According to reviews, Intercape bus service has friendly drivers and comfortable coaches. Some passengers mentioned issues like late departures and non-functional charging points. Suggestions were made for addressing a persistent smell in the toilet area. Despite delays, customers appreciate the safety measures taken by the company during travel.
Intercape Mainliner East London Pietermaritzburg recent customer reviews
I would like to express my dissatisfaction with the extreme delay of the bus. The bus was scheduled to arrive in Pietermaritzburg at 12:55, but it only arrived at 4:20 am, which is an unacceptable delay.
What made the situation worse was the lack of communication. We did not receive any SMS or notification to inform us about the delay, to apologise, or to update us on the revised arrival time. Proper communication would have reduced a lot of confusion and stress.
This was my first time travelling to Pietermaritzburg alone,and the experience was extremely stressful. I felt anxious and uncertain about whether I had missed my stop or not. I almost got off at Mzimkhulu and was only assisted by another passenger. The delay caused severe anxiety, unnecessary stress, and a heavy headache.
I understand that delays can happen, but this delay was extreme and the lack of communication made the experience very unpleasant. I hope this matter will be taken seriously to prevent other passengers from going through the same experience.
2 out of 5 stars
Agcobile M.
Delay of bus and payments of extra money due to their mistakes, spending more day unscheduled
1 out of 5 stars
Nzima M.
Toilet was full, charging ports were not working, the bus arrived 2 hours 20 minutes late without even keeping me updated. The trip was absolutely horrible
According to user feedback, the travel experience was notably positive. The staff demonstrated kindness and professionalism throughout the journey, contributing to a pleasant trip. Additionally, passengers appreciated the new and clean bus environment with organized amenities such as rubbish bags at each set of seats for convenience.
Big Sky East London Pietermaritzburg recent customer reviews
The bus was clean and comfortable..along the way there was a very funny smell coming from the toilet, that wasn't good to our health at all. I liked the fact that I received a message to book at KFC Mthatha to avoid waiting, that was cool.
Passenger's phone was lost and found during the journey, that made a huge delay.
3 out of 5 stars
Nomathemba S.
James and the Team were nothing but kind and professional throughout the trip making it one of my most pleasant one's thus far.
5 out of 5 stars
Deirdre Carla D.
The bus was nice and new and clean and organised, i.e. they had a bag for rubbish at each set of seats
Based on 9266 reviews, the company was rated 3.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Greyhound South Africa ticket prices on this trip start at R 408
Frequently asked questions about travelling from East London to Pietermaritzburg by bus
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from East London to Pietermaritzburg?
The cheapest bus tickets from East London to Pietermaritzburg start at R 408. The average price for this route is around R 655. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from East London to Pietermaritzburg?
The average bus journey time from East London to Pietermaritzburg is 9h 25m, covering a distance of 446 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 9h 5m and is operated by Intercape.
Which bus companies service the East London to Pietermaritzburg route?
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from East London to Pietermaritzburg?
The earliest bus departs from East London to Pietermaritzburg at 00:35. And the latest bus departs at 22:30.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from East London to Pietermaritzburg?
A bus trip from East London to Pietermaritzburg produces an estimated 11 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
What is the best bus company from East London to Pietermaritzburg?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Intercape, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 44567 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from East London to Pietermaritzburg?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Big Sky has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 1.5.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from East London to Pietermaritzburg?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Big Sky, with a punctuality rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from East London to Pietermaritzburg?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Big Sky, with a cleanliness rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
Best price found
22/12
R 1 458
23/12
R 400
Today
R 389
25/12
R 368
26/12
R 466
27/12
R 466
28/12
R 557
29/12
R 466
The cheapest trip from East London to Pietermaritzburg was searched and found on 25 Dec 2025 with a price of R 368
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from East London to Pietermaritzburg as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 368 to R 1 458 for a bus ticket from East London to Pietermaritzburg based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 368, which is on 2025-12-25.
Usually Intercape will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.
The cheapest trip from East London to Pietermaritzburg was searched and found on 25 Dec 2025 with a price of R 368
