How to Get to Plettenberg Bay. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

These are the main air travel centers for Plettenberg Bay.

Access Points

George Airport (GRJ): Main airport for the Garden Route, 100 km (62 miles) west of Plett, approx. 1.5-hour drive.
Plettenberg Bay Airport (PBZ): Smaller airport directly in Plett, mainly for private rentals and limited commercial flights.
Currently, CemAir offers direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to PBZ.

Airlines & Routes

Domestic flights connect Plettenberg Bay's nearest airports to South Africa's major international gateways.

Connecting Flights

From OR Tambo (JNB), Johannesburg: Airlink, CemAir, FlySafair to GRJ; CemAir also direct to PBZ.
From Cape Town (CPT): Airlink, CemAir, FlySafair to GRJ; CemAir also direct to PBZ.
No direct international flights to GRJ or PBZ. Connect through JNB or CPT.

Flight Prices

Flight prices increase substantially during peak holiday seasons (mid-Dec to Jan, Easter, July school vacations).

Flight Availability

Airlines generally offer more frequent flights during peak seasons. Schedules might reduce slightly during the low season.

Airport Facilities

GRJ offers standard facilities (car rental, ATMs, cafes). PBZ is smaller with limited facilities (small waiting area, check-in).

Transfer Options from Airports

George Airport GRJ to Plett

Car Rental: Most common and highly recommended option for exploring the Garden Route. All major companies at GRJ. Book in advance.
Shuttle Services: Private companies operate transfers between GRJ and Plett. Book in advance for comfortable, direct service.
Taxi/Ride-sharing: Taxis available. Uber/Bolt less reliable for longer distances from major airports. Pre-arranging a transfer is often more reliable.
Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Plettenberg Bay Airport PBZ to Town

Taxis are usually available at PBZ.
Pre-arrange a transfer with your accommodation for convenience.
The airport is very close to the town center.
Check Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Air Travel Tips

Book in Advance

Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season.

Ground Transport

Plan your ground transportation from George Airport in advance, especially for late arrivals or peak season.

Connectivity

Consider Airalo for eSIMs to stay connected upon arrival.

Land Transportation

Bus & Train Travel

Land transportation offers a scenic way of enjoying the Garden Route.

Bus Options

Intercity Bus: Companies like Intercape and Citiliner offer long-distance paths to Plettenberg Bay from major South African cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha).
Book bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times. Buses stop at the Plettenberg Bay central bus stop or designated drop-off points.
Train Connections: No direct passenger train services to Plettenberg Bay. Historic Outeniqua Choo Tjoe no longer operational for public facilities in this area.

Self-Driving

Self-driving along the Garden Route is a popular and highly recommended way to explore, granting maximum flexibility.

Considerations & Requirements

Valid domestic driver's license. If not in English or without a photo, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is good alongside original license.
A credit card in the main driver's name is beneficial for the hired item deposit. Minimum age is typically 21 or 23.
Road Conditions: N2 is well-maintained. Plett area roads are generally good. Drive on the left-hand side.

Fuel & Car Rental

Information regarding refueling and rental options.

Petrol & Vehicle Hire

Fuel: Petrol stations are numerous. Fuel dispensed by attendants; tipping ZAR 5-10 is customary.
Car Rental: Book well in advance. Compare prices from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty.
Consider DiscoverCars.com for rental comparisons.

Road Safety

Important safety considerations for driving.

Driving Precautions

Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at intersections.
Avoid leaving valuables visible in your car.
Try to avoid driving at night, especially on rural roads, due to poor lighting and potential hazards.

Sea/River Arrivals & Departures

Ferry Services: Plettenberg Bay does not have a cruise port or regular ferry services for passenger arrival or departure to other towns or countries.
River Transportation: The Keurbooms River offers leisure boat trips and cruises, however it is not a means of transit for arriving at or departing from Plettenberg Bay itself.
Immigration Procedures at Seaports: Not applicable, as there are no international seaports for passenger arrivals in Plettenberg Bay.

Departure Information: No specific departure tax or exit fees are levied by the South African government at airports. Any fees are usually included in airline ticket price.
Timing: International Flights (from JNB or CPT): Arrive at least 3 hours before. Domestic Flights (from GRJ or PBZ): Arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before.
Allow extra time for car rental return at the airport and factor in potential traffic delays.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

George Airport GRJ

Offers a regular airport facilities for departing travelers.

Departure Amenities

Check-in counters and security screening.
A couple of small shops for last-minute souvenirs and cafes for refreshments.
Restrooms available. The departure lounge is comfortable.

Plettenberg Bay Airport PBZ

Facilities are very basic for departing travelers.

Limited Amenities

A simple check-in counter.
A small waiting area.
Not an airport where you would plan to spend much time before your flight.

Travel Advice

Consider having a physical road map of South Africa as a backup to GPS, especially if you plan to venture into areas with limited cell signal.

How to Get to Plettenberg Bay