Baz Bus: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring South Africa

Nov 09, 2025 0

For travelling and exploring South Africa, Baz Bus remains one of the most popular travel options. In past years, this service was met with mixed reviews in various Baz Bus reviews and on platforms like TripAdvisor. However, times have changed. Now operating exclusively on the Garden Route, Baz Bus in South Africa has reinvented itself to meet the evolving needs of backpackers and independent travelers. This article aims to provide a balanced, in-depth perspective on the service by comparing it to other bus travel in South Africa, reviewing personal driving experiences on the road, and sharing tips for making the most of your journey.

When I was planning a trip to South Africa it was hard to avoid any mention of the “backpacker bus” called Baz Bus. I initially thought something like this would not be my style but when planning my first trip in South Africa, I wasn’t sure how difficult it was going to be to get around. After a total of six months in South Africa across two trips, and speaking with numerous other travelers, I formed a pretty solid opinion of the Baz Bus and even tried it out for myself. Hopefully, this information will help you plan your own trip and decide whether the Baz Bus is for you or not.

Bazbus is a proud local South African company employing local staff, and our aim is to ensure you have the best possible once-in-a-lifetime trip through this amazing country. A South African institution since 1995, Bazbus covers the major tourist destinations, but our drivers also know the hidden gems, the stops between the stops that tourists would never find, and are also happy to share stories of what life was and is like in South Africa along the way. We understand your needs!

Interested in traveling on the Bazbus? This blog contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What is the Baz Bus?

The Baz Bus is a hop on hop off bus service that connects travelers to South Africa’s Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It offers a flexible and social alternative to public transport, rental cars, and guided tours. Designed for independent explorers who still want structure, it allows you to book one pass covering all bus journeys, with pickups at hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts, and drop-offs at carefully chosen towns and hidden gems. Buses run daily, and you can change your schedule online up to 12 hours before departure. Drivers double as local guides, sharing stories and tips along the way, making the journey more than just a ride.

The service is popular among solo travelers looking to meet like-minded adventurers while avoiding the stress of driving. Compared to renting a car, it’s cheaper and safer, with no parking worries. You have the freedom to discover South Africa at your own pace. Almost 300,000 people have travelled with Bazbus and word of mouth is our best form of marketing.

Want to know why Bazbus is perfect for you?

So it’s your first time travelling to South Africa, you want to see a bit of the country, but you aren’t quite sure how to get around… What do you do?

That was my predicament as I planned a 3-week backpacking trip across South Africa. Since it was my first time travelling in the country I decided to save the car rental for my next visit and I opted for Baz Bus instead. Over the course of my 3 weeks in the country I used them to travel the full length from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

There were a lot of things I liked about their service, so this post will look at some of the benefits of travelling with Baz Bus as well as a few things to consider:

Read also: Discover Thula Thula

What’s New with Baz Bus?

In response to past criticisms and changing travel needs in South Africa, the Baz Bus team has recently overhauled its service. The biggest change is Baz Bus SA now sticks to a single route-the Garden Route.

Daily Runs and Clearer Operating Hours: They run buses every day (with a slightly lighter schedule in the off-season), so you’re not stuck waiting for days on end.
Lower Prices: Prices have dropped considerably-hop on hop off passes now start at around $119, down from a $199 starting price when I first used them.
Online Flexibility: A new online login lets you shift your bus dates and times up to 12 hours before departure, which sounds like a win if things change suddenly.
Social Vibe: They’ve added social activities at various stops-quizzes, karaoke sessions, and such-to help break up the ride.

How Baz Bus Works

Simply buy one ticket to your final destination and hop on and off as often as you like along the route.

How it Works: Buy a ticket, Hop on, get off at any stop (hop off) and use our unique login system to choose when you want to hop on the next bus! Our unique hop-on hop-off system means you are in total control of where you go and how long for, with buses in all directions. Whether you want a one-week trip fully planned in advance, or to just hop on a bus and decide as you go, Bazbus is perfect for every type of traveler. Don’t believe us?

