Getting to Bloemfontein – transport, bus, taxi & car rental
Posted on 12. Apr, 2010 by admin in Bloemfontein
Getting around Bloemfontein is much like getting around any South Africa city, it can be a chore. Public transport in Bloemfontein is limited but things are slowly being improved in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Car hire in Bloemfontein is considered as one of the best ways to travel within the city for tourists, but if you don’t drive, taxis are also pretty cheap. Getting to Bloemfontein from other World Cup host cities is a lot easier, however, with regular buses, trains and planes connecting them all. Check out JF’s guide to transport in Bloemfontein, JF’s guide to transport in South Africa and regular World Cup travel updates.
Transport to Bloemfontein:
By plane
Travelling to Bloemfontein by plane is convenient as Bloemfontein Airport is only around 10kms from the city centre. South African Airways and SA Airlink run regular flights to Bloemfontein from cities all over the country including Durban, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Mango Airlines also offer regular flights to Bloemfontein from Cape Town. Cheap flights to Bloemfontein can be found by looking for discount South African airlines on the internet.
By train
Travelling to Bloemfontein by train is straightforward as is it a major rail junction. Spoornet run trains to Bloemfontein from all over the country, including Cape Town, Mthatha, East London and Port Elizabeth to the south, Kimberley to the west, Johannesburg to the north and Durban and Pietermaritzburg to the east. All trains to Bloemfontein stop at Bloemfontein Train Station on the corner of Harvey Street and Maitland Street in the centre of the city. Reservations can be made by phoning 86 000 8888 from within South Africa or +27 (0)11 774 4555 for international calls. Long distance trains come in various classes, some of which have pull down beds instead of reclining chairs.
By car
Travelling to Bloemfontein by car is easy from pretty much anywhere in South Africa. The N1, N6 and N8 highways all lead to Bloemfontein. The N6 will take you from East London to Bloemfontein by road and the N1 runs from Gauteng and Cape Town to Bloemfontein. You can also get to Bloemfontein by car from Johannesburg, Maseru, Port Elizabeth and Kimberley. The road system in South Africa is fairly well maintained and cars can be hired in one city and dropped off in another. Check out JF’s guide to transport in South Africa for more information.
By bus
Travelling to Bloemfontein by bus is popular with tourists as a number of major South African bus companies run buses to Bloemfontein from various national cities. Buses depart and arrive from Bloemfontein Tourist Information Centre, 60 Park Road, Willows, Tel: +27 (0)51 405 8489
These bus companies offer services to and from Bloemfontein:
Greyhound
Tel: +27 (0)83 915 9000
Greyhound runs daily buses to and from Bloemfontein from all over South Africa, including Cape Town and Johannesburg, East London, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria.
Translux
Tel: +27 (0)861 589 282 or Tel: +27 (011) 774 3333
Translux’s network extends to major cities in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi. Translux buses to Bloemfontein also run from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, East London and Pretoria.
SA Roadlink
Tel +27 (0)11 333-2223
SA Roadlink coaches travel to and from most major South African cities. Buses arrive and depart from Bloemfontein on a daily basis.
Transport in Bloemfontein:
By car
Like most cities in South Africa, public transport in Bloemfontein is very limited, infrequent and often unsafe for tourists. Gradual improvements are, however, currently underway thanks to the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa, so keep an eye on Johnny Foreigner for updates.
The Road network in Bloemfontein is fairly well maintained and easy to navigate so hiring a car in Bloemfontein is probably the best way to get around for tourists. Petrol is also cheaper in South Africa than in Europe. It’s a good idea to buy a map before hand and avoid the city’s rush hours between 7:30am and 9am and 4pm and 6:30pm.
Check out these Bloemfontein car hire firms:
Avis
Bloemfontein Airport, Tel: +27 (0)51 433 2331, Opening times: 6am-8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturday.
Tempest Car Hire
Bloemfontein Airport, Tel: +27 (0)51 433 2146, opening times: 6:30am-6:30pm Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm on Saturday with special offers often available.
Hertz
Bloemfontein Airport,Tel: +27 (0)51 400 2100 Opening times: 6:30am-7:30pm Monday to Friday, 7:30am-5pm on Saturday. International service available.
First Car Rental
Bloemfontein Airport, Tel: +27 (0)51 430 0390, Opening times 7:00am-8:00pm Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4pm on Saturday
Bloemfontein Car Rental
Corner of Mc Greggor and Maselpoort Road, Bloemfontein, Tel: +27 (0)827 847 002
First Car Rental Bloemfontein
Alexandra Avenue, Bloemfontein, Tel: +27 (0)51 430 0390
By Taxi
As with many South African cities, public transport in Bloemfontein can be unreliable. If you’re not up for hiring a car and getting round the city under your own steam, taxis in Bloemfontein are your best bet. They are relatively cheap and also the safest way to tourists to get around the city. Most are metered but some will want to agree on a price before the journey. You generally can’t flag down cabs from the street in Bloemfontein, so make sure you have a few numbers in your pocket before you head out.
Check out these taxi firms in Bloemfontein:
Pro Taxis
44 Lilac Street, Gardenia Park, Bloemfontein, Tel: +27 (0)51 522 9601
Bloem Taxis
18 Gemsbok Rd, Bloemfontein, Tel: +27 (0)51 433 3776
Beukes Taxi
Tel: +27 (0)51 448 5573
Rooikat Taxis
Tel : +27 (0)51 522 5446, Email: admin@rooikattaxi.
By minibus taxi
Minibus taxis in Bloemfontein are the main mode of transport for locals but they have traditionally been warned against for tourists. They are normally very overcrowded and not always roadworthy, although a recent clean up has been put in place for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Minibus taxis can be flagged down from the street and will take you pretty much anywhere across the city for under R5.
