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Should You Use the Baz Bus in South Africa?

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2025 Update: Baz Bus has made some significant changes since my last update and bus travel in South Africa as a whole is a completely different ball game. I’ve updated the guide to show Baz Bus’ changes and also a differing view of who Baz Bus might suit.

When I was planning a trip to South Africa it was hard to avoid any mention of the “backpacker bus” called Baz Bus. It’s in all of the guides and you’ll find mentions on most of the hostel websites. I initially thought something like this would not be my style but when planning my first trip in South Africa, I wasn’t sure how difficult it was going to be to get around.

In past years, this service was met with mixed reviews in various Baz Bus reviews and on platforms like TripAdvisor. However, times have changed. Now operating exclusively on the Garden Route, Baz Bus in South Africa has reinvented itself to meet the evolving needs of backpackers and independent travelers.

After a total of six months in South Africa across two trips, and speaking with numerous other travelers, I formed a pretty solid opinion of the Baz Bus and even tried it out for myself. Hopefully, this information will help you plan your own trip and decide whether the Baz Bus is for you or not. This article aims to provide a balanced, in-depth perspective on the service by comparing it to other bus travel in South Africa, reviewing personal driving experiences on the road, and sharing tips for making the most of your journey.

What’s New with Baz Bus?

In response to past criticisms and changing travel needs in South Africa, the Baz Bus team has recently overhauled its service. The biggest change is Baz Bus SA now sticks to a single route—the Garden Route.

  • Daily Runs and Clearer Operating Hours: They run buses every day (with a slightly lighter schedule in the off-season), so you’re not stuck waiting for days on end.

  • Lower Prices: Prices have dropped considerably—hop on hop off passes now start at around $119, down from a $199 starting price when I first used them.

  • Online Flexibility: A new online login lets you shift your bus dates and times up to 12 hours before departure, which sounds like a win if things change suddenly.

  • Social Vibe: They’ve added social activities at various stops—quizzes, karaoke sessions, and such—to help break up the ride. This seems to have contributed to much improved Baz Bus reviews, including a recent 96% overall rating on TripAdvisor.

What is the Baz Bus?

The Baz Bus is a hop on hop off bus service that connects travelers to South Africa’s Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It offers a flexible and social alternative to public transport, rental cars, and guided tours. For route ideas and places to stop, see my suggested South Africa itineraries.

Designed for independent explorers who still want structure, it allows you to book one pass covering all bus journeys, with pickups at hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts, and drop-offs at carefully chosen towns and hidden gems. Buses run daily, and you can change your schedule online up to 12 hours before departure. Drivers double as local guides, sharing stories and tips along the way, making the journey more than just a ride.

The service is popular among solo travelers looking to meet like-minded adventurers while avoiding the stress of driving. Compared to renting a car, it’s cheaper and safer, with no parking worries.

There are two pass options to choose from. You can either buy:

  • A hop-on, hop-off pass to your chosen destination and get on and off as many times as you want along the way, in one direction within one year; or

  • A travel pass from a chosen starting point and get on and off as many times as you want, in any direction (back and forth), within a specific period.

A ticket on the Baz Bus will cost you from $119 with an additional discount when booking more than one passenger. It includes:

  • One 23kg bag and one small hand luggage

  • Unlimited free bus and date changes

  • Discounts on restaurants and accommodation

My Baz Bus Review: Pros and Cons

No transport option is perfect. Here’s a balanced look at the key benefits and challenges of the current Baz Bus service based on my experiences and recent feedback from fellow travelers.

Some advantages of using Baz Bus include:

  • Door-to-Door Service: The convenience of being picked up directly at your accommodation is a major draw, especially for first-time visitors who may not be comfortable navigating local public transport (and South African bus stations)

  • Daily Departures & Predictability: The improved schedule means less downtime waiting for the next bus and more time enjoying the journey.

  • Social Atmosphere: Organized activities like quizzes and karaoke provide a relaxed environment to meet other travelers. In many Baz Bus reviews, passengers have praised the friendly, community feel onboard.

  • Cost-Effectiveness for Solo Travelers: The new pricing structure makes Baz Bus tickets more affordable than renting a car on your own. For solo backpackers, this can be a particularly attractive option.

