Customers express dissatisfaction with the service, specifically mentioning delays and late arrivals. These issues seem to be consistent across multiple reviews. Additionally, one review mentions poor bus maintenance as a possible factor for the negative experience.
Absolutely unacceptable service. The bus left 12 hours late. The passengers had to sleep in the station while they waited for a trailer because there wasn’t enough space for the luggage. There was no branding on the bus which resulted in the bus constantly getting stopped. Today unacceptable
Users have expressed satisfaction with the friendly and welcoming staff, efficient customer service, and clean buses. The trips are generally on time with comfortable seating. However, some reviews mention concerns about safety due to speed on narrow roads and issues like non-reclining seats or cockroaches affecting comfort during travel.
I enjoyed the speed, but the disorganization at the border costed us to spend 5 hours
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sipho D.
It was my first time I really enjoyed everything time keeping, communication and helpful.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delisumoya Thembelihle S.
Despite the delays at Beitbridge Boarder post, the journey was good. The drivers communicated clearly and professionally. However, I would recommend that the wifi also works in Zimbabwean side.
Users have expressed satisfaction with the service, highlighting excellent communication and punctuality. However, there was a mix-up with ticket issuing and some passengers experienced frustration due to poor communication when locating the bus at border crossings. Despite these challenges, overall feedback remains positive regarding their travel experience.
I paid for my allocated laggage allowance phone charging ports were not working.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Sineke N.
Though the staff was not rough but they have very poor communication many of the passengers walked from south African side the bus was already at the Zimbabwean side. There was no staff to even ask where the bus was this part was so frustrating
Passengers have shared positive experiences with the bus service, highlighting comfortable rides and friendly staff. However, there are recurring concerns about luggage charges despite weight limits stated in terms and conditions. Additionally, some reviews mention unexpected changes to departure times or locations that caused inconvenience for travelers. Overall satisfaction remains high due to professional drivers and smooth journeys once underway.
The bus was scheduled to depart at 14:00hrs but only afterb16:00 it departed, next time state correct times
1.0 out of 5 stars
Sandra M.
Bus departure time was not respected 2 hours delayed lies too much. Boarding place incorrect it was Powerhouse which is too crowded compared to Parkstation
1.0 out of 5 stars
Shylet G.
Good service from the Drivers!
Luggage loaders the worst..was overcharged a bag costed R600..on top of that my suitcase broke and wheel came off and lost
Many users have expressed satisfaction with the service, highlighting the comfort of the buses and praising friendly and professional staff. The cleanliness of the buses is also appreciated by travelers. However, there are consistent concerns about delays in departure times across several reviews, which some passengers found disappointing due to lack of communication regarding these delays.
Imperial Lane Johannesburg Bulawayo recent customer reviews
Charging pod not charging. Didn't leave on time yesterday. We are still at the border. Some haven't even stamped
1.0 out of 5 stars
Dumisani N.
Imperial staff is kind. No one is rude only please try to stick to time. Time is the only problem
3.0 out of 5 stars
Patience N.
Was not happy about the coach there was no toilet in the bus , stoping in the places not safe for passages . Charging full price for a child who is 4 years old
Many users appreciate the helpfulness of the bus staff, particularly during border crossings. However, there are concerns about delays in departure and road travel times. Some passengers noted a lack of communication regarding extended stops and were not provided with Wi-Fi passwords as expected. Overall, experiences varied but highlighted punctuality issues.
The service was bad from taking our details they were very slow, we ended up leaving around 7 and we had to contribute R50 per passenger to pay at the south African border to pass and reached Bulawayo past 2pm
1.0 out of 5 stars
Thobile B.
Excellent WiFi and phone charging ports.
Bus broke down and service was a appalling. No communication just to update about the projected time for the bus to be fixed. A 14hrs journey became 28hrs journey with no apologies. Very inconvenient to use this bus
1.0 out of 5 stars
Mehluli M.
Everything is ok the drivers are cool through we were supposed to arrive in bulawayo today at 10 :00am but due to road delays are still on the way
Based on 30 reviews, the company was rated 3.2 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the cleanliness but often complained with the Wi‑Fi. Mzansi Express ticket prices on this trip start at $65
I was told I could take a suitcase of 20kg and one hand luggage but the charged me an additional R600 for luggage
2.0 out of 5 stars
Khathazile J.
I got there in time first I was rooted R50 by the guys who help with luggage,they gave me a fake note and when I got to the bus my seat was given away to someone who had put their bags on there and I was told to go find a seat for myself without any assistance, I was very disappointed
Based on 1 reviews, the company was rated 1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the timeliness but often complained with the ticket access. Regional Bus Coaches ticket prices on this trip start at $65
Based on 3 reviews, the company was rated 3.6 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the timeliness but often complained with the ticket access. Genesis ticket prices on this trip start at $72
Based on 35 reviews, the company was rated 3 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the temperature but often complained with the Wi‑Fi. MB Transport ticket prices on this trip start at $168
Based on 1 reviews, the company was rated 1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the timeliness but often complained with the ticket access. Transi-Africa Tours ticket prices on this trip start at $84
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Johannesburg to Bulawayo by bus
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
The cheapest bus tickets from Johannesburg to Bulawayo start from $61. The average price for this route is around $66. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
The average bus travel time from Johannesburg to Bulawayo is 14h 30m, covering a distance of 675 km. The quickest bus can get you there in 9h 30m and is operated by Regional Bus Coaches.
Which bus companies service the Johannesburg to Bulawayo route?
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
The earliest bus departs from Johannesburg to Bulawayo at 12:00pm. And the latest bus departs at 7:00pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
A bus trip from Johannesburg to Bulawayo generates an estimated 16.855375 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Swiss Express, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 860 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Genesis has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which bus company has the best on-time performance from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Genesis, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Genesis, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
Best price found
08-12
$73
08-13
$64
Today
$64
08-15
$64
08-16
$64
08-17
$64
08-18
$64
08-19
$64
The cheapest trip from Johannesburg to Bulawayo was searched and found on Aug 19, 2026 with a price of $64
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Johannesburg to Bulawayo, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $64 to $73 for a bus ticket from Johannesburg to Bulawayo based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $64 which is on 2026-08-19.
Usually Genesis will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.
The cheapest trip from Johannesburg to Bulawayo was searched and found on Aug 19, 2026 with a price of $64
