Transport

ROAD NETWORK
The road network in the region is excellent and well sign posted. A few of the more rural attractions can only be reached by dirt road. The speed limit on the national roads, those denoted with the prefix N, is 120km/h, major roads have a speed limit of 100km/h and on urban roads the limit is 60km/h. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and road signage is in accordance with international codes. None residents of South Africa require an international driver’s license, or one from their country of origin that has been certified by their consulate. Petrol (gas) is available 24 hours a day at all the towns and along the routes at certain points on the freeway. Please note the legal blood/alcohol limit is 0.05mg per 100ml. This constitutes roughly one drink. It is against the law to make use of your cellular phone while driving, so please pull over before answering or receiving phone calls or else make use of a hands free kit. Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory for both driver and passengers.

AIR TRAVEL
The Eastern Cape does not have an international airport of its own but all the domestic airlines have regular flights into the Port Elizabeth and East London airports and to a lesser extent, to Umtata''s airport. Many smaller centres have domestic airfields and strips. Visit the directory page for contact details.

BUSES
Port Elizabeth has an efficient bus service, Algoa Bus, that operates a regular service to most parts of the city, with the exception of the Port Elizabeth airport.

COACHES
Most centres are served by a number of quick and efficient luxury intercity coach services. A regular service between backpacker lodges is also available. Visit the directory page for contact details.

CAR HIRE
Public transport in South Africa is not as efficient as it is in Europe, North America or the Far East and so many visitors prefer to hire a car. All major car rental companies service the airports and have depots in the major towns of the Eastern Cape. Visit the directory page for contact details.

METERED TAXIS
Metered taxis can be hailed at the airports and major tourist attractions, however, most operate on a call out basis. We suggest that you obtain the number of a taxi service in advance should you know that you will require the services of a metered taxi. Visit the directory page for contact details.

TAXIS
A minibus service in South Africa is know as a taxi. Although they operate along set routes, they do run very frequently, if not on a fixed time schedule, and can drop you off anywhere along the way (you must request the driver to stop at the point at which you wish to disembark). Most display their destinations in their front windows. Fares are predetermined and vary according to distance travelled. Visit the directory page for contact details.

TRANSFER COMPANIES
Transfer companies operate on point A to point B system where the charge is not on time or mileage, but a set fee. This is the prefered method of getting to the more rural destinations such as game reserves. When making a reservation at a game reserve enquire about their transfers should you require this transport option. Visit the directory page for contact details.

TRAINS
Using the train as a means of moving from one destination to another is not an option in the Eastern Cape as the railway lines are few and far between.
Luxury train travel is available but is an experience on its own and not a means of moving from one place to another.