South African Transport

South African transport is a question of concern for the upcoming Soccer World Cup, mainly due to the lack of public transport infrastructure.

Transport in South Africa tends to be a private affair, with most of the infrastructure geared towards private motorists. The following options are available for those in need of public transportation in South Africa.

One of the better developed means of South African transport for travelling across the country is by air. Flights to Cape Town from Johannesburg are frequent and allow you to quickly get to the “Mother City” from Johannesburg. There are a few South African run airlines that offer cheap flights between Cape Town, Durban, East London and Johannesburg.

South African buses are generally not a viable option for tourists, apart from privately run bus tours. The South African bus network is in a miserable condition and does not compare to bus systems as operating in Europe, Britain and many developed countries around the world. This is partly due to the competition from private transport, but mainly due to the mini-bus taxi system which provides transport to lower income commuters. The mini-bus taxis are an option for those travellers with an adventurous spirit, but do not come highly recommended.

The once highly developed South African rail network has greatly been neglected and the South African rail infrastructure is not what it once was, but trains can be used to get around in some areas. Depending on where the trains are running there is an issue of safety from criminal activity. This has meant that many South Africans will rather use their own cars or get lifts with friends and colleagues than catch a train to work.

Meter taxis are available, but do not patrol the streets in search of fares. Generally you will need to call up a taxi operator in order to arrange transportation, although you may be able to find a taxi waiting outside of the major airports. Here again it is advised that you make sure of the legitimacy of the taxi before climbing into the car.
The best way of getting around would undoubtedly be to hire a car. There are a few good car hire companies offering reasonable rates which will drop off and pick up cars from the main airports.

Do not be shy of asking your host of friends in South Africa to help you out by providing lifts to and from the airport, or into town for shopping or other activities. South Africans are aware of the lack of transport provided for tourists and will generally be happy to help visitors wherever possible.