How do I get from East London to Mthatha without a car?

Taking the bus is the best way to travel to Mthatha without a car. Traveling by bus offers a budget-friendly, secure, and easy way to go between the two cities. Taking a ride with other travelers through carpool services is an additional option to consider.

How long is the bus ride from East London to Mthatha?

On average, the trip from East London to Mthatha takes around 3h 25m, although the minimum time it takes to get there is 2h 50m with the fastest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 111 miles (179 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is East London from Mthatha?

East London and Mthatha are 111 miles (179 km) apart.

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

Most of the buses traveling from East London to Mthatha leave from Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park) and arrive at Southridge Park - Shell Ultra City. These are the most popular pick-up and drop-off locations on this route, there are other pick-up and drop-off locations that could make it easier for you to reach your destination.

What is the cheapest way to travel from East London to Mthatha?

Go for the bus if you want the most cost-effective way to travel this route. With prices starting at $19, you won't find a cheaper way to get there.

How much does a bus ticket from East London to Mthatha cost?

The bus ticket costs $24 on average. Over the last 30 days, the prices ranged between $19 and $127, so make sure to compare them to get the best option.

Can you do a day trip from East London to Mthatha?

Yes, a day trip from East London to Mthatha is definitely doable. The total time it takes to make a round-trip between East London and Mthatha is about 5h 40m. So you'll have plenty of time to discover Mthatha before making your way back to East London.

East London to Mthatha Bus Tickets

TodayApr 3

from $25

TomorrowApr 4

from $18

SatApr 5

from $18

SunApr 6

from $18

MonApr 7

TueApr 8

from $18

WedApr 9

from $18

ThuApr 10

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: April 4 at 10:35am
Departure city: East London
Departure location: Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park)
Arrival time: April 4 at 1:45pm
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Umtata Station
Operated by: Eagle Liner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 3h 10m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: April 4 at 10:35am
Departure city: East London
Departure location: Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park)
Arrival time: April 4 at 1:25pm
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Shell Ultra City
Operated by: Eagle Liner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 2h 50m
Departure time: April 4 at 10:50am
Departure city: East London
Departure location: Intercape Office, Station Road (East London Station)
Arrival time: April 4 at 2:40pm
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2
Operated by: Intercape Mainliner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 3h 50m
Departure time: April 4 at 2:25pm
Departure city: East London
Departure location: Intercape Office, Station Road (East London Station)
Arrival time: April 4 at 5:40pm
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2
Operated by: Big Sky
Vehicle: BusDuration: 3h 15m
Departure time: April 4 at 9:50am
Departure city: East London
Departure location: Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park)
Arrival time: April 4 at 1:15pm
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Umtata Station
Operated by: Intercity Xpress
Vehicle: BusDuration: 3h 25m

Accepted payments

Bus East London to Mthatha: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$24

Average bus trip duration3h 25m

Number of daily buses28

Earliest bus departure12:20am

Distance110 miles (177 km)

Latest bus departure10:30pm

Compare bus companies

Intercape

3.5/538,936 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness3

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi1.2

According to multiple reviews, customers have expressed satisfaction with the service provided by the bus company. They appreciate the pleasant experience created by their drivers. However, some customers mention that in the past, there were issues with delays and mechanical challenges on their buses. It is suggested that they improve their maintenance practices to ensure a reliable service. Additionally, there are complaints about long waiting times for buses to arrive, which seems to be a recurring problem for Intercape Bus Service.

Intercape Mainliner East London Mthatha recent customer reviews

The bus was stuffy and I sat uncomfortably because of 1 passenger who was selfish and didn't want to lift up his sit because it was hurting my knees and I'm tall. It was just awful.

Athi M.

October 16, 2024

This was the worst experience ever, bus arrived 3 hours late 😑. There's no provision for waiting area after hours. I was exposed to a risk of thugs who were loitering around. Bus was such a disappointment.

Puleng G.

August 18, 2024

I didn't enjoy anything, from your slow but, late arrival and rude staff dressed as if they cleaning the garden

Sibonelo T.

October 20, 2023

Intercity Xpress

3/58,594 reviews

Staff3.9

Timeliness2.3

Cleanliness3.7

Wifi1

Customers had a great experience with the staff and driver. However, some mentioned that the seats were very hard and uncomfortable. Overall, everything else was okay.

Intercity Xpress East London Mthatha recent customer reviews

The road trip was pleasant and the staff including the driver were friendly. Please improve on punctuality and cleaner ablution facilities.

Chumani M.

