Cape Town to Upington: Bus, Flight

There are 2 way(s) to get from Cape Town to Upington

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

Bus

10h 17min – 13h 22min

🚌 Departure from Cape Town

📍Most coaches from Cape Town to Upington depart from the Cape Town Station Bus Terminal, which is centrally located and well-known. This terminal serves as a major hub for long-distance bus services across South Africa.

🚇To reach the Cape Town Station Bus Terminal from the city centre, you can easily use MyCiTi buses, which offer frequent services and are very affordable (around 15-25 ZAR). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available, costing approximately 50-100 ZAR depending on your exact starting point and traffic, with a travel time of 5-15 minutes.

⏰Departures for Upington are typically available daily, with several services throughout the day, including overnight options. The first departure is usually in the early morning, and the last often in the late afternoon or evening. Frequencies can be higher during peak seasons.

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Practical tips

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Book in Advance, Especially for Coaches

Coach seats, especially on popular routes or during school holidays, can fill up quickly. Booking a few weeks ahead ensures you get your preferred departure time and avoid last-minute stress. Check school holiday dates to plan accordingly.

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Consider Night Travel for Coaches

For longer coach journeys, an overnight trip can save you a night's accommodation and help you arrive refreshed in the morning. Always ensure you have a comfortable neck pillow and a blanket for a better sleep experience.

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Check Flight Baggage Allowances

While flights are faster, budget airlines often have strict baggage limits and charge extra for checked bags. Always verify the airline's policy before booking to avoid unexpected fees at the airport.

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Plan Your Arrival in Upington

Whether by coach or plane, plan your onward travel from Upington's terminal. Pre-book a taxi or arrange for a transfer if arriving late at night, as public transport options might be limited, ensuring a safe transition.

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Use Trusted Online Booking Platforms

For instant confirmation and transparent pricing, book your coach or flight tickets through reputable online platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn. This helps avoid scams and ensures a smooth booking process.

🛣️ The journey experience

Planning your journey from Cape Town to Upington? It's essential to compare your options to make the best choice for your budget and schedule. South Africa is vast, and knowing whether a trip is best by coach or flight can save you both time and money. We'll help you instantly see the durations and price ranges side-by-side, so you can pick the option that perfectly suits your travel style, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

For this route, you have two primary options: a coach journey, which typically costs around €30 and takes about 10 hours, or a domestic flight, priced at approximately €45 with a flying time of just 1 hour. While the coach is the more budget-friendly choice, the flight offers a significantly faster travel time, making it ideal if you're short on time or prefer to avoid long road trips.

Considering South Africa's size, it's crucial to weigh your options carefully. A cheap flight can often be a smarter choice for long distances like this, saving you a full day of travel. We provide honest, route-level information on departure points and durations, so you can book with confidence and avoid arriving late at night in an unfamiliar city, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.

Frequently asked questions — Cape Town → Upington

How much does the trip from Cape Town to Upington cost by coach and by plane? +

What is the typical duration for the journey from Cape Town to Upington by different transport methods? +

Which transport method is better: coach or flight for this route? +

Where do coaches typically depart from in Cape Town and arrive in Upington? +

☀️ When to visit Upington?

DESERT HOT SEMI-ARID

Jan 😞

Feb 😞

Mar 😐

Apr 😐

May 😊

Jun 😊

Jul 😊

Aug 😊

Sep 😊

Oct 😐

Nov 😐

Dec 😞

What to do in Upington?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE

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Augrabies Falls National Park Day Trip

Explore the majestic Augrabies Falls, the 'Place of Great Noise', where the Orange River thunders into a gorge. Beyond the main falls, discover moon landscapes and unique desert adapted flora and fauna. Plan a full day, arriving early to beat the heat; park entry is around 10€.

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Orange River Wine Cellars Tour

Discover the Orange River Wine Cellars, one of the largest co-operative cellars in the world, producing a variety of wines in a desert climate. Enjoy a tasting session to sample local Chenin Blanc or dessert wines. Tours often run weekdays; expect a tasting fee of around 5-10€.

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Kalahari Orchid House Visit

Step into the Kalahari Orchid House, a local gem showcasing a diverse collection of orchids adapted to the region's climate. It's a peaceful escape and offers insight into unique botanical species. Check opening hours, as they can be variable; entrance is typically free or a small donation.

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Orange River Bridge Historical Walk

Walk across the historic Orange River Bridge, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes. It's a great spot for photography and understanding Upington's historical connection to the river. Best visited at sunset for spectacular colours; it's a free activity.

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Sundowner Cruise Orange River

Embark on a relaxing sundowner cruise along the Orange River. Enjoy the serene waters, spot local birdlife, and witness the stunning African sunset reflecting on the river. Many operators offer these cruises; expect to pay around 20-40€ depending on inclusions (drinks/snacks).

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Taste Local Northern Cape Cuisine

Explore local eateries and sample traditional Northern Cape cuisine, which often includes Karoo lamb, potjiekos (stew), or biltong (dried meat). Ask locals for their favourite spots, as tourist-focused places might lack authenticity. A good meal can range from 10-25€.

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River Fishing Experience

Engage in a peaceful river fishing experience on the Orange River. Known for various freshwater species like carp and catfish, it's a tranquil way to connect with nature. You'll need a permit and gear; local guides can arrange this for around 50€ for a half-day, including equipment.

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Stargazing in the Desert Night

Due to its remote location and clear skies, Upington offers spectacular stargazing opportunities. Escape the town lights for an unparalleled view of the Milky Way and constellations. Find a spot just outside town; it's a free and magical experience, especially with a blanket and thermos.

⏱️ How long to visit Upington?

2 to 5 days

For an independent traveler, two to three days in Upington is usually sufficient. This allows enough time to explore local attractions like the Orange River, the Spitskop Nature Reserve, and perhaps visit a wine estate. If you're using Upington as a base for longer excursions into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, plan for an additional 3-5 days.

Other trips from Cape Town

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How to get from Cape Town to Upington

🗺️ Route & distance: Cape Town → Upington