Cross-border bus fares spike as Zimbabweans head home, passengers say

Travellers caught off guard

Several passengers who spoke to The South African described arriving at bus ranks to find higher prices and limited seats. One traveller, Mbulelo Ndlovu, told the publication he had expected the usual fare but was told the price had risen.

“From Joburg to Bulawayo, we usually pay between R600 and R700,” Ndlovu told The South African. “Yesterday when I got to the rank, I was told the bus fare was now R1 000. The bus I wanted to board was already full, so I had to take the next one, which charged R1 200.”

The South African reported that some operators initially quoted fares as high as R1,400 before reducing them.

Demand, limited seats and passenger frustration

Passengers described feeling pressured to pay the inflated rates because buses were filling quickly. According to The South African, several travellers said they had little choice but to pay the higher charges.

The publication also noted that the fare increases coincided with heightened tensions over illegal immigration in South Africa following a recent anti-illegal immigration march.

Pricing varies by operator and booking time

Comparative listings cited in reports showed some of the cheapest available fares at about $49 (around R900) as of 21 June 2026, with prices varying by operator and when tickets were booked.

Operators approached for comment

According to The South African, the publication reached out to several cross-border bus operators for comment on whether the increases reflected higher operating costs or simply stronger demand; their responses were to be added if received.

What passengers say

• Many reported paying between R1,000 and R1,200 for trips that normally cost R600–R700.
• Some operators reportedly quoted as high as R1,400 before lowering fares.
• Buses filling quickly left travellers with limited alternatives.

Reporting in this article is based on information published by The South African.