How to travel from East London to Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The distance between East London and Port Elizabeth is around 310km (193 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3hrs.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from East London to Port Elizabeth by bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Port ElizabethEast London if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from East London (ELS) to Port Elizabeth (PLZ).

  • Duration3hrs
  • Flight time2h 45m
  • Typical cost
    ZAR 2,380($140)
Operated by

Safair

+ 1 others
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Port Elizabeth.

  • Duration4h 15m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ZAR 395($23)
Operated by

Greyhound ZA

3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Port Elizabeth.

  • Duration3h 45m
  • Distance310km (193 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between East London and Port Elizabeth

There are several options for getting from East London to Port Elizabeth by bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ZAR 395 ($23) and will take around 4h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ZAR 2,380 ($140).

The distance between East London and Port Elizabeth is around 310km (193 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 236km (147 miles)

It takes around 4h 15m to get from East London and Port Elizabeth by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 3h 45m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from East London to Port Elizabeth is to fly which takes around 3hrs and will set you back approx ZAR 2,380 ($140).

The cheapest way to travel between East London and Port Elizabeth, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ZAR 395 ($23) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between East London and Port Elizabeth. We recommend that you fly from East London (ELS) to Port Elizabeth (PLZ). instead which will take 3hrs.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from East London and Port Elizabeth. It typically takes around 4h 15m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between East London and Port Elizabeth with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 4h 15m.

Greyhound ZA run regular bus services between East London and Port Elizabeth. Buses run once daily and take around 4h 15m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from East London and Port Elizabeth. Flights depart from East London (ELS) and arrive at Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - via Durban (DUR). The flight takes around 2h 45m.

There is no direct flight from East London to Port Elizabeth. There is however a flight that goes via Durban (DUR). This services will take at least 3hrs (not including layover time).

The flight from East London to Port Elizabeth typically takes around 2h 45m. Flights depart from East London (ELS) and and arrive into Port Elizabeth (PLZ).

The closest major airport to Port Elizabeth is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) (PLZ) which is approximately 3km (2 miles) from Port Elizabeth. Plettenberg Bay Airport (PBZ) (PBZ) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) (CPT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from East London and Port Elizabeth. The distance is around 310km (193 miles) by road and it will take around 3h 45m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from East London to Port Elizabeth is to take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 15m and will usually cost around ZAR 395 ($23).

How do I get from East London to Port Elizabeth

Compare travel optionsbetween East London and Port Elizabeth

Transport options from East London to Port Elizabeth
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly
3hrs
ZAR 2,380($140)
on demand1,216km (755 miles)
Bus
4h 15m
ZAR 395($23)
once daily310km (193 miles)
Drive
3h 45m
ZAR 755($44)
on demand310km (193 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between East London and Port Elizabeth

Airlines

Bus companies

Airports near Port Elizabeth

The following major airports near Port Elizabeth offer regular flights to various popular destinations within South Africa and internationally.

PLZ
Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
3km (2 miles) from Port Elizabeth
PBZ
Plettenberg Bay Airport (PBZ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
212km (132 miles) from Port Elizabeth
CPT
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
International Airport
Distance
648km (402 miles) from Port Elizabeth