The Traveling Taylors

If you’re visiting South Africa, chances are you’ll tackle the big one: Johannesburg to Cape Town. They’re 1,400 km (870 miles) apart — that’s like going from New York to Atlanta — so how you get between them can shape your whole trip. Here’s exactly how to choose: flights, road trips, trains — plus what locals told us works best.

Option 1: Fly — Fast & Easy

✅ Best for: Saving time.
✅ How long: 2-hour direct flight.
✅ Cost: From ZAR 900–2,000 (~$50–$110) one-way if booked early.

Three airlines run multiple daily flights:
✏️ FlySafair (budget-friendly, reliable)
✏️ Airlink (good for connections to smaller towns too)
✏️ South African Airways (flag carrier, solid service)

Tip: Most flights leave from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo or Lanseria Airport. Cape Town International is just 20 mins from the city centre.

✔️ Pros: Fast, affordable if booked early, easy connections.
❌ Cons: Adds cost for checked bags on budget airlines; no scenery.

Option 2: Drive — The Classic Road Trip

✅ Best for: Adventure lovers with time.
✅ How long: 14–16 hours straight (but don’t rush — spread it over 2–3 days).
✅ Cost: Roughly ZAR 3,000–5,000 (~$160–$270) for fuel and rental.

If you plan to rent a car, a hands-free phone mount like this one can make it much easier to follow GPS directions safely while driving.

Popular routes:
🚗 N1 Highway (direct): Fastest route through Bloemfontein and the Karoo.
🚗 N12–N1 via Kimberley: Adds diamond town history and wide-open landscapes.
🚗 Add detours: Some travelers veer toward the Garden Route or Route 62 for wine farms and small towns.

✔️ Pros: See the countryside, cute towns, quirky roadside stops. Capture breathtaking footage of the countryside with a Drone like this featuring ultra-high-definition video for vivid detail and crystal-clear scenery shots.
❌ Cons: Long hours, fuel costs, road fatigue — and you’ll need an overnight stop. Staying hydrated is important while navigating these long hours, so many travelers carry a collapsible water bottle like this one that folds flat when empty.

Option 3: Take the Train — Slow Travel

✅ Best for: Old-school rail fans.
✅ How long: 26–31 hours.
✅ Cost: From ZAR 700 (~$40) for a basic Shosholoza Meyl seat to several thousand for the luxury Blue Train.

Budget option: Shosholoza Meyl runs a few times a week — basic but an adventure. Bring snacks! Many train travelers like carrying a lightweight backpack like this one so they can comfortably store essentials like chargers, water bottles, snacks and jackets to keep warm on the train.

Luxury option: The Blue Train is bucket-list stuff — silver service, suites, and epic scenery (but expect to pay ZAR 20,000+).

✔️ Pros: Unique experience, slow scenic travel, social. For travelers who are up for the long train ride, this would be a great opportunity to memorialize their journey with a keepsake journal like this one thoughtfully designed for travelers who love capturing memories, documenting adventures, and preserving the fun of every trip.
❌ Cons: Slow, can be delayed, budget option is very basic.

Which Is Safest?

✅ Flying: Easiest and safest for first-timers.
✅ Driving: Main roads are good — stick to daylight driving. Watch your speed, rest well, and don’t stop in sketchy lay-bys.
✅ Train: Safe if booked with reputable services. The Blue Train is top-tier safe; the Shosholoza Meyl is fine but very basic.

Many travelers like carrying a small personal safety alarm like this one for extra peace of mind while traveling.

How Locals Do It

Most locals fly. It’s quick, affordable with good deals, and saves time for exploring both cities.

Young locals love the road trip for the freedom, small-town pit stops, and wide-open Karoo skies. Families with kids? They fly — it’s just easier.

When to Book

✔️ Flights: Book at least 4–8 weeks ahead for the best fares.
✔️ Car hire: Reserve early if you’re adding a road trip around peak holidays (Dec/Jan).
✔️ Trains: Shosholoza Meyl seats go fast around public holidays. The Blue Train? Reserve months in advance — it’s popular with overseas visitors.

Pro Tips for the Johannesburg to Cape Town Trip

✅ If driving, break it up: overnight in Bloemfontein or Colesberg.
✅ Pack snacks and water — fuel stops in the Karoo can be sparse.
✅ Bring layers — inland temps can swing from warm days to chilly nights. Many travelers stay warm with a quilted women’s jacket like this one that is the perfect travel layer for chilly days.
✅ For flights, watch bag fees on budget airlines — they can add up fast!

Johannesburg to Cape Town: Pick What Fits

Whether you fly, drive, or ride the rails, the Johannesburg to Cape Town route shows off just how big and beautiful South Africa really is. Pick what fits your time, your vibe, and your budget — then enjoy every mile or minute.

Leaning toward flying? Hunt down the best fares in our Cape Town flights guide, know what to expect on landing with our Cape Town Airport arrival guide, and plan where to stay in our Cape Town hotels guide. Once you reach Cape Town, a popular first outing is the Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point group tour.