Hop on the bus at your Start Destination - we pickup at your hotel/hostel, no taxis needed! Get off the bus at any stop you like. Cover the route as quickly as you like or take as long as you like. Don't worry about who has to drive the next morning if you are thinking to have a glass of wine or a couple of beers at dinner! EASY. SAFE.

We GUARANTEE that Bazbus is the only way to discover the REAL South Africa, with our onboard drivers happily sharing stories about how life was and is in South Africa, as well as being able to assist and advise you with anything along your trip.

Read also: Traditional South African Bread

Want to know why Bazbus is perfect for you?

Highlights include Stellenbosch, Knysna, Natures Valley, Plettenberg Bay, Storms River, Jeffreys Bay, Chintsa, Coffee Bay, Durban and many more.

Ticket Options and Pricing

There are two pass options to choose from. You can either buy:

A hop-on, hop-off pass to your chosen destination and get on and off as many times as you want along the way, in one direction within one year; or
A travel pass from a chosen starting point and get on and off as many times as you want, in any direction (back and forth), within a specific period.

A ticket on the Baz Bus will cost you from $119 with an additional discount when booking more than one passenger. It includes:

One 23kg bag and one small hand luggage
Unlimited free bus and date changes
Discounts on restaurants and accommodation

With our 8-Day Travel Pass, you enjoy all the flexibility of the classic Hop-on, Hop-off Passes with the main difference that you can travel in any direction - back and forth - whenever you please within 8 days!

Start in Cape Town and do unlimited travel between any of all of our stops, in any direction you want. Travel in any direction and as often as you like within the 8 days. 8-Day Travel Pass. Unlimited stops. You choose where and when you want to get off. Finish Anywhere, go back and forth.

Yes! If you’re 2 passengers, you get 10% OFF. If you’re 3, you get 15% OFF.

A safari in the world famous Kruger National Park is simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Bazbus can help you with everything related to doing a safari in Kruger. Alternatively, for those who cannot visit Kruger, a safari is also possible in the Addo Elephant Park in Port Elizabeth.

My Baz Bus Review: Pros and Cons

No transport option is perfect. Here’s a balanced look at the key benefits and challenges of the current Baz Bus service based on my experiences and recent feedback from fellow travelers.

Advantages of Using Baz Bus

Door-to-Door Service: The convenience of being picked up directly at your accommodation is a major draw, especially for first-time visitors who may not be comfortable navigating local public transport (and South African bus stations)
Daily Departures & Predictability: The improved schedule means less downtime waiting for the next bus and more time enjoying the journey.
Social Atmosphere: Organized activities like quizzes and karaoke provide a relaxed environment to meet other travelers. In many Baz Bus reviews, passengers have praised the friendly, community feel onboard.
Cost-Effectiveness for Solo Travelers: The new pricing structure makes Baz Bus tickets more affordable than renting a car on your own. For solo backpackers, this can be a particularly attractive option.
Flexibility: The online login system allows you to change travel dates and times with ease, giving you the freedom to adjust your itinerary as plans evolve.

Disadvantages of Baz Bus

Limited Coverage: By focusing exclusively on the Garden Route, Baz Bus no longer serves areas like Johannesburg or Durban. Travelers looking to explore beyond the Garden Route will need to consider other options, such as renting a car, flying, or using public transport.
Not Ideal for the Experienced Traveler: If you’re comfortable with independent travel and have experience with bus travel in South Africa, you might find the structured schedule and stops a bit restrictive. Some travelers prefer the freedom of self-driving in South Africa, especially when compared with the more leisurely pace of the Baz Bus timetable.

What Are the Other Options for Garden Route Travel?

If you’re considering bus travel in South Africa, it’s a good idea to weigh your choices. Here’s a comparison of Baz Bus with the more traditional public buses and even the option of renting a car.

