Is there a direct bus from Alice?

No, you must travel to East London or King William's Town first.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is approximately 90 minutes.

There is no direct passenger train service from Alice to Cape Town.

What is the best way to travel?

Flying is the most comfortable and fastest method.

Are there tolls on the N2?

Yes, there are several toll plazas between East London and Cape Town.

Alice

Cape Town

Bus Flight

Alice to Cape Town

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Alice to Cape Town involves a journey of approximately 1,000 kilometers. You can either take a bus from Alice to East London and then a long-haul coach, or drive to East London Airport for a flight. The bus journey is long, often exceeding 16 hours, while flying significantly reduces travel time to under 2 hours. This route connects the rural Eastern Cape with the legislative capital of South Africa.

Total Distance: 1,000 km driving distance; 850 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from East London Airport is the fastest way to reach Cape Town.

Cheapest Way

The bus is the most affordable option, though it requires significant travel time.

Compare Alice to Cape Town Routes

	Bus Connecting	Flight Direct
Duration	18 hours	1 hour 30 mins
Avg Price	R800 - R1200	R1500 - R2500
Operator	Intercape	Airlink
Route	Alice to East London, then N2 to Cape Town.	East London Airport (ELS) to Cape Town International (CPT).
Tip	Book your ticket at least two weeks in advance for better pricing.	Arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Travel Tips

Transport to Airport
Arrange a shuttle from Alice to East London Airport as public transport is unreliable.
Weather
Cape Town weather changes rapidly; always carry a windbreaker.
MyCiTi Bus
Use the MyCiTi bus card for efficient travel within Cape Town city center.
Booking
Use online platforms to compare flight prices between airlines.
Safety
Stay in well-lit, populated areas when using public transport at night.