Getting There & Away: Port Elizabeth

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) serves Port Elizabeth, located 7 km (4 miles) south of the city. Port Elizabeth (PLZ) currently has no direct international flights from major global hubs.

Flight Information

Domestic Airlines: South African Airways (SAA), CemAir, Airlink, FlySafair, Lift.
Typical Routes: Connections to Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), Durban (DUR).
Seasonal Pricing: Higher demand/prices Dec-Jan. Book 3-6 months in advance. Off-peak has better prices.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

PLZ offers various facilities for travelers. Transfer options from the airport to the city or accommodation are available.

Services & Transport

Car Rental: Desks from major companies (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Bidvest).
Taxi: Metered taxis outside terminal (R100-R200 to city).
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Bolt operate from PLZ.

Flight Deals

Find affordable airfares with services like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

Compare rates and book your rental car via DiscoverCars.com for exploring independently.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels offer pre-arranged shuttle services; confirm availability with your accommodation.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Services

Train: Shosholoza Meyl connects Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Johannesburg and other cities. Services might have delays.
Long-Distance Bus: Reputable companies include Intercape, Translux, and Greyhound. Affordable connections to major cities.
Booking: Advise booking bus tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Road Conditions: Major national routes (N2, N10) are generally well-maintained.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements: Valid domestic driving license; International Driving Permit (IDP) if license is not in English or lacks photo.
Driving Side: Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful. Attendants dispense fuel (tip R5-R10).
Safety: Keep car doors locked, windows up. Avoid driving at night on unfamiliar roads.

Sea & River Arrivals

Cruise Port

The Port of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is a commercial port and a stopover for international cruise ships. Immigration and customs procedures apply here.

River Transport

There are no commercial passenger river transportation options relevant for reaching or departing from Port Elizabeth. Rivers are mostly for recreation.

Land Connections

Taxis and pre-arranged shuttles are available at the cruise terminal for city transfers and excursions.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No separate airport departure or exit fees are payable in cash. Any relevant taxes appear included in your airline ticket.

Departure Procedures

Domestic Flights (PLZ): Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure.
International Flights (connecting from JNB/CPT): Arrive 3 to 4 hours before scheduled international departure.
Reconfirm: Reconfirm your flight or bus departure times 24-48 hours before you leave.

Airport & Station Facilities

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) provides basic amenities for departing travelers.

Traveler Services

PLZ: Waiting areas, cafes, a few small shops for refreshments.
Bus Stations: Basic waiting areas, ticket counters, small kiosks.
Train Stations: Fundamental waiting facilities and ticket services.

Money-Saving Tip

Daily Car Rental (excluding fuel/insurance): R300-R800. Consider renting a car for a few days to explore beyond the city, balancing cost with flexibility.

Cost of Transport

Local Bus Ride: R15-R30.
Ride-share/Taxi (short city trip): R50-R150.
Minibus Taxi (short trip): R10-R30.

Accommodation Prices

Accommodation costs vary based on style and amenities. Port Elizabeth offers options from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

Price Ranges per night

Hostel Dorm Bed: R150-R300.
Budget Guesthouse/B&B Room: R400-R700.
Mid-range Hotel Room: R800-R1500.

Emergency Contacts

Police: 10111.
Ambulance/Fire: 10177.
Netcare 911: 082 911 (Private Medical).

ER24: 084 124 (Private Medical).
Your Country's Embassy/Consulate.
Travel Insurance Provider's 24/7 Emergency Line.

Safari & Activity Pricing

Attraction Costs

Entrance fees for attractions vary. Day safaris often include game drives and meals.

Price Overview

Museum Entry: R50-R150.
Addo Elephant National Park (per person/day): R380 (international adult).
Private Game Reserve Day Safari: R1500-R3000+.

Ocean & Guided Tours

Boat tours for wildlife viewing are a popular activity in Algoa Bay.

Tour Costs

Ocean Safari/Boat Tour: R300-R800+.
Guided Tours (city, specific areas): Prices vary depending on duration and inclusions.
Activity costs can influence your daily budget significantly.

Free Activities

Prioritize free attractions like beaches, walking the Donkin Heritage Trail, and enjoying parks.

Local Deals

Some restaurants and cafes offer lunch specials or early bird dinners, offering good value.

Airport Facilities

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport offers free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.

Food & Drink Costs

Meal Price Ranges

Meal costs vary widely, from inexpensive street food to fine dining. Cooking your own meals can significantly reduce expenses.

Typical Meal Costs

Street Food/Snack: R30-R80.
Casual Restaurant Meal: R100-R250.
Mid-range Restaurant Meal with Drink: R250-R500.

Self-Catering & Markets

Utilizing self-catering accommodation and purchasing groceries at local supermarkets like Pick n Pay, Checkers, or Woolworths Food is a cost-effective choice.

Saving on Food

Supermarkets offer fresh produce and prepared foods at better prices.
Many guesthouses and apartments feature kitchen facilities for cooking.

Price Ranges for Accommodation, Meals, & Activities

Accommodation

Hostel Dorm: R150-R300. Budget Guesthouse: R400-R700. Mid-range Hotel: R800-R1500. Luxury: R2000+.

Meals

Street Food: R30-R80. Casual Restaurant: R100-R250. Fine Dining: R600+.

Attractions

Museum: R50-R150. Addo Entry: R380. Ocean Safari: R300-R800+.

Budgeting Insight

These daily estimates exclude international flights and major safari packages, which typically constitute a separate, substantial cost.

Getting There & Away