December is a time of joy and reunion for many South Africans as they plan to visit their families for the holidays. With numerous bus companies and stores offering competitive bus ticket prices, it is essential to know where to find the best deals. This article will guide you through the top bus companies and stores for affordable bus ticket prices, highlight popular routes, safety tips, required documents for purchasing tickets, and provide insights on buying tickets online.
Top Stores for Best Bus Ticket Prices
1. Shoprite
Shoprite, a leading retail store, often collaborates with bus companies to offer exclusive bus ticket prices. Booking bus tickets with Shoprite offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for travelers. Key advantages include:
- No Booking Fees: Shoprite does not charge extra for booking services.
- Simple and Affordable: The process is straightforward and wallet-friendly.
- One-Stop-Shop Convenience: You can purchase bus tickets while doing your regular grocery shopping.
Steps to Book Bus Tickets at Shoprite:
- Visit any Money Market counter at a Shoprite store.
- Specify your departure and arrival locations.
- Choose your travel dates.
- Pay for your tickets and receive them instantly.
- Prepare for your journey and enjoy!
2. Computicket
As a reliable source for ticketing, Computicket aggregates fares from various bus services, allowing travelers to compare prices and schedules in one place. Their platform is user-friendly, offering the convenience of online booking and in-store ticket collection. Computicket’s partnership with several bus companies means they often have access to exclusive deals and discounts.
Advantages of Computicket Booking Platform
- Efficient Booking System: Computicket offers a clean, reliable, and secure booking platform, ensuring customers can easily find and purchase their desired tickets.
- Expanded Audience for Smaller Companies: Smaller bus companies benefit from reaching a broader audience through booking platforms like Computicket.
- International Service Accessibility: Companies relying on platforms such as Computicket can provide services in multiple languages, catering to an international audience.
- Security and Ease of Use: Working with Computicket ensures a secure and user-friendly booking system, enhancing the overall experience for users.
Payment Methods Accepted
Computicket accepts a variety of payment methods, including:
- VISA
- Mastercard
3. Pick N Pay
FlightSite has partnered with Pick n Pay to offer a convenient travel service for booking domestic coaches offering the best bus ticket prices.
In-Store Booking
- Conveniently book your domestic bus tickets at any Pick n Pay supermarket or hypermarket.
- Earn Smart Shopper points by providing your card number during the in-store booking.
- Upon payment, you will receive a printed ticket on the till slip, usable with your ID for boarding.
Online Booking with an In-Store Payment Option:
- Book your bus tickets online at flightsite.co.za.
- Choose the “pay at Pick n Pay” option during the online booking process.
- Make payment at any Pick n Pay store using the provided reference number within the specified time frame.
- Receive booking confirmation and e-ticket via email after payment.
Note: Smart Shopper points are earned only when booking directly through FlightSite, selecting the “pay at Pick n Pay” option, and entering the Smart Shopper card number on flightsite.co.za.
Best Bus Companies
1. Greyhound
Renowned for its premium service and comfort, Greyhound is a top choice for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and affordability. During the festive season, they often offer special promotions, such as discounted fares for early bookings and lower prices for certain routes. Greyhound’s fleet is equipped with amenities like onboard Wi-Fi, reclining seats, and ample legroom, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Amenities and Features
- Charging Points: Stay connected with individual power outlets at every seat.
- Individual Air Vents and Reading Lights: Control your comfort with personalized features.
- Dreamliner Exterior: Experience modern aesthetics with a sleek Dreamliner design.
- 48 Premium Class Seats Upstairs: Luxurious travel awaits in the spacious premium class section.
- 12 Business Class Seats Downstairs: Enjoy added amenities and comfort in the business class area.
- Reclining Seats with Extra Legroom: Adjustable memory foam seats provide ultimate comfort.
- No Middle Seats: Aisle or window seating ensures a comfortable journey for every passenger.
- Overhead Storage: Convenient storage to free up space for a more relaxed trip.
- On-Board Restroom: Accessible restroom on board for added convenience during the journey.