Using Public Transport

South Africa offers a range of public bus options through companies like Intercape, Translux, and Greyhound. These services usually boast comfy, reclining seats and air conditioning, yet they don’t offer door-to-door pickups like Baz Bus does.

Public buses are generally more direct, with fewer stops, which means you might get to your destination faster, yet you miss out on that extra bit of social interaction and the convenience of being dropped off right at your accomodation. If speed is your priority and you’re less interested in the communal vibe, public buses could be a better fit.

Prices on public buses can be incredibly low-sometimes as little as R180 for shorter routes. Here are some examples of bus prices in 2025:

Cape Town to Stellenbosch: R180
Mossel Bay to Wilderness: R180
Swellendam to Plettenberg Bay: R220
Hermanus to George: R300
Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: R303

There are also mini-van taxis that can help you get from one neighboring town to another for R15 or more. These are easy and cheap once you’ve caught a couple and are a great way to spend some time with actual locals. One of my first memories in South Africa was taking a mini-van taxi and singing along to the radio with a car full of people. We were squished but had a great time!

The (Huge) Downsides of Public Buses

After saying all that, I couldn’t personally recommend public bus travel to anyone anymore. A decade ago, taking a long-distance public bus in South Africa was a solid budget-friendly option, but things have changed. Reports of violent attacks, hijackings, and conflicts within the transport industry have made public buses less reliable and, in some cases, outright dangerous.

That said, if you’re sticking to a well-traveled route and have thoroughly researched the current safety situation, public buses can still be an option.

Hire a Car

Another great option if you have a driver’s licence is to hire a car. My last trip to South Africa was mostly self-drive as I had a friend with me and it worked out to be around USD $30 per day. Most roads in South Africa are paved and easy to navigate and you will be able to make your own schedule and access places that even the buses don’t often go to.

Having your own car also makes it a lot easier to get to sights and activities which means you don’t need to spend money on expensive tours that you can do on your own.

A great example of this is the popular waterfall hike in Northern Drakensberg. Amphitheatre Backpackers charges R3100 for a day trip where you can easily do the hike on your own, pack your own lunch, and save over R500 per person if you can just drive the two-hour-long trip to the top of the trailhead.

Why You Might Not Want to Rent a Car

There are two big downsides of car rental. The first applies to getting around anywhere in the world, not specifically in South Africa. If you’re traveling on your own, you really miss out on the opportunity to interact with locals or other travelers. That’s totally fine if you’re an introvert or just happy to meet people at your next stop but, driving down the N2, trying to sneak peeks of the view while attempting to stay on the road can be a lonely prospect for some.

The solution that I discovered on my first trip, was to pick up eager backpackers on the way. I met several solo travelers in hostels and guesthouses who were keen to open up a seat in their hire car just for the pleasure of some company on the way. On my last trip, I was with a friend but we were traveling for a few weeks together and were more than happy to listen to a voice that wasn’t ours after a few days.

The next downside is unique to South Africa (and a few other places that I wouldn’t dare drive solo). It’s the safety aspect. I’m not trying to freak anyone out because remember, I’m a petite female often traveling on my own with no self-defense skills to speak about, and I still do it. However, driving in South Africa takes a few extra precautions.

Key safety tips for driving in South Africa:

Keep doors locked and windows up when stopped at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Opportunistic theft can happen in cities and busy intersections.
Never pick up hitchhikers, no matter how harmless they appear. If you’re concerned for someone’s safety, report it at the next town.
Avoid driving at night, particularly in rural or remote areas where visibility is low and animals may wander onto the road.
Park in well-lit, busy areas and never leave valuables visible in the car, even for a quick stop.
Follow local advice. Hosts, guesthouses, or lodges will often know which areas are safe to drive through and which should be avoided.
Stay calm in road disputes. Aggressive drivers exist everywhere, and it's best to avoid confrontation.
Watch out for road obstacles. In some areas, criminals place objects like rocks in the road to force cars to stop-carefully drive around them rather than stopping. (Personally, I encountered someone parked across a street to block the road close to Pretoria. I quickly realized what was happening and drove around it onto the pavement)
Be mindful of wildlife. Rural roads aren’t always fenced, and you might encounter livestock or even large antelope, particularly at night.
Plan fuel stops in advance.

