Bus from Cape Town to East London: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Cape Town to East London on 11 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
APMWCBus
    Train Station, 1 Old Marine Dr.
    EAST LONDON - Train Station, East London, Station St, QuigneyCheapest
    Jacobs CoachesBus
      Bus Station - Civic Centre
      EAST LONDON - Train Station, East London, Station St, QuigneyFastest
      Big SkyBus
        Bellville - Intercape Office, 8 Mabel Street (turnoff from Durban Road)
        Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park)No tags
        Intercape MainlinerBus
        Bellville - Intercape Office, 8 Mabel Street (turnoff from Durban Road)
        Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park)No tags
        Jacobs CoachesBus
          Bus Station - Civic Centre
          EAST LONDON - Train Station, East London, Station St, QuigneyNo tags

          Last refresh of the prices: Today at 1:46 PM SAST.

          Compare 2 ways to travel from Cape Town to East London

          We recommend taking the shuttle

          Among the sustainable travel choices, the shuttle stands out as a good way to reach East London. The journey takes about 15 hours 45 minutes and with fares starting at just R 696, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

          2shuttle per day
          15h 45mAverage duration
          886 kmDistance
          27kgCO₂ emissions
          Average priceR 386 - R 11 242 425Average duration16h 15m
          22kg CO₂e
          Shuttle
          Average priceR 696 - R 696Average duration15h 45m
          27kg CO₂e

          Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cape Town to East London by bus

          Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

          1. How much is the bus ticket from Cape Town to East London?

            The cheapest bus tickets from Cape Town to East London start at R 386. The average price for this route is around R 810. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

          2. How long is the bus journey from Cape Town to East London?

            The average bus journey time from Cape Town to East London is 16h 15m, covering a distance of 867 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 12h 20m and is operated by Mini Mobile.

          3. Which bus companies service the Cape Town to East London route?

            Several major bus companies operate on this route with 41 buses available per day, including services from Intercape, Intercity Xpress, Eagle Liner, Flexi City Connect, APM WC, ilulaBus, Jacobs Coaches, Greyhound South Africa, Big Sky, Delta Coaches, Wez We Coaches, Badela, Makalala Transport, Chilwans Express, Mini Mobile, BM Tours.

          4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Cape Town to East London?

            The earliest bus departs from Cape Town to East London at 06:00. And the latest bus departs at 20:45.

          5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Cape Town to East London?

            A bus trip from Cape Town to East London produces an estimated 22 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

          6. What is the best bus company from Cape Town to East London?

            According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Big Sky, with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars based on 3118 reviews.

          7. Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Cape Town to East London?

            Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Badela has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 2.0.

          8. Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Cape Town to East London?

            According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Big Sky, with a punctuality rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars.

          9. Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Cape Town to East London?

            According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Big Sky, with a cleanliness rating of 4.2 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
          R 787
          09/12
          R 11 329 574
          Today
          R 683
          11/12
          R 704
          12/12
          R 704
          13/12
          R 704
          14/12
          R 736
          15/12
          R 788
          busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cape Town to East London was searched and found on 10 Dec 2025 with a price of R 683

          To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Cape Town to East London as early as possible.

          You can expect to pay from R 683 to R 11 329 574 for a bus ticket from Cape Town to East London based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 704, which is on 2025-12-11.

          Usually Big Sky, Intercape 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.

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