Travel
O R Tambo International Airport is one of the largest and the busiest airport on the continent with over 50 airlines operating connections worldwide. Other international airports in South Africa are Cape Town International Airport, Durban International Airport and Port Elizabeth Airport. Several airlines operate domestic flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Nelspruit and Port Elizabeth as well as well as regular connections to a number of smaller cities and towns.
South Africa isn’t considered to have the most efficient rail system currently. Intercity services operate trains between Johannesburg, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town however connections are slow and most trains go overnight. Luxury trains operate between Johannesburg and Cape Town twice weekly and offer more comfortable travel.
Gautrain, South Africa’s first high-speed train recently commenced operations with rail links connecting Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport. This underground and over ground railway is still currently under construction but once completed is expected to completely revamp South Africa’s public transport system.
A number of operators provide coach services throughout the country connecting most major towns and cities however distances between towns can be extensive therefore journeys can be long. Bus services do also operate in all major towns however are not considered the most reliable form of transport. The quality and reliability of public transport overall in South Africa is generally thought to be quite poor. However Gautrain is expected to greatly improve the public transport infrastructure in South Africa in the near future as it develops transport networks throughout the country.
Taxis are not inexpensive in South Africa and are generally not readily available. They must be ordered or accessed via a taxi rank but are available in all towns, hotels and airports.
The road infrastructure in South Africa is generally good however roads in the more remote areas are likely to be less well maintained. Many of the national roads between the major centres are toll roads. Valid driving licenses are accepted in South Africa providing they have a photograph.
