How do I get from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha without a car?

The bus is the best choice to get to Mthatha without a car. The bus provides a cost-effective, safe, and easy way to travel between the two cities. You also have the option of using carpooling services.

How long is the bus trip from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha?

On average, the trip from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha takes around 8h, but you can get there in as little as 6h 55m with the quickest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 247 miles (398 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is Port Elizabeth from Mthatha?

About 247 miles (398 km) separate Port Elizabeth and Mthatha.

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

Most of the buses traveling from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha leave from Intercape Office, C/O Fleming and North Union Street (Central) and arrive at Southridge Park - Shell Ultra City. These are the main pick-up and drop-off locations on this route, but you could find others that could be a better fit for your travel plans.

What is the cheapest way to go from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha?

Go for the bus if you want the most affordable way to travel this route. The lowest price for the bus on this route is $20.

How much does a bus ticket from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha cost?

The average price of a one-way ticket from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha is $28. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $20 and $64, so it's best to compare them to make sure you get the best deal.

Port Elizabeth to Mthatha Bus Tickets

TodayApr 25

from $42

TomorrowApr 26

from $21

SunApr 27

from $22

MonApr 28

from $22

TueApr 29

from $22

WedApr 30

from $22

ThuMay 1

from $21

FriMay 2

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: April 26 at 2:30am
Departure city: Port Elizabeth
Departure location: Greenacres McDonald's (Crn Cape Rd & Penny St)
Arrival time: April 26 at 9:40am
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Umtata (Shell Ultra City)
Operated by: APMWC
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h 10m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: April 26 at 2:45am
Departure city: Port Elizabeth
Departure location: Port Elizabeth Train Station, Strand Street
Arrival time: April 26 at 9:40am
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Umtata (Shell Ultra City)
Operated by: APMWC
Vehicle: BusDuration: 6h 55m
Departure time: April 26 at 6:50am
Departure city: Port Elizabeth
Departure location: Intercape Office, C/O Fleming and North Union Street (Central)
Arrival time: April 26 at 2:40pm
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Shell Ultra City, Shell Garage N2
Operated by: Intercape Mainliner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h 50m
Departure time: April 26 at 5:35am
Departure city: Port Elizabeth
Departure location: Port Elizabeth Railway Station
Arrival time: April 26 at 1:15pm
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Umtata Station
Operated by: Intercity Xpress
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h 40m
Departure time: April 26 at 6:00am
Departure city: Port Elizabeth
Departure location: Port Elizabeth Railway Station
Arrival time: April 26 at 1:45pm
Destination city: Mthatha
Destination location: Umtata Station
Operated by: Eagle Liner
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h 45m

Accepted payments

Bus Port Elizabeth to Mthatha: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$28

Average bus trip duration8h

Number of daily buses28

Earliest bus departure1:00am

Distance245 miles (394 km)

Latest bus departure7:55pm

Compare bus companies

Intercape

3.5/539,366 reviews

Staff4.3

Timeliness3.2

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi1.2

Many users appreciate the punctuality and safety of the drivers, highlighting their politeness and helpfulness. The service is often described as great, with comfortable seating contributing to a pleasant experience. However, some concerns were raised about cleanliness issues on buses and non-functional charging ports being mentioned in multiple reviews.

Intercape Mainliner Port Elizabeth Mthatha recent customer reviews

Ohw my doll, the staff was very nice, 317 Cape road they made everything super easy for me♥️it was not even 7am yet but they were amazing already.

Thando N.

March 3, 2025

The bus delayed for too long. It took the bus 1 hr and 45 minutes to get to the pickup station.

Mandisi M.

February 8, 2025

Everything was fine however it arrived 2 hours 30 minutes lates which I didn’t like.

Anelisa M.

January 8, 2025

Intercity Xpress

3/58,802 reviews

Staff3.9

Timeliness2.5

Cleanliness3.7

Wifi1

Intercity Xpress is a long-distance bus company operating in South Africa. The company established itself as an affordable intercity bus operator, offering services between cities all over the country. Their coaches are equipped with standard seats and they have a generous luggage policy of up to 25 kg. Although they make an effort to respect their timetables, travelers report that delays are expected for Intercity Xpress, so it's good to be flexible with your schedule if you're traveling with them. Their cancellation policy is also flexible, as you can cancel your ticket up to 6 hours before travel time and get a refund of 80% of your ticket value.

Intercity Xpress Port Elizabeth Mthatha recent customer reviews

There were nice and comfortable seats but there were cockroaches almost everywhere. Time management was lacking and the bus driver would not allow us to go to the bathrooms.

Zintle G.

