Is it called King William's Town or Qonce?

It is officially renamed Qonce, though many still use the old name.

How long is the drive?

The drive is approximately 12 hours.

No, there is no passenger rail service to Qonce.

What is the best route?

The N12 to Bloemfontein and then the N6 is the most reliable route.

Yes, the N6 is a major national road and generally safe for travel.

Potchefstroom

King William's Town

Bus Driving

Potchefstroom to King William's Town

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Potchefstroom to King William's Town (now Qonce) covers about 950 kilometers. You will primarily use the N12 and N6 highways. This route takes you through the Free State and into the Eastern Cape. The drive takes approximately 12 hours. It is a vital route for those traveling to the Buffalo City metropolitan area.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 950 km; straight-line air distance is 690 km.

Fastest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the fastest, taking about 12 hours.

Cheapest Way

Bus travel is the most economical, costing around R700.

Compare Potchefstroom to King William's Town Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	14 hours	12 hours
Avg Price	R600 - R900	R1800 - R2200 fuel
Operator	Intercape	Private Vehicle
Route	Potchefstroom to East London, then local transport to Qonce.	N12 to Bloemfontein, then N6 to King William's Town.
Tip	Qonce is very close to East London, making it easy to reach by local taxi.	The N6 is well-maintained but watch for speed traps near towns.

Travel Tips

Route Planning
The N6 is the most direct route from the Free State into the Eastern Cape.
Stopovers
Aliwal North is a good place to stop for a meal and fuel.
Weather
Be prepared for mist in the Amathole mountains near Qonce.
Booking
Book your bus tickets online to avoid queues at the station.
Fuel
Refuel in Bloemfontein to ensure you have enough for the long stretch ahead.

Safety Tips

Road Hazards
Watch for livestock on the road in the rural Eastern Cape sections.
Vehicle Security
Keep your car locked at all times, especially when stopping in town centers.
Emergency
Keep a list of emergency numbers for the Eastern Cape region.
Driving Fatigue
Take regular breaks to stay alert on the long N6 stretch.