Transport & Traffic
Pretoria bus routes, fares, and timetables for 2026
Getting around Pretoria feels different in 2026
Anyone who commutes in Tshwane will tell you that buses are no longer the last resort they once were. In 2026, Pretoria’s bus network had quietly become one of the most structured and predictable ways to move across the city, especially for daily workers, students, and pensioners.
Between A Re Yeng, Tshwane Bus Services, and the Gautrain feeder buses, most major residential areas now link directly to business hubs like Hatfield, Menlyn, the CBD, and Centurion. Add long-distance coaches leaving from Bosman Station and Pretoria Station, and the city feels far more connected than it did a decade ago.
The main bus services operating in Pretoria
Pretoria’s municipal transport system is anchored by two core services run by the City of Tshwane.
A Re Yeng is the city’s Bus Rapid Transit system. It operates on dedicated lanes along key corridors, which means it often moves faster than normal traffic during peak hours. Its trunk routes connect areas like Wonderboom, the CBD, Hatfield, and Menlyn, with feeder buses pulling commuters in from surrounding neighbourhoods.
Tshwane Bus Services, often called TBS, covers a much wider suburban footprint. These buses serve established areas such as Brooklyn, Lynnwood, Garsfontein, Silverton, Faerie Glen, Pretoria North, Waterkloof Ridge, Monument Park, and parts of Centurion.
Alongside these, Gautrain buses operate as dedicated feeders to Gautrain stations. They are designed around train schedules and connect stations to nearby suburbs, including Rooihuiskraal, Wierda Park, Techno Park, and Southdowns.
What bus fares look like in 2026
For many Pretoria commuters, price is still the deciding factor. The good news is that fares remain relatively affordable in 2026.
From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, both A Re Yeng and Tshwane Bus Services use the same distance-based fare structure. The system calculates travel distance as the crow flies rather than by road length.
Short trips of up to 8 kilometres cost R13. Longer journeys increase gradually, with trips over 48 kilometres capped at R35. Most everyday commutes fall somewhere between R19 and R30, depending on distance.
Scholars pay a flat rate of R12.50 per trip, which continues to make buses one of the cheapest options for learners across the city.
Pensioners receive meaningful concessions. Those aged between 60 and 65 qualify for a 25 percent discount during off-peak hours. Residents over 65 travel for free during off-peak periods on weekdays, specifically between 09:00 and 15:00 and after 17:30.
The Connector card is no longer optional
One adjustment that still trips up new users is the Connector card system. In 2026, all municipal bus travel in Pretoria requires a smart Connector card. Cash and paper tickets are no longer accepted on A Re Yeng or Tshwane Bus Services.
The upside is convenience. The card allows seamless transfers between feeder and trunk routes and even between A Re Yeng and TBS within a 30-minute window, without being charged a second base fare.
Regular commuters often mention on social media that this transfer window has been one of the most practical improvements, especially for those who need to change buses to reach work or school.
Routes that matter most to daily commuters
Certain corridors see the highest passenger volumes year after year.
A Re Yeng’s Line 1 runs from Wonderboom through the CBD, while Line 2 connects the CBD to Hatfield and Menlyn. The extension of Line 2B, linking Hatfield directly to Menlyn, is expected to be operational by March 2026, a move welcomed by students and office workers alike.
Tshwane Bus Services remains essential for suburbs that fall outside the BRT lanes. Eastern suburbs like Brooklyn, Lynnwood, and Garsfontein rely heavily on TBS, while northern areas such as Doornpoort, Pretoria North, and The Orchards use it as their primary public transport option.
Gautrain buses continue to serve a narrower but important role, bridging the gap between residential areas and rail stations in Centurion and Pretoria.
When buses run and how often
In 2026, services generally operate from early morning to evening on weekdays. Most routes begin around 05:00 and run until roughly 20:00, with some A Re Yeng services extending later on Saturdays.
During peak periods, A Re Yeng trunk routes arrive every 7 to 10 minutes, which is one reason many commuters now prefer it over taxis on busy corridors. Off-peak intervals stretch slightly but remain predictable.
Weekend services are reduced. Sundays operate on longer intervals, and certain feeder routes, especially university-focused ones, do not run on Sundays.
Real-time updates are regularly posted on official Tshwane Bus Service and A Re Yeng social media channels, something locals increasingly rely on during service disruptions.
Long-distance buses from Pretoria in 2026
Pretoria also remains a key departure point for long-distance travel.
Intercape operates from Pretoria Station, with routes to destinations such as Tzaneen and Cape Town. Translux and City to City operate mainly from Bosman Bus Station, offering services to Johannesburg, Polokwane, Phalaborwa, and Maputo.
Long-distance fares vary by route and season, but popular intercity trips in 2026 often range between R850 and R1,100. Regional routes can be cheaper, depending on demand.
Why buses still matter in Pretoria
In a city shaped by long travel distances and rising fuel costs, buses remain one of the most democratic forms of transport. They serve workers before sunrise, students rushing to lectures, and pensioners visiting clinics, often on the same route.
Public reaction online suggests that while there is room for improvement, especially around weekend coverage, many residents appreciate the consistency and affordability of the current system.
For 2026, Pretoria’s bus network is not just about getting from point A to point B. It reflects a city slowly reshaping how people move, connect, and experience urban life.
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