How Did I Get Around South Africa?

During my time in South Africa, I used a combination of mainliner buses, mini-van taxis, sharing rides with other travelers, car rental, and then finally the Baz Bus. To provide a balanced review of Baz Bus I brought a 14-day pass to get me from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg. I chose this segment for a couple of reasons:

I wanted to visit Northern Drakensburg which is very difficult without a car. Even the mainliners don’t stop nearby, meaning you have to spend a few hours changing to get to your accomodation, whereas the Baz Bus drops you right at their doorstep.
The mainline buses left Port Elizabeth at 6:45 am which is the same time the Baz Bus started its accomodation pick-ups and it arrived around the same time in Coffee Bay. I thought I would be happy to pay for the convenience of not getting up extra early in PE to get a taxi to the bus station.

Tips for Making the Most of the Baz Bus

If you’re leaning toward giving Baz Bus SA a try, here are some pointers that might help smooth out the rough edges of the experience:

Familiarize Yourself with the Route: Before you set out, spend some time checking the official Baz Bus route map to see which stops are on the route. Knowing the layout of the Garden Route bus service can help you plan which stops are must-sees and which might be best skipped.
Use the Hop On Hop Off Option: The Baz Bus hop on hop off feature is a cool way to explore on your own terms. Heard about a cool hike at your last hotel that isn’t in your plan? It’s super easy to edit your booking so you can include a new stop on the way.
Book Your Tickets Early: Snagging your Baz Bus tickets in advance can lock in a good deal and secure your seat, especially during peak periods.
Pack Essentials for a Basic Ride: Even though comfort has improved a lot, the bus ride can be rather utilitarian (it’s more like a van than a bus).

Planning the Perfect Baz Bus Itinerary: Practical Tips, Budget Hacks & Unmissable Stops

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned backpacker looking for a flexible route, here are the most common questions travelers ask.

How does the Baz Bus work? Think of it as a hop-on hop-off backpacker bus with door-to-door service between hostels. You buy one ticket to your final destination and can stop at towns along the way for as long as you like. The bus picks you up and drops you off at partner hostels, so there’s no messing with taxi rides from random bus terminals.
Is it cheaper than renting a car? Usually, yes-especially for solo travelers. You don’t have to worry about petrol, insurance, or navigating South Africa’s long distances on the left side of the road. Plus, hostel discounts and early-bird Baz Bus promos can shave off even more. For groups of 3-4, a rental car can be competitive, but Baz Bus wins on ease and safety.
Do I need to book each leg in advance? Technically yes-they recommend reserving 72 hours ahead to guarantee a seat. But the system is flexible. Last-minute changes happen all the time.
How often does the bus run? The Cape Town-Port Elizabeth route runs daily, while the Johannesburg-Durban and Durban-Port Elizabeth legs run 5 days a week. You’ll want to plan ahead so you don’t get stuck somewhere an extra night-unless that’s exactly what you want!
Is Baz Bus safe for solo travelers? Yes. It’s one of the most popular ways for solo backpackers to get around South Africa. Drivers are friendly and keep track of everyone, pickups are from trusted hostels, and you end up meeting the same travelers again and again along the route. Stick to hostel shuttles at night in cities like Durban and Cape Town for extra peace of mind.
What’s the vibe like on board? Pretty social. Expect a mix of solo travelers, couples, and small groups-lots of Germans, Brits, Aussies, and South Africans. The drivers keep things lively with jokes, stories, and music, and frequent rest stops break up the long drives. It’s not luxury travel, but it’s fun.
What’s included in the ticket price? The ticket covers transportation between stops, including hostel pick-ups and drop-offs. Accommodation, meals, and activities are extra. Some hostels give discounts to Baz Bus riders (often R30 off dorm beds), and you’ll find plenty of budget meals along the route.
Where does the Baz Bus actually go? The main route connects Johannesburg → Durban → Port Elizabeth → Cape Town, hugging South Africa’s scenic coast. You’ll pass through Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape. It won’t get you to Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Lesotho, or Swaziland-but you can tack those on separately.
How flexible are the hop-on hop-off passes? Very! A one-way pass lets you travel in one direction with unlimited stops, while the travel pass gives you unlimited travel in any direction for 7, 14, or 21 days. That means you can linger in Coffee Bay or Stellenbosch and not worry about extra transport costs.

