What is the travel distance from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha?

The distance separating Pietermaritzburg and Mthatha is 167 miles (269 km).

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha?

The majority of buses traveling from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha start their journey at Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds) and wind up at Southridge Park - Shell Ultra City. These are the main departure and arrival locations on this route, but you can find others that could fit better into your travel plans.

Bus Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha from $20 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha on November 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	8:25am	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	6h 45m	3:10pm	Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2	Cheapest
Bus	5:10pm	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	5h 40m	10:50pm	Intercape Office, King Edward Street (opposite Train Station)	Fastest
Bus	8:25am	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	6h 45m	3:10pm	Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2	No tags
Bus	5:10pm	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	5h 55m	11:05pm	Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2	No tags
Bus	11:50pm	PIETERMARITZBURG - Mc Donalds Centre	6h	5:50am	Greyhound Office, St Margaret’s House, Cnr Victoria and Madera Str, Mthatha	No tags

Next departures for Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha on November 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	12:55am	PIETERMARITZBURG - Mc Donalds Centre	6h 20m	7:15am	Umtata (Shell Ultra City)	Cheapest
Bus	5:10pm	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	5h 40m	10:50pm	Intercape Office, King Edward Street (opposite Train Station)	Fastest
Bus	12:45am	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	6h 55m	7:40am	Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2	No tags
Bus	5:10pm	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	5h 55m	11:05pm	Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2	No tags
Bus	1:30am	Mcdonalds, Chief Albert Luthuli and Burger Street	7h 30m	9:00am	Mthatha (Train Station) - Train Station Mthatha, N2, Norwood	No tags

Next departures for Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha on November 20
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	1:15am	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	6h 35m	7:50am	Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2	Cheapest
Bus	11:25pm	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	5h 25m	4:50am	Intercape Office, King Edward Street (opposite Train Station)	Fastest
Bus	12:45am	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	6h 55m	7:40am	Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2	No tags
Bus	5:10pm	Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)	5h 55m	11:05pm	Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2	No tags
Bus	1:30am	Mcdonalds, Chief Albert Luthuli and Burger Street	7h 30m	9:00am	Mthatha (Train Station) - Train Station Mthatha, N2, Norwood	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:26 PM SAST.

Get from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 6 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just $21, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

23bus per day

6h 20mAverage Duration

167 milesDistance

7kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Intercape

3.5/543,841 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness3.2

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi1.2

Users have reported that the buses are generally clean and staff members provide friendly service, contributing to a positive travel experience. However, there were some concerns about delays in arrival times and unpleasant odors on board. Additionally, passengers noted issues with seat size and the lack of restrooms as areas for improvement.

Intercape Mainliner Pietermaritzburg Mthatha recent customer reviews

The bus was about 45 minutes and the bus was smelling other than that I'm good it was comfortable

Anelisiwe T.

June 9, 2025

The bus delayed, the smell was not really good I guess people did not only pee on the toilet but also did number and that was really bad I even vomited because of the smell. Instead of arriving at 2:50 we arrived at 17:39.

Onele M.

September 17, 2024

The staff was amazing ,very great reception. The bus delayed by a few minutes but we hit the road in no time. The journey was very satisfying ,big ups Intercape.

Soneze T.

June 21, 2024

APM WC

2/52,711 reviews

Staff2.7

Timeliness1.1

Cleanliness2.7

Wifi0.5

Big Sky

3.5/53,000 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness3.3

Cleanliness4.2

Wifi1.5

Based on 3000 reviews, the company was rated 3.6 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the wifi. Big Sky ticket prices on this trip start at $23

Big Sky Pietermaritzburg Mthatha recent customer reviews

It was horrible, as the bus arrived 2hours 30 minutes late & very cold as the air corn was switched on most of the time.

Asiso G.

October 4, 2025

The bus broke down and the driver lied and said there's a strike somewhere. Once they notice that they couldn't get the bus going, they requested another bus to come fetch us. Our arrival time at Mthatha was 4:50am but it is now 09:01am and we are still in the bus.

Yamkela D.

August 25, 2025

bus was delayed we were not notified at all of the delays

Phumla M.

May 20, 2024

Eagle Liner

3/510,254 reviews

Staff3.7

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness3.6

Wifi0.8

Eagleliner bus company connects South Africa’s largest cities and beach resorts. They are known for having the most affordable fares in the country, so if the price is your main concern, this might the bus company for you. Their buses are equipped with standard features, like reclining seats, air conditioning and bathrooms. You can travel with up to 25kg of luggage, which is more than enough for most travelers. If your travel plans change, you can reschedule your ticket by paying a 20% fee, up to 6 hours before travel time.

Eagle Liner Pietermaritzburg Mthatha recent customer reviews

The bus was 1 hour late from the picking point and the were no toilets, no air-conditioned, uncomfortable seats and also arrived very late at mthatha

Nomonde M.

January 30, 2025

It was a night mare. The bus arrived very late from PMB to Mthatha, I waited three hours at the Station with no communication about the delays. Upon arrival we spent another drivers trying to get to the filling station because the diesel was almost empty.

Siphokazi T.

November 18, 2024

The bus was 2 hours later and it's not the first time this has happened.

Xoliswa D.

July 15, 2023

Intercity Xpress

3/510,945 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness2.6

Cleanliness3.8

Wifi1.1

Customers express dissatisfaction with Intercity's service, mentioning delays and rude staff. These issues seem to be consistent across multiple reviews.

Intercity Xpress Pietermaritzburg Mthatha recent customer reviews

Not coming on time their office staff are rude and unprofessional there’s absolutely nothing good

Sthembile Q.

May 2, 2023

The bus came 4 hours late. I won't use Intercity again

Aphiwe M.

May 1, 2023

Delta Coaches

1.5/53,851 reviews

Staff1.9

Timeliness0.8

Cleanliness2

Wifi0.3

Citiliner

3.5/51,904 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness3.6

Cleanliness4.5

Wifi2.5

Big Tree

2.5/5115 reviews

Staff3.4

Timeliness2.3

Cleanliness3.6

Wifi0.5

Luvalo Brothers Transport

4/562 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness3.9

Wifi2.2

Greyhound South Africa

3/59,126 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.1

Cleanliness4

Wifi1.3

ZA bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Where are the popular stops in Pietermaritzburg and Mthatha?

Stops in Pietermaritzburg

A - Pietermaritzburg - Intercape Office, Burger Street (opposite McDonalds)

Stops in Mthatha

A - Southridge Park - Shell Ultra City

B - Umtata Station

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha by bus

What is the travel distance from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11/16

$21

11/17

$22

Today

$20

11/19

$20

11/20

$21

11/21

$21

11/22

$22

11/23

$22

The cheapest trip from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha was searched and found on Nov 19, 2025 with a price of $20

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $20 to $45 for a bus ticket from Pietermaritzburg to Mthatha based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $20 which is on 2025-11-19.

Usually 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.