One-Way Hop-on Hop-off Bus: Port Elizabeth to Cape Town

You control every stop between two cities and the time you spend in each one.

A one-way hop-on hop-off bus service runs from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town with pickup and drop-off at over 200 accommodations across 40 towns and villages along the route. You plan your own itinerary, decide which stops to make and how long to stay in each place, with no time limit on your ticket. Pickup is included from selected hostels, guest houses and hotels. A trailer carries bikes, surfboards and other gear.

The experience

The 19-seater semi-luxury bus leaves from your accommodation in Port Elizabeth and heads toward Cape Town, but the route is yours to shape. You can pre-book all your stops in advance or book each section as you travel, updating your itinerary through the hop login whenever you change your mind. The operator allows unlimited changes up to 12 hours before any departure, so if you arrive in Jeffrey's Bay and decide to stay an extra day, or skip Mossel Bay entirely for Hermanus, the bus adjusts to your plan.

The stops themselves span the full Garden Route and beyond: Jeffrey's Bay for its surf culture and laid-back vibe; Plettenberg Bay nestled between forests and coastline; Knysna with its famous sandstone cliffs guarding the lagoon mouth; Oudtshoorn, known for the Cango Caves and ostrich farms; Mossel Bay marking the start of the Garden Route proper; Swellendam, one of South Africa's oldest towns with wine tasting and history; Hermanus, the whale-watching capital where season runs June through December; Stellenbosch with its wine routes and university town energy; and finally Cape Town with Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Port Elizabeth itself offers 40 kilometers of coastline, wildlife experiences and cultural attractions to explore before you board.

The trailer attached to the bus means you travel with your own gear: a surfboard for Jeffrey's Bay, a bike for exploring Stellenbosch's wine country, or hiking equipment for the forest trails around Knysna. Pickup happens from your chosen accommodation, and you need to be ready 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The driver is experienced and familiar with the route. Service animals travel with you, and the bus accommodates all fitness levels. Because there is no fixed schedule dictating when you must move on, the pace is entirely yours.

What’s included

• One-way shared transfer in a 19-seater semi-luxury bus.
• pickup and drop-off from over 200 accommodations in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and 40 towns between them.
• unlimited itinerary changes up to 12 hours before departure.
• trailer for bikes, surfboards and other gear.
• experienced driver.
• service animals welcome.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 22

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Baz Bus

Is this one for you?The bus moves at your pace, not a schedule's. You stay in each town as long as you want and skip the ones that don't call to you. This suits travelers who want to explore the Garden Route and coast without committing to fixed stops or arrival times, and who have the flexibility to adjust their route day by day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

Can I really stop wherever I want between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town?

You choose from over 200 accommodation pickup and drop-off points across 40 towns and villages along the route. Once you board, you decide which stops to make and how long to stay in each one. There is no time limit on your ticket and no obligation to visit every town.

What happens if I change my mind about where I want to go?

You can update your itinerary through the hop login up until 12 hours before any departure. Changes are unlimited, so you can add stops, remove them, or reroute entirely as you travel and discover what interests you.

Can I bring my surfboard or bike on the bus?

A trailer is attached to the bus specifically for gear like surfboards, bikes, hiking equipment and other items you want to carry between towns.

What is Jeffrey's Bay known for?

Jeffrey's Bay is a coastal town renowned for its surfing culture and relaxed atmosphere, with local factory shops, social scene and a laid-back vibe that draws travelers and surfers.

When is whale season in Hermanus?

Hermanus whale season typically runs from June through early December, making it one of the best times to visit the town if whale watching is on your itinerary.

Do I need to book all my stops before I start, or can I decide as I go?

You can pre-book all your stretches in advance or book each section of your journey as you travel, depending on how much you want to plan ahead versus staying spontaneous.