Bus travel around South Africa is economical, practical, and perfect for anyone who wishes to see the nation without having to worry about driving. Even the finest plans are occasionally derailed by life, whether you are travelling to another province for a vacation, seeing family, or commuting for business. Your bus ticket date may unexpectedly become unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, such as getting stopped at work, feeling ill, or deciding to stay longer.
The good news is that it’s now easier than ever to change the date on your bus ticket in 2025. With a few clicks on the internet or by contacting customer service, passengers can reschedule their journeys with the majority of South Africa’s long-distance bus carriers, including Intercape, Greyhound, Translux, and Eagle Liner.
However, each operator has its own set of guidelines, costs, and deadlines.
Don’t lose money or time – here’s how to reschedule your bus trip hassle-free.
Can You Change Your Bus Ticket Date?
Yes, you can — but there are a few conditions to know before you start. Bus companies in South Africa generally allow passengers to change their travel date as long as the request is made within the allowed window and you follow the correct procedure. The main factors affecting whether you can reschedule are the type of ticket, the bus operator’s policy, and how far in advance you request the change.
1. Time Restrictions
Most operators require that you change your ticket at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. This helps them manage seat allocations and ensures fair access for other passengers. If you miss that window, the ticket often becomes non-changeable and non-refundable. Some premium services allow last-minute adjustments up to 15 minutes before the bus leaves, but this is rare.
2. Ticket Type
Your ability to change a ticket also depends on its class:
- Saver or Economy tickets usually have strict or limited flexibility. Once booked, they can’t be refunded and might only be changed with a voucher and a fee.
- Flexi or Full Flexi tickets are more expensive but allow easier date changes and sometimes full refunds.
Choosing a flexible option during booking can save you money and stress later.
3. Peak Season Restrictions
During busy travel periods — Easter, school holidays, and December — bus operators enforce tighter rules. Seats fill quickly, and fare differences between dates may be significant. Some companies pause ticket changes 24 hours before high-demand departures to manage capacity.
4. Common Limitations
- Tickets are non-transferable, so you can’t change the passenger’s name.
- Changes are valid only for the same route; you cannot switch from Johannesburg–Durban to Cape Town–Port Elizabeth, for example.
- Most companies will not refund if the new trip is cheaper; instead, they issue a credit voucher.
Understanding these rules upfront can save time when rescheduling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Bus Ticket Date
Every operator has a slightly different process, but the main methods are the same. You can reschedule your trip online, through the call centre, or at a bus terminal. Below are full step-by-step instructions for each.
1. Changing Your Ticket Online
If you booked through the company’s website or mobile app, the online method is the quickest and most convenient.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the bus company’s site — for example:
Avoid third-party or unofficial sites when logging in to manage your booking.
Step 2: Access “Manage Booking” or “My Tickets”
Click on the relevant menu option and enter your booking reference and ID or passport number. Some platforms let you log in using your email address.
Step 3: Locate Your Ticket
Select the ticket you wish to change. You’ll usually see buttons such as “Change Date”, “Reschedule”, or “Modify Trip.”
Step 4: Select a New Date and Time
Use the calendar to pick your preferred date. If your new date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the fare might be higher.
Step 5: Review and Confirm
The system will show you any fare difference or change fee. If everything looks correct, proceed to payment and confirmation.
Step 6: Receive Your Updated Ticket
After payment, you’ll receive an email and/or SMS with your new e-ticket and travel details. Keep this safe — it replaces your old ticket.
Why choose this method?
- Available 24/7
- Faster and usually cheaper
- Immediate confirmation
2. Changing Your Ticket via Call Centre or Customer Support
If you prefer personal assistance or lack internet access, contact your bus company’s call centre.
Step 1: Find the Correct Contact Number
Here are popular call lines in 2025:
| Company | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Intercape | 0861 287 287 | 08:00 – 20:00 daily |
| Greyhound | 087 150 1895 | 07:00 – 19:00 daily |
| Translux | 011 774 3333 | 07:30 – 18:00 daily |
| APM (African People Mover) | 087 820 8111 | 08:00 – 18:00 daily |
| Eagle Liner | 0861 589 282 | 07:00 – 19:00 daily |
Step 2: Provide Booking Details
Have your ticket reference number, ID, and original travel date ready. The agent will use this information to find your booking.
Step 3: Request the Change
Explain the new date and time you’d prefer. The agent will confirm if seats are available and calculate any additional costs.
Step 4: Pay the Fee or Fare Difference
You may be asked to pay an admin fee (R70 – R200) or the difference in fare. Most call centres accept card payments over the phone or will direct you to a nearby terminal for payment.
Step 5: Get Confirmation
You’ll receive an updated ticket via SMS or email. Keep this confirmation handy on the day of travel.
Tip: Calling early in the morning or mid-afternoon helps avoid long hold times during peak travel periods.
3. Changing Your Ticket at the Bus Terminal
If you booked your ticket in cash, through an agent, or via Computicket, you’ll need to make the change in person.