November 23, 2024

The bus was an hour 30 mins late and when in EL we were changed into an old coach that was dripping water.

Toto G.

December 3, 2023

The bus departed on time

Sicelo M.

January 3, 2025

Eagle Liner

2.5/58,617 reviews

Staff3.7

Timeliness2.3

Cleanliness3.5

Wifi0.7

Users have shared mixed experiences. Positive feedback highlights the overall good service provided by the company. However, there are concerns about safety regarding luggage and recurring issues with non-functional toilet facilities on board, which some passengers found disappointing.

Eagle Liner Port Elizabeth Mthatha recent customer reviews

I paid for a ticket with toilet facilities but once again the toilet was out of service this is not good.

Charmaine C.

February 6, 2025

The bus was dirty and stuffy, because passengers were drinking alcohol and smoking.

Lindiswa S.

September 30, 2024

The bus was late, I had to travel to East London by another bus. It was also delayed, we had to wait for another eagle liner bus to take us to Mthatha

Thabisa N.

September 9, 2024

Big Sky

3.5/52,090 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness3.3

Cleanliness4.3

Wifi1.6

Based on 2090 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 $24.00

Big Sky Port Elizabeth Mthatha recent customer reviews

It has been my first time using Big Sky, it arrived late but when when we boarded we were hurried to catch-up for the lost time. USB port were not working, had to share with other passengers.

Kutala P.

March 13, 2024

APM WC

2/51,716 reviews

Staff2.5

Timeliness0.9

Cleanliness2.5

Wifi0.4

Based on 1716 reviews, the company was rated 1.9 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the cleanliness but often complained with the wifi. APM WC ticket prices on this trip start at $22.00

APMWC Port Elizabeth Mthatha recent customer reviews

The bus didn't arrive, I wanted for two hours and there was no communication as to when they will come

Dumie S.

December 18, 2024

The bus did not arrive at McDonald's cape road and penny street in gqeberha 02h30am this morning. Call center there was no answer.

Lwandile M.

November 23, 2024

Arrived late

Funeka M.

March 19, 2025

Greyhound South Africa

3/57,614 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness4

Wifi1.2

Based on 7614 reviews, the company was rated 3 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the wifi. Greyhound South Africa ticket prices on this trip start at $25.00

Citiliner Plus Port Elizabeth Mthatha recent customer reviews

The overall experience was great. Seeing that it was my first time on a bus. Besides the abovementioned shortfalls, I really felt safe throughout the trip.

Aneliswa M.

June 17, 2022

I do not recommend.

Asandiswa T.

October 7, 2022

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

Port Elizabeth to Mthatha Bus

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

Bus service from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Where are the popular stops in Port Elizabeth and Mthatha?

Stops in Port Elizabeth

A - Newton Park - Eaglecity, 262 Cape Rd

B - Intercape Office, C/O Fleming and North Union Street (Central)

C - CO/ Cape Rd & Penny St.

D - Railway Station

E - Greenacres - Intercape Depot

F - Port Elizabeth

Stops in Mthatha

A - Southridge Park - Shell Ultra City

B - Umtata Station

Frequently asked questions for your trip Port Elizabeth - Mthatha

How do I get from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha without a car?
How long is the bus trip from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha?
How far is Port Elizabeth from Mthatha?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha?
What is the cheapest way to go from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha?
How much does a bus ticket from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha cost?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

04/23

$29

04/24

$37

Today

$42

04/26

$21

04/27

$22

04/28

$22

04/29

$22

04/30

$22

The cheapest trip from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha was searched and found on Apr 26, 2025 with a price of $21

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

You can expect to pay from $21 to $48 for a bus ticket from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $21 which is on 2025-04-26.

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 Port Elizabeth to Mthatha but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

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

Did you know?

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

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

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.

Will you be returning to Port Elizabeth by bus?

Bus from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

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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

One passenger / one way

Bus Port Elizabeth to Mthatha: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Port Elizabeth to Mthatha Bus

Where are the popular stops in Port Elizabeth and Mthatha?

Frequently asked questions for your trip Port Elizabeth - Mthatha

How do I get from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha without a car?

How long is the bus trip from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha?

How far is Port Elizabeth from Mthatha?

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

What is the cheapest way to go from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha?

How much does a bus ticket from Port Elizabeth to Mthatha cost?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to Port Elizabeth by bus?

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Popular Buses Connecting Port Elizabeth

Buses Leaving from Port Elizabeth

Buses Going to Port Elizabeth

Popular Buses Connecting Mthatha

Buses Leaving from Mthatha

Buses Going to Mthatha

Popular routes in this country

Popular international trips