  • Flexibility: The online login system allows you to change travel dates and times with ease, giving you the freedom to adjust your itinerary as plans evolve.

Some disadvantages of Baz Bus are:

  • Limited Coverage: By focusing exclusively on the Garden Route, Baz Bus no longer serves areas like Johannesburg or Durban. Travelers looking to explore beyond the Garden Route will need to consider other options, such as renting a car, flying, or using public transport.

  • Not Ideal for the Experienced Traveler: If you’re comfortable with independent travel and have experience with bus travel in South Africa, you might find the structured schedule and stops a bit restrictive. Some travelers prefer the freedom of self-driving in South Africa, especially when compared with the more leisurely pace of the Baz Bus timetable.

What Are the Other Options for Garden Route Travel?

If you’re considering bus travel in South Africa, it’s a good idea to weigh your choices. Here’s a comparison of Baz Bus with the more traditional public buses and even the option of renting a car.

Using Public Transport

South Africa offers a range of public bus options through companies like Intercape, Translux, and Greyhound. These services usually boast comfy, reclining seats and air conditioning, yet they don’t offer door-to-door pickups like Baz Bus does.

Public buses are generally more direct, with fewer stops, which means you might get to your destination faster, yet you miss out on that extra bit of social interaction and the convenience of being dropped off right at your accomodation. If speed is your priority and you’re less interested in the communal vibe, public buses could be a better fit.

Prices on public buses can be incredibly low—sometimes as little as R180 for shorter routes. Here are some examples of bus prices in 2025:

  • Cape Town to Stellenbosch: R180

  • Mossel Bay to Wilderness: R180

  • Swellendam to Plettenberg Bay: R220

  • Hermanus to George: R300

  • Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: R303

There are also mini-van taxis that can help you get from one neighboring town to another for R15 or more. These are easy and cheap once you’ve caught a couple and are a great way to spend some time with actual locals. One of my first memories in South Africa was taking a mini-van taxi and singing along to the radio with a car full of people. We were squished but had a great time!

The (Huge) Downsides of Public Buses

After saying all that, I couldn’t personally recommend public bus travel to anyone anymore. A decade ago, taking a long-distance public bus in South Africa was a solid budget-friendly option, but things have changed. Reports of violent attacks, hijackings, and conflicts within the transport industry have made public buses less reliable and, in some cases, outright dangerous.

That said, if you’re sticking to a well-traveled route and have thoroughly researched the current safety situation, public buses can still be an option. Some travelers continue to use them without issues, but the risks have increased significantly, and it’s not as carefree as it once was.

Pit stop while hitching a ride with a fellow traveler in Oudtshoorn

Pit stop while hitching a ride with a fellow traveler in Oudtshoorn

Hire a Car

Another great option if you have a driver’s licence is to hire a car. My last trip to South Africa was mostly self-drive as I had a friend with me and it worked out to be around USD $30 per day. Most roads in South Africa are paved and easy to navigate and you will be able to make your own schedule and access places that even the buses don’t often go to.

Having your own car also makes it a lot easier to get to sights and activities which means you don’t need to spend money on expensive tours that you can do on your own.

A great example of this is the popular waterfall hike in Northern Drakensberg. Amphitheatre Backpackers charges R3100 for a day trip where you can easily do the hike on your own, pack your own lunch, and save over R500 per person if you can just drive the two-hour-long trip to the top of the trailhead.

Why You Might Not Want to Rent a Car

There are two big downsides of car rental. The first applies to getting around anywhere in the world, not specifically in South Africa. If you’re traveling on your own, you really miss out on the opportunity to interact with locals or other travelers. That’s totally fine if you’re an introvert or just happy to meet people at your next stop but, driving down the N2, trying to sneak peeks of the view while attempting to stay on the road can be a lonely prospect for some.

The solution that I discovered on my first trip, was to pick up eager backpackers on the way. I met several solo travelers in hostels and guesthouses who were keen to open up a seat in their hire car just for the pleasure of some company on the way. On my last trip, I was with a friend but we were traveling for a few weeks together and were more than happy to listen to a voice that wasn’t ours after a few days.