- Safe & Eco-Friendly: Prioritizing safety with 24-hour monitoring and contributing to environmental conservation with clean fuel technology.
2. Intercape
Intercape stands out for its value deals, particularly appealing to those planning road trips. They provide various ticket options, including economy and business class, catering to different budgets. Intercape prides itself on safety, with its buses undergoing regular maintenance checks. Their festive season deals often include discounted fares for advance bookings and special rates for students and pensioners.
Special Discounts
- Frequent Traveler Discount (10%):
- Accumulate travel points and receive a 10% discount in the form of a voucher for future purchases.
- Qualification requires a travel history of 10 tickets with travel dates in the past.
- A photo ID is essential for voucher redemption.
- Vouchers are redeemable exclusively at Intercape Offices within a 6-month validity period.
- Student Discount (5%):
- Registered tertiary institution students enjoy a 5% discount on bus ticket prices.
- A valid student ID is required at the time of ticket purchase.
- Senior Citizen Discount (15%):
- Individuals aged 60 or older benefit from a 15% discount.
- Proof of age, such as ID, is necessary during ticket purchase.
- SANDF & SAP Discount (10%):
- Members of the South African National Defence Force or South African Police Service receive a 10% discount on bus ticket prices.
- Official ID verification is mandatory at the time of ticket purchase.
- Children’s Discount (15%):
- Children aged 11 or younger, traveling with an adult paying Flexi or Full Flexi fares, qualify for a 15% discount on their bus ticket prices.
- Family Discount (50%):
- Applicable when two adults travel, both paying the full flexi fare, accompanied by at least three children.
- The three children receive a 50% discount on full flexi fares.
- Additional children qualify for a 15% discount on the full flexi fare.
- All traveling children must be 11 years or younger.
- Valid only on Full Flexi tickets.
3. Big Sky InterCity
Big Sky Intercity offers the epitome of luxury bus travel with a fleet of 40 coaches, ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable transportation across South Africa.
Big Sky Intercity Features and Safety Measures:
- Luxurious Travel Experience:
- Fleet of 40 luxury coaches
- Safe, dependable, and affordable travel throughout South Africa
- Onboard Amenities:
- Air-conditioning
- Toilets
- Reclining seats
- Online entertainment
- USB charging ports
- Seatbelts
- Passenger Safety Commitment:
- Exceeds stringent safety standards in the passenger transport industry
- Operates seven technical depots throughout South Africa
- Safety checks before each departure
- Voluntary three-monthly certificate of fitness (surpassing the six-monthly legal requirement)
- Advanced Safety Technologies:
- A-Grade Certificate of Fitness tests, including continuous brake tests
- State-of-the-art brake test stations at major maintenance depots
- Drivers trained and continuously reevaluated by an in-house TETA-accredited Training Academy
- Satellite tracking devices on all vehicles are monitored 24/7
- Drive Cam technology on coach windscreens to monitor and manage driver behavior
- Driver Fitness and Well-being:
- Drivers must sign a declaration of fitness and rest before each trip
- Alcohol breathalyzer tests before and after each trip
- Strict driver-hour management program to eliminate fatigue
- Speeding Control:
- Zero tolerance for speeding
- Drivers not allowed to exceed 95 km/h (where the prescribed limit is 100 km/h for passenger transport vehicles)
- Standard speed of 45 km/h on mountain passes according to Big Sky Intercity standards
4. Translux
Translux Bus provides luxurious coach trips across South Africa and neighboring countries with daily stops at 100 destinations. Their fleet includes double-decker and single-decker buses equipped with amenities offering passengers a comfortable and budget-friendly travel experience.
