Polokwane transport – getting to Pietersburg
Posted on 11. May, 2010 by admin in Polokwane
Polokwane is blessed with an airport which is currently undergoing a major facelift in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. This, along with its train station and regular bus services, makes getting to Polokwane a doddle. Once in the city, public transport in Polokwane is few and far between as in most South African metropolises. There are, however, a couple of reliable taxi firms, various car rental companies at Polokwane Airport and private hire vehicles and tours to take advantage of. Check out JF’s guide to transport in Polokwane.
By plane
Travelling to Polokwane by plane is a good option as Polokwane International Airport is just 5kms north of the city. Also formerly known as Pietersburg or Gateway Airport, Polokwane Airport consists of a single runway on a tiny airfield. It is currently undergoing a major facelift in time for the 2010 World Cup and will be able to handle 400 customers an hour during this period.
Private flights run to and from Botswana and Zimbabwe – hence the ‘international’ – but South Africa Airlink is the only major carrier to serve the airport. There are around four flights to and from Johannesburg on week days, one on Saturday and two on Sunday. Expect to pay between US$90 and US$140 for a one way fare. There are many car rental companies at Polokwane Airport.
Polokwane International Airport
N1 North Makhado Highway
General info: +27 (0) 15 288 0122, Flight info: +27 (0) 15 288 0164
South African Airlink
Tel: +27 (0) 11 978 5313
By car
Travelling to Polowane by car is straight forward as the N1 runs to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Paarl and even on to Harare in Zimbabwe is you have the stamina. The N1 from Zimbabwe is a long, straight and largely unromantic toll-road. The road is a quick and hassle free route, but if you’d prefer to drive with a view, you can swing off the freeway and take an R road which offers a more scenic experience.
If you do plan to drive to Polokwane from elsewhere in South Africa, it’s a good idea to buy a road map before you set out to find the best route by road to Polokwane. Renting a car in South Africa is relatively cheap and you can generally pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another. Check out JF’s guide to transport in South Africa for car rental companies and more information outside of Polokwane. See car rental companies in Polokwane below.
By train
Travelling to Polokwane by train from Pretoria or Johannesburg is a good option for those without their own transport. Polokwane Train Station can be found on Hospitaal Street in the city centre. Passengers travelling by train to Polokwane on long-distance services will normally have the option of Tourist Class or Economy Class. In Tourist Class you will have a choice between two and four-person compartments with flat beds.
Economy class is much cheaper but only has reclining chairs. Shosholoza Economy Class runs trains from Polokwane to Musina and the Zimbabwe border. The trains are not always to quickest way to travel but they allow you to see the country at a nice relaxed pace. Some luxurious options are also available. See transport in South Africa for more information.
By Bus
As the city is on the main route through Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, travelling to Polokwane by bus is a good option. There are many regular services available, most of which will take you to and from Polokwane to Johannesburg and Pretoria by bus. The Distance between Johannesburg and Polokwane is about 500kms and the coach journey takes around five hours with several stops on the way.
These companies run buses to Polokwane:
Translux
Azmo Place, 49 Joubert Street, corner of Thabo Mbeki Street, Tel: 0861 589 282 or +27 (0)11 774 3333
Translux’s network extends to major cities in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi
InterCape
Tel: 0861 287 287 or +27 (0)21 380 4400
InterCape runs buses to Polokwane from all over South Africa. InterCape routes include services to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria…pretty much anywhere, although you may have to change occasionally.
Greyhound
Tel: 083 915 9000, Email: enquiries@greyhound.co.za
Greyhound runs buses to and from Polokwane from all over South Africa. Cape Town and Johannesburg are on Greyhound routes along with many other South African cities.
City to City
Tel: 0861 589 282 or +27 (0)11 774-3333 or +27 (0)15 295 5548, Email: translux@apx.co.za
Run by Translux, City to City coaches run a no-frills bus service to and from Polokwane. The network extends to major South African cities as well as Zambia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
SA Roadlink
Tel: +27 (0)15 295 5541/2
The SA Roadlink buses offer super-luxury coaches to and from Pretoria through a network of cities within South Africa and its neighbouring countries.
Citiliner
Tel: 083 915 9000
Run by the same company as Greyhound, Citiliner offer semi-luxury busses through a network of South African cities and neighbouring countries.
Transport in Polokwane:
By bus
Like most South African cities, a good public transport system is yet to be seen in Polokwane. That said, the Great North Transport company, which ferries commuters from villages and townships to work in Polokwane by bus, are currently in the process of buying more vehicles in preparation for the 2010 World Cup. How well established or organised this will turn out to be is unclear, so check with the tourist information in Polokwane when you arrive and on Johnny Foreigner for regular World Cup Transport in Polokwane updates.
By car
If you have a drivers license and a sense of independence, hiring a car in Polokwane is probably you best bet for transport. Most major national car hire companies can be found at Polokwane Airport and these hire cars can normally be returned to any airport in the country. Petrol is relatively cheap and the road network in Polokwane is fairly well maintained.
Check out these car rental companies at Polokwane Airport:
Tempest Car Hire
Tel: +27 (0)15 288 0219, Opening times: 8am-5pm Monday to Friday, 8am-1pm Saturday
Sixt
Tel: +27 (0)15 291 4819, Opening times 8am-5pm Monday to Friday, 8am-1pm on weekends
Europe Car
Tel: +27 15 288 0097, Opening times: 6:30am-7pm Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
Avis
Tel: +27 (0)15 288 0171/2, Opening times: 7:30am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm and 5pm-6pm Saturday, 1pm-2pm and 4pm-6pm Sunday.
By taxi
There are plenty of taxis at Polokwane Airport, both metered and pre-pay. In the city centre, however, there is really only two taxi ranks in Polokwane. Rates are fairly cheap and travelling by taxis in Polokwane is the safest and fastest way to get about for tourists. You will need to call a taxi in advance and have them pick you up at your location.
Check out these Polokwane taxis:
Maxi Taxi
Tel: +27 (0)72 704 9872
City Taxis
Tel: +27 (0)72 704 9872
By minibus taxi
Like most cities in South Africa, minibus taxis in Polokwane are the main form of public transport for locals. Minibus taxis in Polokwane run routes all over the city with cheap rates. Minibus taxis in Polokwane are generally not advised for tourists, however, as they are often poorly maintained, overcrowded and recklessly driven. Entre at your own risk!
By private hire vehicle
If you are travelling in a group, it can work out well to get your hands on private hire vehicles in Polokwane. Private hire transport in Polokwane ranges from everything from a four-person car to a 74-person coach. You can also hire vehicles in Polokwane with or without a driver, for city-to-city transfers or for organised tours. Most companies are happy to do any combination of the above as long as the price is right.
Check out these private hire transport and tour companies in Polokwane:
Safrico Travel & Tours
Tel: +27(0)15 632 6331
Bahwaduba Bus Service
Tel: +27 (0)15 293 1211
City to City (Polokwane to Johannesburg)
Tel: +27 (0)86 158 9282
Fambani Travel & Tours
Tel: +27 (0)15 291 2874
Kopano Bus Service
Tel: +27 (0)15 293 0517
Limpopo Coaches
Tel: +27 (0)83 631 5242
Malate Travel & Tours
Tel: +27 (0)15 291 2490
Mmakado Travel & Tours
Tel: +27 (0)15 291 4168
Northlink Tours
Tel: +27 (0)15 291 1868
ShuttleDirect
Tel: +27 (0)86 173 4732
Thusong Travels & Tours
Tel: +27 (0)15 288 1589
