The R63 is safe during daylight hours, but avoid night travel.

No, there are no commercial flights between these two towns.

The bus journey takes about 4.5 hours including stops.

Early morning is best to avoid heavy truck traffic.

No, there are no toll gates on the R63 route.

East London

Queenstown

Bus Driving

East London to Queenstown

Updated: 28 May 2026

The route from East London to Queenstown spans 280 km, primarily following the R63. You will pass through inland towns like Cathcart and Stutterheim. This route is a vital link for the agricultural heartland of the Eastern Cape. The drive typically takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. Expect scenic mountain views as you approach the interior plateau.

Total Distance: 280 km driving distance; 210 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Private car, taking 3.5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Bus travel, costing around R300.

Compare East London to Queenstown Routes

	Bus Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 30 mins	3 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	R300 - R450	R400 - R550
Operator	Greyhound	Private Vehicle
Route	R63 highway.	R63 via Stutterheim and Cathcart.
Tip	Buses depart from the East London central bus terminal.	The R63 is a single-lane road; exercise caution when overtaking trucks.

Travel Tips

Road Conditions
The R63 can have potholes; keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Rest Stops
Stutterheim is an excellent place to stop for coffee and fuel.
Booking
Always confirm your bus departure time the day before travel.
Supplies
Pack water and snacks as there are long stretches between towns.
Navigation
Download offline maps as signal can be intermittent in rural areas.

Safety Tips

Livestock
Be extremely careful of cattle and goats crossing the road in rural sections.
Speed Limits
Adhere to speed limits in small towns; traffic officers are frequent.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your spare tire is inflated before leaving East London.
Emergency
Keep a list of local emergency numbers for the Eastern Cape region.