Features:
- Air conditioning
- Entertainment systems
- Heaters
- On-board toilets
- Reading lights
- Reclining seats for added comfort
Popular Routes and Bus Ticket Prices
- Johannesburg to Durban: R388.80
- Pretoria to Durban: R405.00
- Durban to Johannesburg: R356.40
- Bloemfontein to Johannesburg: R388.80
- Johannesburg to Bloemfontein: R405.00
- Johannesburg to Mthatha: R615.60
- Johannesburg to Queenstown: R583.20
- Bloemfontein to Pretoria: R388.80
- Durban to Pretoria: R372.60
- Mthatha to Johannesburg: R534.60
- Pretoria to Bloemfontein: R421.20
- Pietermaritzburg to Johannesburg: R372.60
- Johannesburg to Pietermaritzburg: R421.20
- Pretoria to Mthatha: R615.60
- Midrand to Durban: R405.00
- Queenstown to Johannesburg: R502.20
- Johannesburg to Idutywa: R631.80
- Pretoria to Pietermaritzburg: R421.20
- Welkom to Johannesburg: R405.00
- Johannesburg to Butterworth: R599.40
- Pietermaritzburg to Pretoria: R388.80
Note: Bus ticket prices are subject to change and availability.
Safety Tips for Bus Travel
In addition to finding the best bus ticket prices, ensuring safety during bus travel is crucial, especially during the busy festive season. Here are detailed safety tips for a secure and comfortable journey:
- Choose Reputable Companies: Opting for well-known bus services with excellent safety records is essential. Research and read reviews about different bus companies to understand their safety standards, accident history, and customer experiences. Companies that prioritize safety often have a higher frequency of driver training and strict adherence to road safety regulations.
- Check the Bus Condition: Before embarking on your journey, take a moment to assess the condition of the bus. Look for essential safety features like functional seat belts, emergency exits that are easily accessible, and intact windows and doors. A well-maintained bus is less likely to encounter mechanical issues, ensuring a safer trip. Do not hesitate to inquire about the last maintenance check of the bus if you have concerns.
- Stay Alert: While travelling, it is vital to keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings. Use luggage tags and keep valuable items in carry-on bags. If you are travelling overnight or taking a nap, ensure your bags are securely locked or held close to you.
- Follow Bus Safety Instructions: Pay attention to any safety instructions provided by the bus staff. This includes understanding the location of emergency exits, how to operate the seat belts, and the proper procedure in case of an emergency.
- Travel Light: Avoid overpacking. Heavily loaded bags can become hazardous in the event of sudden stops or emergencies. Plus, keeping your luggage light ensures easier mobility and less strain.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you are well-hydrated and rested before your journey. Dehydration and fatigue can affect your alertness and overall health during the trip.
- Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Have a list of emergency contacts, including those of the bus company and personal emergency contacts. It’s also advisable to inform someone about your travel itinerary and expected arrival time.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and possibly bring a blanket or a neck pillow, especially for long journeys. Comfortable attire can also ensure quick mobility in case of an emergency.
- Be Cautious with Food and Drinks: If you are accepting food and drinks during the journey, especially from co-passengers, be cautious. It is safer to bring your own snacks and water.
- Know Your Rights: As a passenger, you have the right to a safe travel environment. Do not hesitate to speak up if you notice something amiss or feel your safety is being compromised.
Documents Required When Purchasing Bus Tickets
- Valid Identification: ID card, passport, or driver’s license.
- Payment Proof: For online bookings, a confirmation email or receipt.
- Parental Consent: For minors traveling alone, a letter of consent from a guardian.
Buying Bus Tickets Online: A Convenient Option
- Ease of Comparison: Websites like Travelstart and Computicket allow you to compare prices and routes easily.
- Early Bird Offers: Many online platforms offer discounts on bus ticket prices for early bookings.
- E-Tickets: Online booking often results in an e-ticket, which is convenient and environmentally friendly.
Steps for Online Booking:
- Visit a reputable booking site.
- Enter your travel details (departure and arrival destinations, dates).
- Compare the bus ticket prices and select the best deal.
- Complete the payment process.
- Save or print your e-ticket.
With the right information, finding the best bus ticket prices for your holiday travel can be a seamless process. By considering safety, cost, and convenience, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and ensures a pleasant journey home.