How to travel from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg, South Africa

The distance between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg is around 944km (586 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 15m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg by plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out JohannesburgPort Elizabeth if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) to Johannesburg (JNB).

  • Duration2h 15m
  • Flight time1h 40m
  • Typical cost
    ZAR 2,125($125)
Operated by

Safair

+ 2 others

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Jonannesburg.

  • Duration15h 30m
  • Departs4 times a day
  • Typical cost
    ZAR 600($35)
Operated by

Greyhound ZA

+ 3 others
💰 Cheapest
3
train
+

Train

Take the train to Johannesburg.

  • Duration19h 55m
  • Departsonce a week
  • Typical cost
    ZAR 310($18)
Operated by

Shosholoza Meyl

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Johannesburg.

  • Duration11h 35m
  • Distance1,080km (671 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg

There are several options for getting from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around ZAR 310 ($18) and will take around 19h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ZAR 2,125 ($125).

The distance between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg is around 944km (586 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 894km (555 miles)

It takes around 2h 15m to get from Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 11h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg is to fly which takes around 2h 15m and will set you back approx ZAR 2,125 ($125).

The cheapest way to travel between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around ZAR 310 ($18) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. It typically takes around 19h 55m and departs once a week.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg with no changeovers required. The train runs once a week and takes 19h 55m.

Shosholoza Meyl run train services between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Trains depart once a week and will take around 19h 55m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. It typically takes around 15h 30m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 15h 30m.

Greyhound ZA run regular bus services between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Buses run once daily and take around 15h 30m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Flights depart from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) and arrive at Johannesburg (JNB). The flight takes around 1h 40m.

Yes there is a direct flight between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 1h 40m.

Safair, Airlink and CemAir fly between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Flights depart from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) and and arrive into Johannesburg (JNB). These flights usually take around 1h 40m.

The flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg typically takes around 1h 40m. Flights depart from Port Elizabeth (PLZ) and and arrive into Johannesburg (JNB).

The closest major airport to Johannesburg is OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) (JNB) which is approximately 21km (13 miles) from Johannesburg. Lanseria International Airport (HLA) (HLA) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) (MQP) 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 Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. The distance is around 1,080km (671 miles) by road and it will take around 11h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 15m and will usually cost around ZAR 2,125 ($125).

How do I get from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg

Compare travel optionsbetween Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg

Transport options from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
2h 15m
ZAR 2,125($125)
every 20 mins944km (586 miles)
Fly to Lanseria (HLA)3h 25m
ZAR 3,235($190)
every 20 mins1,272km (790 miles)
Bus
15h 30m
ZAR 600($35)
4 times a day1,157km (719 miles)
Train
19h 55m
ZAR 310($18)
once a week1,112km (691 miles)
Drive
11h 35m
ZAR 2,585($150)
on demand1,080km (671 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Johannesburg

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

JNB
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
International Airport
Distance
21km (13 miles) from Johannesburg
HLA
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
International Airport
Distance
32km (20 miles) from Johannesburg
MQP
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
International Airport
Distance
319km (198 miles) from Johannesburg