Many users appreciated the comfortable and clean buses, with several mentioning timely arrivals and friendly drivers. The heating system was praised for keeping passengers warm during colder trips. However, some reviews noted issues such as non-functional charging ports and ventilation problems due to air conditioning or heaters being used inappropriately for the season.
It was a smooth and comfortable trip as far as travelling a long distance via bus. The only main issue is ventilation, I struggled to breathe for most of the trip because no windows were open and the air conditioning was quite horrible, plus for some reason the heaters were on. It's summer. Why? But it was ok, I guess
3 out of 5 stars
Simphiwe M.
From paying an additional R145 for luggage to being subjected to a 3 hour delay, it was a complete nightmare. Do better, with regard to your luggage allowance and ensuring roadworthy buses for safe travel for your customers. The service was shoddy to say the least.
1 out of 5 stars
Belinda L.
It was very bad I'm not happy the heater was not working it was cold and we stucked for two hours
Based on 2793 reviews, the company was rated 2.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the cleanliness but often complained with the Wi-Fi. APM WC ticket prices on this trip start at R 343
The bus delayed for 2hrs. Does not have an office, we had to wait outside Park Station on the side of the road. There are no charging ports, which made the whole trip a bad experience.
1 out of 5 stars
Khitha S.
I hated it. It arrived late. It’s untidy, and has a foul smell.
Based on 1974 reviews, the company was rated 3.6 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the seats but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Citiliner ticket prices on this trip start at R 543
According to the users, the bus service provided a pleasant experience with friendly staff and comfortable driving speeds. Many appreciated arriving on time at their destinations. However, some noted that multiple stops led to delays in reaching their final destination and mentioned discomfort due to limited restroom access during long stretches between breaks.
I enjoyed taking breaks at petrol garages every now and then. I didn't enjoy being pressed inside the bus with no toilet and having to wait for the next stop
4 out of 5 stars
Nyakallo Tracy-lee M.
The bus crew was friendly and they drove at a comfortable speed.
I had a best trip
5 out of 5 stars
Nqabutho S.
I was swiped to a intercity Xpress. It arrived late to my destination because of multiple stops
Users have shared positive feedback about the bus service being consistently on time and providing a safe travel experience. However, some concerns were raised regarding non-functional toilets and charging ports, as well as occasional delays that affected arrival times. Additionally, there is a desire for Wi-Fi availability to enhance passenger comfort during long journeys.
The staff was good.
The bus was too loud and the ride was not smooth.
The heater was too hot.
2 out of 5 stars
Sandiso N.
The bus was an hour late the toilet was out of service but I got to my destination in time
1 out of 5 stars
Bridget Valeria Zinhle N.
I didn’t enjoy anything. From the start, we were delayed and were directed to a different bus which is not Intercity. Terrible service, very cold bus and missed my connecting bus as we arrived more than an hour than scheduled
Passengers have shared positive experiences regarding the comfort and cleanliness of the buses, with many noting that they are new and well-maintained. The staff is described as friendly, contributing to a pleasant journey overall. However, some users mentioned challenges due to limited communication in English during trips and infrequent stops or breaks.
Citiliner Plus Johannesburg Grahamstown recent customer reviews
Did not enjoy that they don’t take enough stops/breaks and the staff does not bother to communicate anything
4 out of 5 stars
Qaqamba T.
Driver didn't communicate in English except he communicated in xhosa which I don't understand i don't have a problem with him speaking xhosa but in future it would help alot if he could communicate in a language we all understand
4 out of 5 stars
Kezley M.
The bus is clean comfortably actualy its new i wish when sunday im returns back can I use same bus . But didn't know the route I was going to take when I was in the bus one of the passenger say to me he was going to King Williams town , I thought I took a wrong bus
Based on 817 reviews, the company was rated 2.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the seats but often complained with the Wi-Fi. ilulaBus ticket prices on this trip start at R 478
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Johannesburg to Grahamstown 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 Johannesburg to Grahamstown?
The cheapest bus tickets from Johannesburg to Grahamstown start at R 343. The average price for this route is around R 717. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Johannesburg to Grahamstown?
The average bus journey time from Johannesburg to Grahamstown is 14h 5m, covering a distance of 805 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 12h and is operated by APM WC.
Which bus companies service the Johannesburg to Grahamstown route?
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Johannesburg to Grahamstown?
The earliest bus departs from Johannesburg to Grahamstown at 12:15. And the latest bus departs at 19:30.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Johannesburg to Grahamstown?
A bus trip from Johannesburg to Grahamstown produces an estimated 20 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 Johannesburg to Grahamstown?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Citiliner, with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars based on 1973 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Johannesburg to Grahamstown?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Citiliner has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 1.8.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Johannesburg to Grahamstown?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Intercape, with a punctuality rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Johannesburg to Grahamstown?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Citiliner, with a cleanliness rating of 4.3 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
05/12
R 746
06/12
R 647
Today
R 647
08/12
R 647
09/12
R 673
10/12
R 673
11/12
R 673
12/12
R 862
The cheapest trip from Johannesburg to Grahamstown was searched and found on 06 Dec 2025 with a price of R 647
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Johannesburg to Grahamstown as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 647 to R 1 608 for a bus ticket from Johannesburg to Grahamstown based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 647, which is on 2025-12-08.
Usually APM WC, 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 Johannesburg to Grahamstown was searched and found on 06 Dec 2025 with a price of R 647