April 2, 2025

I had to ask for a lift to another station because the bus driver decided to come early and not keep the agreed time. Worse I arrived early, if I didn’t enquirer about the situation the bus would have left us. Not cool

Ntombikayise H.

July 2, 2024

1 hour late even on 18/12/2023 bus still late 12:35 bus still not available @13:42 without communication even poor service from your office in ultra city Mthatha.

Naomi F.

December 18, 2023

Eagle Liner

2.5/58,427 reviews

Staff3.7

Timeliness2.2

Cleanliness3.5

Wifi0.7

According to multiple reviews, customers express dissatisfaction with the service provided by the bus company. They mention that the buses did not show up on time and they had to find alternative transportation. Additionally, there are complaints about a driver who was rude and made inappropriate comments about a passenger's luggage weight. The driver also stopped in an inconvenient location for someone who wasn't feeling well and left them behind after waiting for some time. These issues have been consistently mentioned in several reviews, indicating a negative experience with the company's service quality.

Eagle Liner East London Mthatha recent customer reviews

The driver did not take lightly to me complaining that the bus arrived in East London at 11:30 and complained about my heavy bag which I weighed at less than 25kgs as stipulated on your regulations. We stopped in the middle of nowhere for someone with an upset tummy then left him there after waiting a while. Poor guy

Bianca V.

April 2, 2022

Please try be on time.

Charmaine C.

October 5, 2024

I enjoyed nothing... bus didn't show up in time had to take another transport.

Ebenezer P.

July 16, 2023

Big Sky

3.5/52,014 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness3.2

Cleanliness4.3

Wifi1.6

APM WC

2/51,631 reviews

Staff2.5

Timeliness0.8

Cleanliness2.5

Wifi0.4

Jacobs Coaches

2/570 reviews

Staff2.8

Timeliness1.3

Cleanliness3.1

Wifi0.8

ZA bus companies: Intercape, Big Sky, Intercity Xpress, Greyhound South Africa, Eagle Liner, APM WC, Delta Coaches

East London to Mthatha Buses

Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from East London to Mthatha.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from East London to Mthatha.

Whether it is cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses going to Mthatha from East London, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.

Where are the popular stops in East London and Mthatha?

Stops in East London

A - Intercape Office, Moore Street (Windmill Park)

B - Railway Station

C - Windmill Mall

D - East London Station

Stops in Mthatha

A - Southridge Park - Shell Ultra City

B - Umtata Station

Frequently asked questions for your trip East London - Mthatha

How do I get from East London to Mthatha without a car?
How long is the bus ride from East London to Mthatha?
How far is East London from Mthatha?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from East London to Mthatha?
What is the cheapest way to travel from East London to Mthatha?
How much does a bus ticket from East London to Mthatha cost?
Can you do a day trip from East London 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

04/01

$19

04/02

$29

Today

$18

04/04

$18

04/05

$18

04/06

$18

04/07

$20

04/08

$18

The cheapest trip from East London to Mthatha was searched and found on Apr 5, 2025 with a price of $18

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 Mthatha, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $18 to $67 for a bus ticket from East London to Mthatha based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $18 which is on 2025-04-05.

Usually MAINLINER 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.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from East London to Mthatha but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you're bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from East London to Mthatha.

Buses are energy-efficient. Carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas. Compare that to the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train, 6.6 liters by airplane and 7.6 liters by gas-powered car, and it's clear that the bus is a more environmentally-conscious option for your bus transportation from East London to Mthatha.

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your bus trip from East London to Mthatha while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

Will you be returning to East London by bus?

Bus from East London to Mthatha

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud makes bus travel easy. We help travelers find a bus, plot routes, and book intercity bus tickets all over the world. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Bus Tickets from East London to Mthatha

One passenger / one way

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

Bus East London to Mthatha: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Intercape Mainliner East London Mthatha recent customer reviews

Intercity Xpress East London Mthatha recent customer reviews

Eagle Liner East London Mthatha recent customer reviews

East London to Mthatha Buses

Where are the popular stops in East London and Mthatha?

Frequently asked questions for your trip East London - Mthatha

How do I get from East London to Mthatha without a car?

How long is the bus ride from East London to Mthatha?

How far is East London from Mthatha?

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

What is the cheapest way to travel from East London to Mthatha?

How much does a bus ticket from East London to Mthatha cost?

Can you do a day trip from East London to Mthatha?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to East London by bus?

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Popular Buses Connecting East London

Buses Leaving from East London

Buses Going to East London

Popular Buses Connecting Mthatha

Buses Leaving from Mthatha

Buses Going to Mthatha

Popular routes in this country

Popular international trips