How do I get from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg without flying?

The best way to travel from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg is by bus. The bus trip is an affordable, safe and convenient way to travel between the two cities. Taking a ride with other travelers through carpool services is an additional option to consider.

How long is the bus ride from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?

The average travel time from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg is about 8h 5m, but you can get there in as little as 6h 40m with the fastest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 298 miles (481 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is Pretoria from Pietermaritzburg?

The distance between the two cities is 298 miles (481 km).

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?

Most of the buses traveling from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg leave from Pretoria Station and arrive at Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds). These are the primary departure and arrival locations on this route, but you could find others that could be a better fit for your travel plans.

What is the cheapest way to get from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?

The cheapest way to travel this route is by bus. The lowest tickets for this trip cost as little as $15.

How much does a bus ticket from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg cost?

The average bus ticket price from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg is $27. In the last 30 days, the prices ranged from $15 to $60, so it's good to do your research before booking.

Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg Bus Tickets

TodayMay 7

from $15

TomorrowMay 8

from $16

FriMay 9

from $19

SatMay 10

from $16

SunMay 11

from $16

MonMay 12

from $16

TueMay 13

from $16

WedMay 14

from $15

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: May 8 at 8:30am
Departure city: Pretoria
Departure location: Pretoria Luxury Coach Terminal
Arrival time: May 8 at 4:25pm
Destination city: Pietermaritzburg
Destination location: PIETERMARITZBURG - Mc Donalds Centre
Operated by: Citiliner Plus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h 55m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: May 8 at 7:45pm
Departure city: Pretoria
Departure location: Bosman Coach Station Terminus
Arrival time: May 9 at 2:45am
Destination city: Pietermaritzburg
Destination location: PIETERMARITZBURG - SHOP 2 MCDONALDS CENTRE , BURGER STREET, PIETERMARITZBURG, 3201
Operated by: Intercity Xpress
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h
Departure time: May 8 at 5:30am
Departure city: Pretoria
Departure location: Intercape Office, C/O Paul Kruger and Scheiding Street (Pretoria Station)
Arrival time: May 8 at 1:55pm
Destination city: Pietermaritzburg
Destination location: Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)
Operated by: Intercape Mainliner Express
Vehicle: BusDuration: 8h 25m
Departure time: May 8 at 6:15am
Departure city: Pretoria
Departure location: Intercape Office, C/O Paul Kruger and Scheiding Street (Pretoria Station)
Arrival time: May 8 at 4:00pm
Destination city: Pietermaritzburg
Destination location: Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)
Operated by: Intercape Mainliner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 9h 45m
Departure time: May 8 at 3:20pm
Departure city: Pretoria
Departure location: Intercape Office, C/O Paul Kruger and Scheiding Street (Pretoria Station)
Arrival time: May 8 at 11:20pm
Destination city: Pietermaritzburg
Destination location: Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)
Operated by: Big Sky
Vehicle: BusDuration: 8h

Accepted payments

Bus Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$27

Average bus trip duration8h 5m

Number of daily buses36

Earliest bus departure5:30am

Distance297 miles (479 km)

Latest bus departure9:30pm

Compare bus companies

Intercape

3.5/539,605 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness3.2

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi1.2

Intercape bus service is praised for its punctuality, cleanliness, and comfortable seating. Passengers appreciate the friendly and professional drivers who maintain good communication throughout trips. However, some users have noted issues with overly cold air conditioning and non-functional charging ports or Wi-Fi during their journeys.

Intercape Mainliner Pretoria Pietermaritzburg recent customer reviews

I hated the fact that I was in a bus for 12 hours from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg

Pretty S.

April 29, 2025

They gave us the BigSky bus not intercape mainliner. The service was not good. I booked 8:00 pm bus they said there is no 8:00 pm bus.

Zama Fisokuhle M.

March 4, 2025

I definitely enjoyed my trip and will go again. Your charging ports were not working.

Timothy D.

February 20, 2025

Intercity Xpress

3/58,913 reviews

Staff3.9

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness3.7

Wifi1

Passengers generally appreciate the friendly and professional drivers, clean buses, and smooth journeys. Many found their trips comfortable despite some minor issues like non-adjustable seats or air-conditioning problems. However, there were occasional delays due to long stoppages or operational inefficiencies such as communication gaps between staff members.

Intercity Xpress Pretoria Pietermaritzburg recent customer reviews

The trip was comfortable except for the fact that we had to suddenly change buses in Heidelberg and then had to wait for other passengers in Willge who didn't arrive which then delayed our trip by 2 hours.

Drew E.

April 15, 2025

Horrible, the1st bus had a puncture and they got us another one and that bus had no air conditioning plus the bus had a fault the drive was struggling to change the gears as the plugs were not working properly which caused us to arrive at 17:30 pminstead of 14:00pm

Amanda H.

December 5, 2024

I enjoyed everything about this trip, the bus was on time no breakdowns and got to PMB on time.

Ntoh N.

November 23, 2024

Greyhound South Africa

3/57,707 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness4

Wifi1.2

Passengers have shared positive feedback about the comfortable seating, sufficient legroom, and adherence to road rules by drivers. However, there were some concerns regarding air conditioning issues and delays in arrival times. Additionally, a few travelers mentioned being shuttled between buses without prior notice as an area for improvement in communication.

