Uber/Bolt are safe, affordable, and widely used by expats - can live car-free in Cape Town
- •Keep car doors locked and windows up at traffic lights - smash-and-grab occurs
- •Gautrain is excellent for Johannesburg airport connections
- •Don't use minibus taxis unless with a local guide
- •Convert your license within 12 months if becoming a resident
Have questions about transportation in South Africa?