Step 1: Visit the Ticket Office or Authorised Agent
Locate the nearest station or authorised retail partner such as Shoprite Money Market or Pick n Pay Travel desks.
Step 2: Bring Necessary Documents
Carry your printed ticket, ID, and the payment card used (if any).
Step 3: Request the Date Change
Explain your situation to the ticketing agent. They will check availability and calculate the fee or fare difference.
Step 4: Pay and Collect Your New Ticket
Once you’ve paid, you’ll receive a new printed ticket. Verify that your name, date, and time are correct before leaving the counter.
Step 5: Arrive Early
Always arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in smoothly.
Note: Bus stations can be crowded, particularly in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. For the fastest experience, arrive during non-peak hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon).
4. Fees and Restrictions Overview
Different operators have different policies. Here’s a quick comparison of major intercity services as of 2025:
| Operator | Change Allowed? | Deadline | Fee (approx.) | How to Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercape | Yes (all classes; Saver restrictive) | Up to 15 min before | R100 – R200 | Online, call 021 380 4400, or at station | Full Flexi allows refunds; Saver only gets vouchers. |
| Greyhound | Yes | >24 h full change / <1 h none | R100 – R120 | Website / app / call 011 611 8000 | New ticket issued; no fare guarantee. |
| Translux | Yes | >48 h before | 10 % of fare + VAT | Agency / office / call 011 774 3333 | No changes within 48 h; first-come seating. |
| APM (African People Mover) | Yes (voucher only) | Any time before | 10 % general / 25 % <3 h | Call 087 820 8111 or fax 087 809 5626 | Voucher valid 3 years; no cash refund. |
| Eagle Liner | Yes | Up to 3 h before | Variable | Station / Busbud platform | Same route only; ID required. |
| Delta Coach | Yes | 24 h before | R70 approx. | At station | Exchanges only; no refunds. |
These policies may change, so always confirm with your operator directly before making any assumptions.
Tips to Avoid Extra Fees and Mistakes
Changing a bus ticket should be simple, but small oversights can lead to penalties or confusion. Follow these proven strategies to make the process smoother:
1. Change Early
Most companies reward early changes with lower or even waived fees. If you wait until the day of travel, the system might block modifications altogether.
2. Save All Confirmation Emails and SMSes
Always keep a digital record of your reschedule confirmation. This ensures that, if your name isn’t on the passenger list or the system fails to update, you can prove your change request.
3. Double-Check the New Date and Time
A simple mistake — like choosing the wrong month on the calendar — can cost you another change fee. Always confirm the new details before finalising.
4. Compare Online vs In-Person Options
If you have internet access, use the company’s website or app. Online rescheduling is usually faster and cheaper. In-person changes may include a small service fee at Computicket or Shoprite outlets.
5. Avoid Peak-Season Chaos
During festive or school holidays, buses are often full, and operators can limit changes. If you anticipate uncertainty in your travel dates, book outside peak windows or choose a Full Flexi ticket.
6. Verify the Fare Difference
If the new travel date has a higher fare, expect to pay the balance. For example, switching from a weekday to a Sunday trip might increase the price.
7. Keep Customer Support Contacts Handy
Save helpline numbers in your phone so you can quickly call if your online attempt fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I change my ticket multiple times?
Yes. However, every change usually triggers a new admin fee. Intercape allows one change free on Full Flexi tickets, while others like Greyhound or Translux may charge each time.
2. What happens if I miss the date-change deadline?
If you don’t modify your booking within the allowed time, your ticket becomes void. You’ll need to buy a new one. Always act at least a day in advance.
3. Do all bus companies allow online date changes?
Most major ones do. Intercape, Greyhound, and Translux all provide web or app portals. Smaller regional services might require you to visit their offices.
4. Can I transfer my ticket to another person?
No. South African bus companies prohibit name changes to prevent ticket misuse. Only the original passenger can travel on the ticket.
5. What if I booked through a third-party platform?
If you used Busbud, justGO.co.za, or BusOnlineTicket.com, you can initiate a change through their website, but the final approval must come from the operator.
6. What if my new trip costs less?
Most operators don’t refund the difference. Instead, they issue a voucher or credit note valid for future travel — typically within three years.
7. What if I lose my ticket?
Contact customer support immediately. You might need to provide your ID and booking details. Reprints or replacements may involve a small admin fee.
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Changing the date on your bus ticket in South Africa in 2025 is straightforward once you know the rules. Whether you’re using an online portal, speaking with a call-centre agent, or visiting a terminal, the key is to act early and keep your booking information handy.
Every bus operator has slightly different policies, but all aim to make rescheduling easier than before. To travel stress-free, always:
- Check the ticket’s flexibility before buying,
- Confirm deadlines for changes, and
- Keep proof of every transaction or confirmation.
By following these steps, you’ll avoid penalties, save time, and stay on track — wherever your next South African journey takes you.
