How to Get to East London. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to East London

Airports & Routes

East London Airport (ELS) serves as the main gateway for domestic flights. International visitors typically link through major hubs like Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT).

Airlines & Connections

Domestic flights connect ELS to JNB, CPT, and sometimes DUR.
Airlines: South African Airways (SAA), Airlink, CemAir, FlySafair, Lift.
Flights available year-round, prices higher during peak holidays. Discover deals with Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

ELS is a smaller domestic airport offering core services. Ground transfer options are readily available.

Services & Options

Car rental agencies (Avis, Budget, Hertz) at ELS.
Metered taxis, Uber, and Bolt services available.
Pre-book private shuttle services for convenience.

International Arrivals

No direct international flights to East London. Connect via JNB or CPT.

Seasonal Pricing

Book well in advance for better rates during peak holiday seasons (Dec-Jan, Easter).

Airport Amenities

ELS features car rentals, ATMs, and a selection of shops and cafes.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees are charged directly at departure from South Africa.
For domestic flights, arrive at ELS 1.5 - 2 hours before departure.
Allow ample time for international connections via JNB/CPT.
Online check-in is recommended to make your... more efficient departure.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

East London The airport has waiting areas, cafes, and restrooms.
Retail alternatives at ELS are limited.
Bus stations provide basic waiting areas for passengers.
Standard airport security checks apply for all departures.

Getting Around East London

Public Transport

Mini-bus taxis form the backbone of local public transport, following specific routes.

Taxis & Ride-sharing

Uber and Bolt are popular options for convenient, trackable rides.

Car Rental

Rent a car for flexibility in exploring East London and the Eastern Cape. DiscoverCars.com can assist.

Land Transportation Options

Long-Distance Buses

An extensive bus network connects East London to major From South africa cities, offering a cost-effective travel method.

Major Bus Operators

Companies: Intercape, Citiliner (Eldo Coaches), Greyhound.
Routes: Connect to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth.
Train Services: Shosholoza Meyl services are currently suspended or limited.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving Information

Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP) needed.
Main roads (N2, N6) are well-maintained; secondary roads vary.

Driving Safety

While self-driving provides freedom, safety measures are essential on From South africa roads.

Stay Safe on the Road

Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving.
Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas.
Be mindful of pedestrians and livestock, especially in rural zones.

Sea & River Arrivals

East London's commercial port occasionally receives cruise ships, an unique way to arrive.

Cruise & Water Transport

East London is a port of call for international cruise liners (Oct-Apr).
Immigration procedures apply for cruise passengers at the port terminal.
River transportation is not common for arrival; leisure boat trips are available on Nahoon River.

Driving Laws & Speed Limits

Seatbelts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
No mobile phone use while driving without a hands-free kit.
Strict drunk driving laws are enforced.

National roads: 120 km/h.
Regional roads: 100 km/h.
Urban areas: 60 km/h.

Parking & Roadside Assistance

Parking in East London

Secure parking is essential. Look for designated areas and be aware of car guards.

Parking Details

Metered street parking in some CBD areas.
Parking lots available at shopping centers and attractions.
Always park in well-lit, secure areas.

Roadside Assistance

For unexpected vehicle issues, assistance is available to support you continue your journey safely.

Assistance Contacts

Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) offers assistance.
Your car rental company's helpline can provide support.
Potholes are common in rural areas and some municipal roads.

Plan Your Route

Careful route planning helps you avoid less safe areas plus surprising detours.

Car Guards

"Car guards" often offer to watch your car for a small tip (R5-R10).

Border Information

East London is well within South Africa's borders; border crossing rules apply for neighboring countries.

Specialized Transport

Walking & Cycling

Explore parts of East London on foot or by bicycle. Certain areas are more pedestrian-friendly.

Safe Zones for Active Travel

The Esplanade (beachfront) offers pleasant walking routes.
Nahoon Beach area and various parks provide good walking and cycling.
Avoid walking alone in the city center after business hours or in informal settlements.

Tour Services

While no hop-on-hop-off services exist, local operators offer guided day tours to specific attractions.

Explore with Guides

Local tour operators arrange guided day tours by bus or mini-van.
These tours visit specific attractions or surrounding areas.
Pre-arrangement may be required for travelers with mobility needs.

Water & Unique Transport

Boat Trips

Operators offer leisure, fishing, or riverboat tours on the Nahoon River.

No Boat Taxis

Boat taxis are not a common transport mode within East London.

No Cable Cars

Unique transports like cable cars or funiculars are not present.

Local Transport Advice

For navigating East London, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt offer the most reliable and safe options, with cashless payment and LOCATION tracking for peace of mind.

How to Get to East London