The next downside is unique to South Africa (and a few other places that I wouldn’t dare drive solo). It’s the safety aspect. I’m not trying to freak anyone out because remember, I’m a petite female often traveling on my own with no self-defense skills to speak about, and I still do it. However, driving in South Africa takes a few extra precautions.

Key safety tips for driving in South Africa:

  • Keep doors locked and windows up when stopped at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Opportunistic theft can happen in cities and busy intersections.

  • Never pick up hitchhikers, no matter how harmless they appear. If you’re concerned for someone’s safety, report it at the next town.

  • Avoid driving at night, particularly in rural or remote areas where visibility is low and animals may wander onto the road.

  • Park in well-lit, busy areas and never leave valuables visible in the car, even for a quick stop.

  • Follow local advice. Hosts, guesthouses, or lodges will often know which areas are safe to drive through and which should be avoided.

  • Stay calm in road disputes. Aggressive drivers exist everywhere, and it’s best to avoid confrontation.

  • Watch out for road obstacles. In some areas, criminals place objects like rocks in the road to force cars to stop—carefully drive around them rather than stopping. (Personally, I encountered someone parked across a street to block the road close to Pretoria. I quickly realized what was happening and drove around it onto the pavement)

  • Be mindful of wildlife. Rural roads aren’t always fenced, and you might encounter livestock or even large antelope, particularly at night.

  • Plan fuel stops in advance. Petrol stations aren’t as frequent in remote areas, so top up when you can.

  • Ask for directions at petrol stations instead of stopping in unfamiliar areas.

A unique beach outside of Knysna that would be near impossible/costly to get to without a car

A unique beach outside of Knysna that would be near impossible/costly to get to without a car

How Did I Get Around South Africa?

During my time in South Africa, I used a combination of mainliner buses, mini-van taxis, sharing rides with other travelers, car rental, and then finally the Baz Bus. To provide a balanced review of Baz Bus I brought a 14-day pass to get me from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg.

I chose this segment for a couple of reasons:

  1. I wanted to visit Northern Drakensburg which is very difficult without a car. Even the mainliners don’t stop nearby, meaning you have to spend a few hours changing to get to your accomodation, whereas the Baz Bus drops you right at their doorstep.

  2. The mainline buses left Port Elizabeth at 6:45 am which is the same time the Baz Bus started its accomodation pick-ups and it arrived around the same time in Coffee Bay. I thought I would be happy to pay for the convenience of not getting up extra early in PE to get a taxi to the bus station.

Tips for Making the Most of the Baz Bus

If you’re leaning toward giving Baz Bus SA a try, here are some pointers that might help smooth out the rough edges of the experience:

  • Familiarize Yourself with the Route
    Before you set out, spend some time checking the official Baz Bus route map to see which stops are on the route. Knowing the layout of the Garden Route bus service can help you plan which stops are must-sees and which might be best skipped.

  • Use the Hop On Hop Off Option
    The Baz Bus hop on hop off feature is a cool way to explore on your own terms. Heard about a cool hike at your last hotel that isn’t in your plan? It’s super easy to edit your booking so you can include a new stop on the way.

  • Book Your Tickets Early
    Snagging your Baz Bus tickets in advance can lock in a good deal and secure your seat, especially during peak periods.

  • Pack Essentials for a Basic Ride
    Even though comfort has improved a lot, the bus ride can be rather utilitarian (it’s more like a van than a bus). Bring along water, snacks, and something to keep you entertained for longer trips.

  • Stay Open to Social Interactions
    One of the unique aspects of Baz Bus is the social vibe—whether you’re joining a Baz Bus day tour or just chatting with fellow passengers, it’s a chance to connect.

Road Tripping to St Lucia, South Africa

Road Tripping to St Lucia, South Africa

So, Should You Use the Baz Bus in South Africa?

I would recommend the Baz Bus to a couple groups of people:

1) It’s your first time traveling to South Africa or you’re traveling solo

Baz Bus is a big confidence booster when you’re traveling through South Africa. Even though I can attest to the fact that it is one of the more modern and well-connected countries I’ve traveled through, it can still be daunting when you haven’t seen it for yourself.

Baz Bus will drop you off at your accomodation door and pick you up there when you are ready to leave again, albeit on their schedule. You get to spend time in transit with other backpackers and your opportunity to meet other travelers increases. There’s something special about arriving at your new hostel with some new travel friends already made.

