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How to Get to Welkom

How to Get to Welkom

Welkom Free State, South Africa Travel Guide

Accessing Welkom by Air

Welkom Airport (FAWM) mainly serves general aviation and charter flights, lacking regular scheduled commercial passenger service.

Main Access Points

  • Bloemfontein (BFN) - 160 km south
  • Johannesburg (JNB) - 2ABOUT 37 miles northeast
  • Closest commercial hubs

Domestic airlines like Airlink, CemAir, and FlySafair operate routes to Bloemfontein from Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Airline Connections

  • Domestic routes to BFN
  • International flights to JNB
  • Price fluctuations by season

Car Rental from JNB

Renting a car at JNB is a top option for flexibility. The drive to Welkom takes 2.5-3 hours.

Intercity Bus from JNB

Companies like Intercape and Greyhound stop in Welkom, departing from Johannesburg Park Station.

Car Rental from BFN

Major car rental companies are at BFN. The drive to Welkom is about 1.5-2 hours.

Airport Facilities

O.R. Tambo International JNB

  • Diverse dining options
  • Duty-free shopping
  • Car hire companies
  • Banking & money exchange

Bram Fischer International BFN

  • Car rental desks
  • Limited dining options
  • Some stores
  • Compact facilities

Private Transfers

Direct Transport

Pre-arrange shuttle services for direct transport to Welkom.

Convenience

A comfortable option from both JNB and BFN airports.

Pre-booking

Secure your transport in advance for a smooth arrival.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

South Africa's long-distance passenger rail service, Shosholoza Meyl, historically served the Free State.

Rail Service Status

  • Shosholoza Meyl
  • Reduced services
  • Unreliable/suspended routes

Intercity Bus Options

Intercity buses connect Welkom to major South African cities.

Bus Operators & Routes

  • Intercape, Greyhound, Translux
  • Routes to Johannesburg, Bloemfontein
  • Book in advance

Driving Requirements

Self-driving is a versatile way to explore Welkom and the region.

Documentation

Road Rules & Conditions

Familiarize yourself with local driving laws for a smooth journey.

Drive Safely

  • Drive on Left
  • You Must wear seatbelts
  • Speed Limits (120/100/60 km/h)

Road Safety Considerations

  • Watch for potholes
  • Pedestrians on roads
  • Livestock on country roads
  • Avoid night driving on unlit roads
  • Keep doors locked, windows closed
  • Aware of carjacking risks

Sea/River Arrivals

This section is not applicable for Welkom, as it is a landlocked city in the heart of South Africa and has no sea or major river ports for commercial passenger traffic.

Departure Information

No Exit Fees

No specific departure tax when leaving South Africa; usually included in air tickets.

Airport Timing

Arrive 2-3 hours for international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.

Bus Terminal Timing

Arrive 30-60 minutes before scheduled bus departure.

Travel Safety Tip

When driving long distances in South Africa, plan your route to include stops at well-lit, busy petrol stations for fuel and rest. Avoid stopping in isolated areas.