Traveling between Windhoek, Namibia and Cape Town, South Africa by bus is pretty straightforward. One bus takes you all the way. No transfers are required. This journey is easy and stress-free, but long. This guide outlines the trip step-by-step. I talk about ticket pricing, station locations, the border crossing procedure when entering South Africa, luggage, safety, and more. I recently made this trip while traveling from Ethiopia to Cape Town overland. In this guide, I’ll share my experience.
Buying Bus Tickets Between Windhoek and Cape Town
I recommend you buy your tickets at least a day in advance as the buses do fill up. A company called Intercape operates this route. They are based in South Africa and offer coach service all over Southern Africa. The service is safe, professional, and reliable. Two ways to book your ticket are:
- Online- The easiest way to buy bus tickets between Windhoek and Cape Town is online on the Intercape website. You can pay for your ticket in South African Rand by card.
- In person- You can also go down to the ticketing office in Windhoek or Cape Town to buy tickets. Bring your passport to the ticketing office as it will be required for booking. They accept cash and cards. You can pay with Namibian dollars or South African Rand.
Ticketing Office Locations
The buses depart and arrive from the following stations:
- Windhoek ticket office- The office is located at C3QJ+VQ Windhoek, Namibia on Banhof Street.
- Cape Town ticket office- The office is located at 3CHH+6F Cape Town, South Africa on Old Marine Drive. This office is conveniently located right in downtown Cape Town near the main train station. It is within walking distance to many hostels and hotels.
Bus Departure and Arrival Times
- Windhoek to Cape Town Bus- The bus leaves Windhoek every day at 16:30 and arrives in Cape Town the following day at 14:05.
- Cape Town to Windhoek Bus- The bus leaves Cape Town every day at 10:00 and arrives in Windhoek the following day at 08:35.
Bus Ticket Prices
Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book and the season. Flexible date tickets are available at a slightly higher rate.
- Windhoek to Cape Town ticket- A ticket cost between 850 and 1200 Rand (about $60-$90)
- Cape Town to Windhoek ticket- A ticket costs between 850 and 1400 Rand (about $60-$100)
Luggage
Your ticket includes a luggage allowance of one large item like a backpack or suitcase and one smaller personal item to bring onto the bus. The larger item is stored below the bus.
For an extra fee, you can bring more luggage. These buses drag a small luggage trailer behind them to accommodate extra cargo. This is something that I had never seen before.
The Bus Ride
This is a 22-hour long ride. Luckily the buses are pretty new and comfortable. The seats recline. There is a bathroom on the bus. Each seat is equipped with outlets for charging your electronics. Smooth roads and good infrastructure make the ride more pleasant.
Tip: If you can, I recommend you request seats in the front row. The Intercape coaches are the double-decker style which offer a panoramic view high-up over the road. The scenery through South Africa is stunning.
Food and Drinks During the Journey
The bus only stops 3 times during the whole journey. Twice for meals and once at the border. Meal stops are just gas station convenience stores. Food options are limited to snacks like chips and candy. You can also find some precooked ready-to-eat meals. Water, sodas, tea, and coffee are all available at each stop.
I purchased some food at a grocery store in Windhoek before I left. I brought a couple of cans of tuna, a loaf of bread, and some cookies. This was enough to make myself a decent meal along the way.
Crossing the Border
Namibia to South Africa- Visas are available for free at the border for most nationalities. This border crossing is smooth and efficient but also pretty thorough. Everyone must collect their luggage from under the bus. Customs officials make random baggage inspections.
South Africa to Namibia- Visas are available for free at the border for most nationalities. This crossing is also pretty painless and efficient.
For more information on visas and border crossings, check out my African Visa Guide.
Money
If you are traveling from Namibia to South Africa, you will want to use up or exchange your Namibian Dollars before you leave. Even though Namibian Dollars are pegged to the South African Rand, they are not accepted in South Africa. Many currency exchange booths will change them over for no charge.
South African Rand are accepted in Namibia.
Final Thoughts
Intercape offers a decent service. It’s a long ride but the savings over the flight is so great that it’s worth the hassle if you’re on a budget. Try to get a window seat as the views of Table Mountain while coming into Cape Town are excellent.
Have you made the trip from Namibia to South Africa? Share your experience in the comments below!
Check out my Ultimate African Bus Guide for more step-by-step guides to the most popular bus routes through Africa!
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Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.