Port Elizabeth in South Africa

By plane

Port Elizabeth airport is located just a few kilometres out of the city and has regular flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other South Africa|South African airports. See also Discount airlines in Africa.

By train

The central train station is in the city centre near the harbour.

Spoornet operates daily inter-city trains to Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. You can also get to Cape Town, Kimberley (South Africa)|Kimberley, Pietermaritzburg and Durban (by changing trains in Bloemfontein), to East London (by changing trains in Noupoort, Colesburg or Bloemfontein) or to Grahamstown (by changing trains in Alicedale).

MetroRail operates frequent commuter trains to Uitenhage during weekdays, with a reduced service over weekends.

The 4798 Apple Express is a narrow-gauge (2-feet/610 mm) tourist train that operates from a separate station in Humewood Road near King's Beach. It departs regularly for Thornhill Village via the Van Staden's River bridge, the highest narrow-gauge rail bridge in the world.

By car

Port Elizabeth is easily accessible by motorways from Cape Town (790 km) via the Garden Route, Bloemfontein and East London (310 km). Of course, you can also drive from Johannesburg.

By bus

All major South African coach companies offer regular schedules to and from Port Elizabeth. The city is also on the Baz Bus route.

By car

All the national car rental agencies have offices in the city.

Public bus

There is a public bus transport system within the city. It is, however, not really any good. The buses are slow, noisy, smelly and often not on schedule. Further, the buses do not really cover much of the city. There is also the issue of getting your fingers on a timetable, which is hard, but the Tourist Information are known to have a copy sometimes. As there are no timetables at the stops or even at the main terminal, this is a key issue. Safety is a common worry on Public transport in South Africa as a whole and tourists should remain alert whilst utlising services. * Algoa Bus Company +27 (0)41 404-1200

Metered Taxi

Taxi

The main form of transportation for most people is the (minibus) taxi. Toyota Hiaces or VW Caravelles or the like, modified to cram in as many seats as possible, will take you across town for R4.50. Some of them are still more a road hazard than anything, but a recent clean-up in the taxi industry means that their standards are improving.

Each taxi operates on a laid-out route. They are more frequent during daytime than at night.

How to get on. Stand on the curve of a trafficked road. When a taxi approaches, it may flash its headlights to 'ask' if you want to go. Just stick your hand out.

How to get off. You might be able to tell the 'bouncer' your desired destination when you pay, but in any case just tell the driver next stop, in a clear, firm voice, if you can make yourself heard above the music pounding from the sound system.

Note that this is not always a safe way to travel.