Cost Snapshot

Daily average: R850-R950 all‑in (≈ USD 45‑50) if you mix self‑catering dinners with the occasional splurge.

Packing Essentials for Life on the Road

Soft duffel + day‑pack: Luggage rides in a trailer; soft bags fit best and survive less jostling.
Micro‑fibre towel & quick‑dry swimwear: From Drakensberg rock pools to Cape Town beaches, you’ll be in and out of water.
Universal plug + small power bank: Charging outlets on board can be fickle.
Headlamp: Nighttime bush walks in Coffee Bay are gloriously starry-and pitch‑black.
Travel debit card with no foreign fees: ATMs charge R50 per withdrawal; minimise trips.

Booking & Seating Hacks

72‑hour rule works both ways-reserve early and cancel free until noon the day prior. Perfect for weather‑dependent activities like paragliding in Wilderness.
Window vs.

So, Should You Use the Baz Bus in South Africa?

I would recommend the Baz Bus to a couple groups of people:

1) It’s your first time traveling to South Africa or you’re traveling solo

Baz Bus is a big confidence booster when you’re traveling through South Africa. Even though I can attest to the fact that it is one of the more modern and well-connected countries I’ve traveled through, it can still be daunting when you haven’t seen it for yourself.

Baz Bus will drop you off at your accomodation door and pick you up there when you are ready to leave again, albeit on their schedule. You get to spend time in transit with other backpackers and your opportunity to meet other travelers increases. There’s something special about arriving at your new hostel with some new travel friends already made.

It’s also the safest option these days, so if you’re in any doubt about traveling around the Garden Route, this is a great option.

2) You don’t have a lot of time

If you have just a week to explore the Garden Route then Baz Bus is a reasonable option. It’s flexible enough that you can still change your plans around but it follows a set schedule so you know you’ll be where you need to be on a certain date.

I would also suggest checking out a local tour company. One popular company, Hotspots2c offers an 8-day tour for R8,900 including all accommodation and most entry fees and activity costs. I think this takes all the stress out of planning a shorter trip and you don’t have to worry about Baz Bus’s failings and fitting into their schedule. While I didn’t get the opportunity to try this company out I did meet a few people doing the Hotspots tour at some of my hostels.

If you are ... What is Bazbus? A South African institution since 1995, Bazbus covers the major tourist destinations, but our drivers also know the hidden gems, the stops between the stops that tourists would never find, and are also happy to share stories of what life was and is like in South Africa along the way.

Lastly, on a note completely unrelated to Baz Bus - the Eastern Cape has some stretches of seriously curvy roads so if you get motion sick easily I suggest you stock up on Gravol.

My Suggestions

If in doubt, give it a shot. Costs are now reasonable, it’s a safe choice and you might make some friends along the way. You could start your trip with the Baz Bus and then branch out once you’re more comfortable getting around.

Rent a car if you are two or more people and you feel confident enough to navigate South Africa’s roads.

For more info on travel in South Africa visit Baz Bus and Travel Now Now.