It’s also the safest option these days, so if you’re in any doubt about traveling around the Garden Route, this is a great option.

2) You don’t have a lot of time

If you have just a week to explore the Garden Route then Baz Bus is a reasonable option. It’s flexible enough that you can still change your plans around but it follows a set schedule so you know you’ll be where you need to be on a certain date.

I would also suggest checking out a local tour company. One popular company, Hotspots2c offers an 8-day tour for R8,900 including all accommodation and most entry fees and activity costs. I think this takes all the stress out of planning a shorter trip and you don’t have to worry about Baz Bus’s failings and fitting into their schedule. While I didn’t get the opportunity to try this company out I did meet a few people doing the Hotspots tour at some of my hostels.

My Suggestions

  • If in doubt, give it a shot. Costs are now reasonable, it’s a safe choice and you might make some friends along the way. You could start your trip with the Baz Bus and then branch out once you’re more comfortable getting around.

  • Rent a car if you are two or more people and you feel confident enough to navigate South Africa’s roads.

  • If you are new to traveling, on your own and would like the security and peace of mind of a door-to-door service then the Baz Bus is the best option in South Africa.

  • If you’re up for a challenge, looking to save money, and have used public transport in similar countries then you could consider public transport. Be aware of the current safety risks before taking this option.

Elephant hugs in Oudtshoorn

Elephant hugs in Oudtshoorn

Frequently Asked Questions About the Baz Bus in South Africa

Q: Why is the Baz Bus suitable for backpackers?

A: The Baz Bus is ideal for backpackers because it offers a safe, flexible, and social way to travel without needing to rent a car or figure out public transport. It provides door-to-door service to hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts, a hop on hop off system for independent exploration, and a built-in community of fellow travelers.

Q: What is the safest bus in South Africa?

A: The Baz Bus is one of the safest options since it avoids public terminals, picks up and drops off at hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts, and only operates in well-traveled tourist areas. For longer routes beyond the Garden Route, Intercape is one of the more reliable public bus companies, but safety concerns have increased in recent years. If traveling long distances, flying is the safest choice.

Q: How long does it take to travel by bus from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town?

A: A direct public bus from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town takes 10 to 13 hours, depending on stops and road conditions. The Baz Bus takes longer as it stops at multiple towns along the Garden Route, making it a more scenic but slower option. The current timetable sees buses leaving Port Elizabeth at 6:30 am and arriving in Cape Town at 8:00 pm

If time is a priority, flying is the fastest way to travel this route.

Q: Where exactly does Baz Bus operate now?

A: Baz Bus South Africa now focuses solely on the Garden Route, running between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth with regular, daily departures.

Q: What do Baz Bus tickets cost these days?

A: Prices have dropped noticeably—hop on hop off passes start at around $119, while full-route tickets generally fall in the $139 to $199 range, yet these costs might still stack up depending on your travel style.

Q: Is it possible to change my Baz Bus booking if my plans shift?

A: Yes, the online system allows you to adjust your bus dates and times up to 12 hours before departure, a feature that adds a bit of leeway, yet it still leaves you with the core fixed schedule.

Q: How safe is bus travel in South Africa with Baz Bus?

A: Generally speaking, most travelers feel secure using the Baz Bus due to its established pickup points and regular stops, yet it’s always a good idea to keep your belongings close. Common sense is your best companion whether you’re on a bus or in a rental car, yet the structured nature of Baz Bus often provides an extra sense of security.

Q: Who uses the Baz Bus?

a: The Baz Bus is best suited for travelers new to independent travel or if you don’t have much time in South Africa and just want to easily see the highlights along the Garden Route.

Q: Does Baz Bus still operate?

A: Yes, but it has reduced its routes and stops and now focuses on trips between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

Q: What is the Baz Bus route?

A: The Baz Bus route covers 14 stops along the South African coast, from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

Q: Can I travel between Cape Town and Johannesburg using the Baz Bus?

A: Not anymore. The Bas Bus now focuses on travel between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

If you have anything to add or have any experience with travelling around South Africa, please share this with me in the comments!

Check out another review of the Baz Bus from the Indie Traveller website here.

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