Exploring the Western Cape with the Intercape Bus
Intercape is the biggest intercity passenger transport service in Southern Africa. They operate in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. We decided to investigate how you can use this luxurious bus service to springboard into the Western Cape.
Discover the Secret Spots of the Cape
We think the following little Western Cape towns will make for great local getaway options. If you think Cape Town is filled with spectacular views, wait till you travel a few kilometres outside the city borders! The awe-inspiring beauty will take your breath away.
You don’t have to travel to an exotic location to have a fabulous holiday experience. The Western Cape has enough mesmerizing locations to keep you busy for ages.
Off-peak Bus Ticket Rates
The Intercape bus tickets have three different class options: Full Flexi, Flexi, and Saver. With a Full Flexi or Flexi bus ticket, you are more flexible with regards to cancelling or changing your booking. The Saver bus tickets offer you the best travel fares, but availability is limited and it’s more restricted. Read more about the bus ticket rules.
(Full Flexi) | (Flexi) | (Saver) – one-way prices
Malmesbury
R300 | R285 | R270
1 and a half hours bus travel
Located about 65km North of Cape Town, it’s the biggest town in the Swartland area. The area got its name from the Renosterbos, an indigenous plant which turns black during the warm, dry African summers.
Citrusdal
R370 (full flexi) | R352.00 (flexi) | R333 (saver)
2 hours bus travel
Located approximately 160km North of Cape Town. You can guess where the town got its name from, citrus fruit farming flourishes in the area. The “dal” part is Afrikaans for valley, the town is situated in the Olifants River Valley.
Piketberg
R350 | R333 | R315
2 hours bus travel
Situated 130km from Cape Town, close to the West Coast town of Saldanha Bay. Originally the name was spelled “Piquetberg”. It’s located at the foothills of the Piketberg mountains. These mountains contain Table Mountain Sandstone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqZq1HKB2la/
Clanwilliam
R390 | R371 | R351
3 hours bus travel
Located 200 km north of Cape Town. The town lies in the Olifants River valley and is part of the Cederberg Local Municipality. This area is a hiker or climber’s dream come true! Click here to view your rock climbing options in the area.
Laingsburg
R490 | R466 | R441
3 and a half hours bus travel
Located approximately 250km from Cape Town. It’s known as the second capital of Karoo. You will pass the famous quaint little town of Matjiesfontein on your way here. Consider a quick outing to it for lunch at the famous Lord Milner Hotel, it’s only 20 minutes from Laingsburg.
Swellendam
R390 | R371 | R351
4 hours bus travel
Located about 200km from Cape Town. It’s the third oldest town in South Africa (after Cape Town and Stellenbosch) The little town is full of heritage sites, 50 in total. Most of these are Cape Dutch architecture buildings.
Vanrhynsdorp
R430 | R409 | R387
5 hours bus travel
Located approximately 300km from Cape Town. The town forms part of the West Coast District Municipality but is not situated at the beach. It dates back to 1661, when Pieter van Meerhoff and other Europeans explored the area.
Beaufort Wes
R510 | R485 | R459
6 and a half hours bus travel
Located about 450km from Cape Town. It is the biggest town in the desert-like Great Karoo region. The town has the reputation of being the “Capital of the Karoo”. It’s a bustling spot, as the N1 runs through it.
Oudtshoorn
R580 | R510 | R440
9 hours bus travel
Located approximately 400km from Cape Town. This town is the “Capital of the Klein Karoo”. It’s situated along the famous Route 62 wine route.
The area also has many ostrich farms. If you feel brave enough, you could even ride one of these feisty birds! And make sure you pop in at the Cango Caves limestone chambers, which is 20 million years old.
Heidelberg
R390 | R371 | R351
4 hours bus travel
Located about 250km from Cape Town. Make sure you click carefully when selecting this one, otherwise you will end up at its namesake in Gauteng. The little town lies east of the Overberg region and could be seen as the start of the Garden Route.
Travel A Little Bit Further
If you want to see what else the country has to offer you, the Intercape bus can conveniently let you spread your travel wings. Coastal city options include Mosselbay, Knysna, Jeffreys Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London, and Durban. Travel into the heart of the Northern Cape stopping at Garies, Springbok, Keimoes or Upington. Or to the top of the country, stopping at Nelspruit. You can also travel effortlessly to Gauteng on the Cape Town to Johannesburg/Pretoria via Kimberley route.
Did you know? You can receive discount on your bus ticket. Discounts are available for families, students, children and senior citizens. Intercape also offers frequent traveller discount. View the discount options.
A Few Things to Know When Travelling on an Intercape Bus
Two suitcases are allowed per person, but the total mass must not exceed 20kg. The bags must also be maximum 80 cm x 60 cm x 30 cm in size. If your luggage goes over the weight limit, you will be charged per extra kilogram. Refreshments aren’t served on the bus, but you will have plenty of time to stock up on snacks at the various stops along the way. And you are also allowed to pack your own.
How to Make a Booking
There are a few ways you can book your bus ticket. Online bookings, via the Intercape call center, visit a sales office, at a PEP store, or Shoprite/Checkers Money Market counter.
Once you’ve booked your ticket you can make a payment with your credit card, an EFT, at a PEP store, or Shoprite/Checkers outlet. You can also book your Intercape bus ticket with your Jet or Edgards Thank U account card.
Your Intercape Bus Options
You can choose between the Intercape Mainliner or Sleepliner. All the busses boast with an impeccable safe travel environment and unbeatable safety record. The Mainliner features include reclining comfortable seats, secure luggage storage, air conditioning, an on-board toilet, and on-board entertainment.
The Sleepliner seats can recline 150 degrees and has special padded memory foam. The comfort is further extended with extra legroom and a leg rest, plus a seat belt for your safety while horizontal. It also has air conditioning, an on-board toilet, and on-board entertainment. This options offers you premium class luxury at an affordable price. These imported coaches are of the highest quality.
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