Customers express dissatisfaction with the service, specifically mentioning delays and late arrivals. These issues seem to be consistent across multiple reviews. Additionally, one review mentions poor bus maintenance as a possible factor for the negative experience.
Absolutely unacceptable service. The bus left 12 hours late. The passengers had to sleep in the station while they waited for a trailer because there wasn’t enough space for the luggage. There was no branding on the bus which resulted in the bus constantly getting stopped. Today unacceptable
Users generally express satisfaction with the service, highlighting a positive experience overall. However, there are concerns about communication issues at border crossings, where some passengers found it challenging to locate the bus due to lack of staff guidance. Despite this inconvenience, the general sentiment remains favorable towards their travel experience.
Though the staff was not rough but they have very poor communication many of the passengers walked from south African side the bus was already at the Zimbabwean side. There was no staff to even ask where the bus was this part was so frustrating
3 out of 5 stars
Tarisai M.
Arrived late
3 out of 5 stars
Ntando T.
My package was less then 25kg but paid 300R and they was scale to confirm it
The reviews highlight a generally positive experience with the bus service, emphasizing excellent customer care and friendly staff. Passengers appreciated the punctuality and comfort of their journeys, often noting efficient time management. However, some users mentioned minor issues such as limited WiFi connectivity and occasional seating arrangements not meeting expectations when booking for multiple people together. Overall, travelers expressed satisfaction with both the service quality and professionalism encountered during their trips.
I loved everything bus left powerhouse on time smooth process at the boarder arrived five minutes early than scheduled time .I however feel the WiFi limit should be increased cause 300 mb for an iPhone haaaa it doesn’t work but other than that keep it up Swiss express
5 out of 5 stars
Tanaka M.
Terrible customer service. They take forever to respond to messages. I wanted to confirm ticket and other things, imagine if there is an emergency...
2 out of 5 stars
Tracy Z.
They keep their times and thats what really matters the most because time is money.
Users have shared that the bus staff is generally helpful, especially at border crossings. However, there are concerns about time management with delays in departure and arrival times being noted. Additionally, some users experienced a lack of communication during unexpected stops and were not provided with the Wi-Fi password as expected.
The service was bad from taking our details they were very slow, we ended up leaving around 7 and we had to contribute R50 per passenger to pay at the south African border to pass and reached Bulawayo past 2pm
1 out of 5 stars
Thobile B.
Excellent WiFi and phone charging ports.
Bus broke down and service was a appalling. No communication just to update about the projected time for the bus to be fixed. A 14hrs journey became 28hrs journey with no apologies. Very inconvenient to use this bus
1 out of 5 stars
Mehluli M.
Everything is ok the drivers are cool through we were supposed to arrive in bulawayo today at 10 :00am but due to road delays are still on the way
Passengers have shared positive experiences with the bus service, highlighting comfortable rides and friendly staff. However, there are recurring concerns about luggage charges despite weight limits stated in terms and conditions. Additionally, some reviews mention unexpected changes to departure times or locations that caused inconvenience for travelers. Overall satisfaction remains high due to professional drivers and smooth journeys once underway.
Good service from the Drivers!
Luggage loaders the worst..was overcharged a bag costed R600..on top of that my suitcase broke and wheel came off and lost
3 out of 5 stars
Mary M.
They did not weigh my language as it was written on my bus ticket,just look with their eyes and over charge and they delayed from parkstation the bus came 9 pm instead of 7pm and break down all the way the bus was not in good condition
2 out of 5 stars
Sibusisiwe B.
The bus didn’t leave at the stated time. Driver said he is tired and had to wait at the police station for another driver
Many users appreciated the clean and well-maintained buses, along with friendly staff providing a comfortable travel experience. However, there were concerns about delays in departure times and misinformation regarding bus schedules. Additionally, some travelers experienced issues with communication during unexpected changes to their journey plans.
Imperial Lane Johannesburg Bulawayo recent customer reviews
The seat issue is not good at all l booked for seat 2 online and even called to confirm my seat number and if l remember well l told the lady l spoke to on the phone about that issue and she assured me that it won't happen but when l got to the bus l was told l can't seat there was moved to another seat and l was never told the reason why when l asked so it's so disgusting to me and it's the second time being done to that so lm not happy at all and l dnt see the reason for seat numbers in your bus
2 out of 5 stars
Nontando N.
I didn’t enjoy the fact the bus was left for departure by 3 hours and estimated time of arrival was 9am but it’s currently 16:55 and we still on the road, that is 8 hours after expected arrival. We had to figure things out on our own in the border. Only nice thing is wifi and the seats and cleanliness of the bus.
1 out of 5 stars
Justine D.
Not good, bus depature was delayed 5hours, we waited from 4pm to past 10..only to arrive in Bulawayo around 6... it was a big inconvenience. I had a very bad first time experience.
Based on 24 reviews, the company was rated 3 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the cleanliness but often complained with the wifi. Mzansi Express ticket prices on this trip start at $44
I was told I could take a suitcase of 20kg and one hand luggage but the charged me an additional R600 for luggage
2 out of 5 stars
Khathazile J.
I got there in time first I was rooted R50 by the guys who help with luggage,they gave me a fake note and when I got to the bus my seat was given away to someone who had put their bags on there and I was told to go find a seat for myself without any assistance, I was very disappointed
Regional Bus Coaches offers 1 daily departures, and you can find tickets starting at $46. The quickest ride takes around 570. Regional Bus Coaches offers a cost-effective solution to get you where you need to be.
A good way to travel this route is with Transi-Africa Tours buses. The company offers 1 daily departures, with ticket prices starting at $59 and the shortest trip taking about 780. Transi-Africa Tours gets you where you want to go for a fair price.
Based on 32 reviews, the company was rated 3 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the temperature but often complained with the wifi. MB Transport ticket prices on this trip start at $99
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Johannesburg to Bulawayo by bus
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
The cheapest bus tickets from Johannesburg to Bulawayo start from $27. The average price for this route is around $44. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
The average bus trip duration from Johannesburg to Bulawayo is 15h, covering a distance of 418 miles (675 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 3h 30m and is operated by Brooklyn Express.
Which bus companies service the Johannesburg to Bulawayo route?
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
The earliest bus departs from Johannesburg to Bulawayo at 8:00am. And the latest bus departs at 7:00pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
A bus trip from Johannesburg to Bulawayo generates an estimated 17 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Swiss Express, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 420 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Brooklyn Express has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Swiss Express, with a punctuality rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Johannesburg to Bulawayo?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Swiss Express, with a cleanliness rating of 4.8 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
01/24
$31
01/25
$31
Today
$31
01/27
$31
01/28
$31
01/29
$31
01/30
$31
01/31
$31
The cheapest trip from Johannesburg to Bulawayo was searched and found on Jan 24, 2026 with a price of $31
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Johannesburg to Bulawayo, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $31 to $51 for a bus ticket from Johannesburg to Bulawayo based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $31 which is on 2026-01-27.
Usually Swiss Express, Intercity Xpress 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 Johannesburg to Bulawayo was searched and found on Jan 24, 2026 with a price of $31