Citiliner Plus Pretoria Pietermaritzburg recent customer reviews

The bus I took from Pretoria to pietermaritzburg was a nightmare. The trip was 8 hours long. The bus reeked of pee imagine that for 8 hours. Above all that there was an annoying beeping sound. Do better with your customers!

Lethabo M.

May 2, 2025

I didn’t enjoy a thing The bus was late We have to exchange buses Im sick now My foot are sore

Thembela H.

December 10, 2024

Your drivers should monitor the air conditioning accordingly. When it’s am early hours the aircorn should be switched off irregardless

Fidelis Banele M.

November 22, 2024

Eagle Liner

2.5/58,713 reviews

Staff3.7

Timeliness2.3

Cleanliness3.5

Wifi0.7

Users have shared positive feedback about the drivers, noting their respectful and humble demeanor. The trips were generally efficient, with some buses leaving on time from certain locations. However, there are mentions of delays during travel and concerns regarding small seats that could be uncomfortable for passengers. Additionally, users highlighted confusion at PTA station due to unclear directions and misleading individuals posing as bus company staff in the parking area.

Eagle Liner Pretoria Pietermaritzburg recent customer reviews

I enjoyed everything the drivers speed was Okey, concentration was there as well so all in all I'm happy with their services.

Nomusa H.

March 18, 2025

I didn't enjoy anything I was constantly fighting for almost an hour for my ticket being shouted at only to find the "system" as they put it had my ticket under a completely different name.

Amahle P.

February 1, 2025

The exit door was open for the rest of my trip and rain starting coming in from harrismith

Locracia V.

January 16, 2025

Big Sky

3.5/52,138 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness3.3

Cleanliness4.3

Wifi1.6

Passengers have praised the bus for being super comfortable and providing a very good service. Although there was initially an issue with a bad smell from the toilet, it was promptly resolved by the drivers, ensuring no further discomfort.

Big Sky Express Pretoria Pietermaritzburg recent customer reviews

I was lucky enough not to have anyone seated next to me, so I was a little more comfortable than if someone had been there. What I was not pleased about what the lack of communication at the check-in point. I waited in line for about an hour. There was just no order, which caused a few people to almost miss their busses.

Nonsikelelo M.

April 19, 2025

The bus I boarded was supposed to arrive at my destination at 23:20 but I arrived at 03:25 Am the next day. This was my first trip with the bus and the last

Lebohang M.

December 1, 2024

Was put into a Intercape Budgetline and was very uncomfortable. We did not travel with Big Sky.

Amanda Siphiwokuhle X.

October 31, 2024

APM WC

2/51,779 reviews

Staff2.5

Timeliness0.9

Cleanliness2.5

Wifi0.4

Delta Coaches

1.5/53,251 reviews

Staff1.9

Timeliness0.8

Cleanliness2

Wifi0.3

BIGTREE

2.5/5101 reviews

Staff3.3

Timeliness2.2

Cleanliness3.5

Wifi0.6

TRANSITLINER

1.5/536 reviews

Staff2.5

Timeliness1.3

Cleanliness1.7

ZA bus companies: Intercape, Big Sky, Intercity Xpress, Greyhound South Africa, Eagle Liner, APM WC, Delta Coaches

Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg.

Whether it is cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses going to Pietermaritzburg from Pretoria, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.

Where are the popular stops in Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg?

Stops in Pretoria

A - Pretoria Station

B - Pretoria Station

Stops in Pietermaritzburg

A - Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)

Frequently asked questions for your trip Pretoria - Pietermaritzburg

How do I get from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg without flying?
How long is the bus ride from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?
How far is Pretoria from Pietermaritzburg?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?
What is the cheapest way to get from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?
How much does a bus ticket from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg cost?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

05/05

$20

05/06

$16

Today

$15

05/08

$16

05/09

$19

05/10

$16

05/11

$16

05/12

$16

The cheapest trip from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg was searched and found on May 7, 2025 with a price of $15

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

You can expect to pay from $15 to $45 for a bus ticket from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $16 which is on 2025-05-12.

Usually MAINLINER 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.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while traveling from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you're bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg.

Buses are energy-efficient. Carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas. Compare that to the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train, 6.6 liters by airplane and 7.6 liters by gas-powered car, and it's clear that the bus is a more environmentally-conscious option for your bus transportation from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg.

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your bus trip from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

The Superbus, created by a Dutch engineer is the world's fastest bus with 250 km/h. Too bad it's only a prototype for now.

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

Will you be returning to Pretoria by bus?

Bus from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travelers no matter where they are in the world. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

One passenger / one way

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

Bus Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg Bus

Where are the popular stops in Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg?

Frequently asked questions for your trip Pretoria - Pietermaritzburg

How do I get from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg without flying?

How long is the bus ride from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?

How far is Pretoria from Pietermaritzburg?

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?

What is the cheapest way to get from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg?

How much does a bus ticket from Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg cost?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to Pretoria by bus?

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

People from around the world trust Busbud

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