Is there a way to reach Johannesburg from Richards Bay without flying?

The best way to travel from Richards Bay to Johannesburg is by bus. Traveling by bus offers a budget-friendly, secure, and easy way to go between the two cities. Alternatively, you can also use carpooling services.

How long does it take to get to Johannesburg from Richards Bay by bus?

The average travel time from Richards Bay to Johannesburg is about 11h 15m, although the minimum time it takes to get there is 11h 15m with the fastest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 303 miles (488 km) that separate the two cities.

What is the distance between Richards Bay and Johannesburg?

The distance between the two cities is 303 miles (488 km).

What is the most affordable way to go from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?

The cheapest way to travel this route is by bus. $30 is the starting point for the cost-effective bus ride to Johannesburg from Richards Bay.

What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?

The average bus ticket price from Richards Bay to Johannesburg is $32. Over the last 30 days, the prices ranged between $30 and $53, so make sure to compare them to get the best option.

What are the best sights and things to do in Johannesburg?

Once in Johannesburg, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Joziburg Lane, FNB Stadium, Origins Centre, Apartheid Museum and Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam.

Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?

Yes, it is possible to take an overnight bus from Richards Bay to Johannesburg. Don't forget to bring a snack and a blanket to help you stay comfortable through the night.

Richards Bay to Johannesburg Bus Tickets

TodayJun 3

from $26

TomorrowJun 4

from $26

ThuJun 5

from $26

FriJun 6

from $26

SatJun 7

SunJun 8

from $25

MonJun 9

TueJun 10

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: June 4 at 7:00pm
Departure city: Richards Bay
Departure location: Richards Bay - Astron Energy, 7 Premium Promenade
Arrival time: June 5 at 6:15am
Destination city: Johannesburg
Destination location: Intercape Office, C/O Rissik and Wolmarans Street (Johannesburg Station)
Operated by: Intercape Mainliner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 11h 15m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: June 4 at 7:00pm
Departure city: Richards Bay
Departure location: Richards Bay - Astron Energy, 7 Premium Promenade
Arrival time: June 5 at 6:15am
Destination city: Johannesburg
Destination location: Intercape Office, C/O Rissik and Wolmarans Street (Johannesburg Station)
Operated by: Intercape Mainliner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 11h 15m
Departure time: June 4 at 7:00pm
Departure city: Richards Bay
Departure location: Richards Bay - Astron Energy, 7 Premium Promenade
Arrival time: June 5 at 6:15am
Destination city: Johannesburg
Destination location: Intercape Office, C/O Rissik and Wolmarans Street (Johannesburg Station)
Operated by: Intercape Mainliner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 11h 15m
Departure time: June 4 at 7:00pm
Departure city: Richards Bay
Departure location: Richards Bay - Astron Energy, 7 Premium Promenade
Arrival time: June 5 at 6:15am
Destination city: Johannesburg
Destination location: Intercape Office, C/O Rissik and Wolmarans Street (Johannesburg Station)
Operated by: Intercape Mainliner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 11h 15m

Accepted payments

Compare 2 ways to go from Richards Bay to Johannesburg.

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$30 - $53	Average Duration11h 15m	CO₂ emissions 12kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars	FastestMost eco-friendly
Shuttle	Average Price$26 - $42	Average Duration13h 5m	CO₂ emissions 15kg CO₂e4 out of 5 stars	Cheapest

Busbud recommends taking the bus from Richards Bay to Johannesburg

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Johannesburg. The journey takes about 11 hours 15 minutes and with fares starting at just $30, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

11h 15mAverage Duration

$30Cheapest ticket

12kgCO₂ emissions

Bus Richards Bay to Johannesburg: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$32

Average bus trip duration11h 15m

Number of daily buses1

Earliest bus departure7:00pm

Distance302 miles (487 km)

Compare bus companies

Intercape

3.5/540,035 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness3.2

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi1.2

Passengers have shared positive experiences with the bus service, highlighting its cleanliness, punctuality, and friendly staff. Many appreciated the comfortable ride and safe journey. However, some mentioned issues such as non-functional charging ports and WiFi availability. Additionally, there were concerns about bathroom maintenance regarding cleanliness and lack of supplies like toilet paper or water.

Intercape Mainliner Richards Bay Johannesburg recent customer reviews

We had necessary breaks throughout the journey. The driver was very cautious on the road it didn't feel like I was riding a bus at night

Ayanda M.

May 30, 2025

Nobody told us about WiFi, and some other seats were not comfortable as they were not adjustable to lie down a bit

Siphiwe M.

May 15, 2025

I enjoyed the fact that it had both a heater and aircon but I didn't like that it didn't have a charger plug

Nomthandazo Z.

February 11, 2025

Greyhound South Africa

3/57,914 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness4

Wifi1.2

Customers generally appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of the buses, as well as their punctuality. However, multiple reviews mention issues with non-functional USB ports and charging systems. Additionally, some users reported a lack of air conditioning and entertainment options on board.

Citiliner Plus Richards Bay Johannesburg recent customer reviews

Seats on top floor were wet, bus came 1 and 30 minutes late and no update provided. Luggage’s were not secured properly and were rained on. The Air-conditioner was not working and the toilet was very filthy.

Robert K.

November 28, 2023

We had a 2 hour delay and it was hot. The bus broke down We were stuck for 2 hours

Cleorece K.

September 11, 2023

The bus stopped for 3 hour's at Empangeni. Asking for alternative route. They said supervisors are on lunch.

Masedi Godfrey M.

July 26, 2023

VILAMORA

2/5776 reviews

Staff2.4

Timeliness1.2

Cleanliness2.3

Wifi0.4

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

Richards Bay to Johannesburg Bus

Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from Richards Bay to Johannesburg.

Bus service from Richards Bay to Johannesburg will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from Richards Bay to Johannesburg, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Frequently asked questions for your trip Richards Bay - Johannesburg

Is there a way to reach Johannesburg from Richards Bay without flying?
How long does it take to get to Johannesburg from Richards Bay by bus?
What is the distance between Richards Bay and Johannesburg?
What is the most affordable way to go from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?
What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?
What are the best sights and things to do in Johannesburg?
Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

06/01

$42

06/02

$32

Today

$23

06/04

$23

06/05

$23

06/06

$23

06/07

$22

06/08

$23

The cheapest trip from Richards Bay to Johannesburg was searched and found on Jun 7, 2025 with a price of $22

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

You can expect to pay from $22 to $43 for a bus ticket from Richards Bay to Johannesburg based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $22 which is on 2025-06-07.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from Richards Bay to Johannesburg but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Richards Bay to Johannesburg, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from Richards Bay to Johannesburg that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from Richards Bay to Johannesburg.

Did you know?

The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

Will you be returning to Richards Bay by bus?

Bus from Richards Bay to Johannesburg

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

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Bus Tickets from Richards Bay to Johannesburg

One passenger / one way

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

Compare 2 ways to go from Richards Bay to Johannesburg.

Bus Richards Bay to Johannesburg: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Intercape Mainliner Richards Bay Johannesburg recent customer reviews

Citiliner Plus Richards Bay Johannesburg recent customer reviews

Richards Bay to Johannesburg Bus

Frequently asked questions for your trip Richards Bay - Johannesburg

Is there a way to reach Johannesburg from Richards Bay without flying?

How long does it take to get to Johannesburg from Richards Bay by bus?

What is the distance between Richards Bay and Johannesburg?

What is the most affordable way to go from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?

What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?

What are the best sights and things to do in Johannesburg?

Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from Richards Bay to Johannesburg?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to Richards Bay 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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