What Bus Route Numbers Are in South Africa

South Africa does not have one national system of bus route numbers. Each city and bus operator uses its own numbering system, so a route number such as 104, 520 or 750 only makes sense when you know which operator runs it.

This guide covers the three biggest urban bus networks for commuters: Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Bus Routes at a Glance

These numbers are examples rather than a complete list. Operators regularly adjust routes, timetables and stops, so commuters should check the official information before travelling.

Johannesburg Bus Route Numbers

Johannesburg has three important bus options for commuters: the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit network, Joburg Metrobus and Gautrain buses.

Rea Vaya Routes

Rea Vaya uses letters and numbers to identify different types of routes:

• T1 to T3 are trunk routes.
• C1 to C6 are additional city routes.
• F1 to F12 are feeder routes.

The trunk routes form the main corridors, while feeder services connect surrounding areas to the larger Rea Vaya network. The official Rea Vaya operating routes page includes route groups and service frequencies.

When using Rea Vaya, check whether your journey requires a trunk route, a connecting route or a feeder service. A feeder bus may not travel directly to the city centre, but it can take you to a station where you transfer to a trunk service.

Joburg Metrobus Routes

Joburg Metrobus uses conventional route numbers. Its official route information includes numbers such as:

• Route 520, between Naturena and Randburg Centre.
• Route 420, between Westgate Shopping Centre and Randburg Centre via Strijdom Park.
• Route 421, which has variations including R421 A, R421 F, R421 N and R421 S.

The variants matter because they do not all follow the same route. For example, R421 A operates between Bellevue and Auckland Park, while R421 N operates between Yeoville and Northgate. The City of Johannesburg lists these routes on its Metrobus route information page.

Metrobus also uses a zone system for fares. The zone number is not the same as the bus route number. Johannesburg has six concentric fare zones, with routes often starting in the inner city and travelling outwards.

Gautrain Bus Routes

Although Gautrain is best known for its rail service, it also operates a network of buses that connects passengers to Gautrain stations and nearby suburbs. Gautrain currently has more than 20 bus routes, with services linked to stations in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. The bus service operates to Gautrain stations except for O. R. Tambo International Airport.

Gautrain bus routes are colour coded and use letters and numbers. The route number, colour and stop number are displayed at bus stops, making it easier to identify the correct service.

Examples of Gautrain bus routes include:

• **C1 to C4** from Centurion Station to areas such as Techno Park, Rooihuiskraal, Wierda Park and Southdowns.
• **H1, H2, H3 and H5** from Hatfield Station to Brooklyn, Lynnwood, Arcadia and Menlyn.
• **J1 and J2** from Park Station to the Johannesburg CBD and Parktown.
• **M1 to M4** from Midrand Station to Randjespark, Noordwyk, Sunninghill and Mall of Africa.
• **RB2 to RB5** from Rosebank Station to Melrose Arch, Illovo, Hyde Park and Killarney.
• **S2 to S5** from Sandton Station to Gallo Manor, Rivonia, Randburg and Fourways.
• **RF1 to RF3** from Rhodesfield Station to Kempton Park and Emperors Palace.

The official Gautrain bus route downloads provide station by station maps and route details.

Gautrain bus route numbers are different from both Rea Vaya and Joburg Metrobus numbers. A route such as **S5** is a Gautrain bus service from Sandton Station, while **T1** refers to a Rea Vaya trunk route. Always check the operator before choosing a bus.

Using a Gautrain Bus

Gautrain bus passengers can use a Gautrain Card or a contactless bank card. If you plan to use a Gautrain Card, read our guide on how to get a bus card for the Gautrain before travelling.

The same card should be used for the train and bus when transferring between services, as rail users may qualify for a discounted bus fare. Cash is not accepted on Gautrain buses.

On most routes, buses operate approximately every 10 minutes during peak periods and every 20 minutes outside peak periods, although traffic can affect the timetable. Passengers should also flag the bus when waiting at a stop and press the buzzer before their stop.

How to Read a Johannesburg Route

A sign showing **R421 F** should be read as follows:

• **421** is the main route number.
• **F** identifies the particular variation.
• The destination on the bus confirms whether it is travelling in the direction you need.

Do not board a bus simply because the main number looks right. Check the letter, destination and direction as well.

Johannesburg has three important bus options for commuters:

• **Rea Vaya**, which uses T, C and F route families.
• **Joburg Metrobus**, which uses conventional numbers such as 420, 421 and 520.
• **Gautrain buses**, which use station based codes such as C1, H1, J2, RB4 and S5.

The route number only makes sense when read together with the operator, destination and direction.

Cape Town Bus Route Numbers

Cape Town has two very different bus systems. MyCiTi uses a structured route numbering system, while Golden Arrow Bus Services operates a much larger conventional network with its own timetable and route information.

MyCiTi Route Numbers

MyCiTi route numbers are grouped into categories:

• T routes are trunk routes.
• D routes are direct routes.
• Three digit routes are area routes and local services.

Examples on the current MyCiTi route map include:

• T01, Dunoon to Table View, Civic Centre and the Waterfront.
• T03, Atlantis to Melkbosstrand, Table View and Century City.
• D01, Khayelitsha East to Civic Centre.
• D02, Khayelitsha West to Civic Centre.
• D04, Kapteinsklip to Mitchells Plain Town Centre and Civic Centre.
• D08, Dunoon to Montague Gardens and Century City.
• 101, Vredehoek, Gardens and Civic Centre.
• 104, Oranjezicht, Gardens, Adderley and the Waterfront.
• 109, Hout Bay, Imizamo Yethu and Sea Point.
• 213, Sunningdale, Parklands and Table View.

The official MyCiTi route and stop map provides the current route names and destinations.

The letters are useful because they give commuters an idea of the service type. A T route usually forms part of the main rapid transit corridor, while a D route generally provides a direct connection between an area and a major destination.

Golden Arrow Routes

Golden Arrow Bus Services operates a separate conventional bus network across Cape Town and surrounding areas. Its route system should not be confused with MyCiTi.

For example, a MyCiTi route such as 104 is not automatically connected to a Golden Arrow route with a similar number. Golden Arrow commuters should use the operator's own route and timetable information.

Golden Arrow services are often identified by the places they connect, such as Cape Town, Mitchells Plain, Bellville, Khayelitsha, Atlantis or the southern suburbs. Before travelling, check:

• The starting point.
• The final destination.
• The timetable number or route reference.
• The direction of travel.
• Whether the service operates on weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays.

How to Read a Cape Town Route

If a journey planner shows **D04**, it means you are looking at a MyCiTi direct route. If it shows **104**, it is a MyCiTi area route. If the journey is on a Golden Arrow bus, use the Golden Arrow timetable and destination information instead of relying on the MyCiTi numbering system.

Durban Bus Route Numbers

Durban's route numbers depend on whether you are using Durban Transport or the People Mover service.

Durban Transport Routes

Durban Transport uses a mixture of two digit and three digit route numbers. Routes in the 700 series are common on services connecting northern, central and surrounding areas.

Some services have letter variations, such as 750 E, 750 F, 757 E and 757 F. These letters identify different route patterns or directions.

A bus marked **750 E** is therefore not necessarily identical to a bus marked **750 F**. Check the destination and the letter before boarding.

For Durban Transport route information, fares and timetable enquiries, commuters can use the eThekwini Municipality transport page.

People Mover Routes

People Mover serves the Durban city centre and beachfront area. Its route information is also presented through route names, including circle, city and beach services.

The municipal timetable uses numbers including:

• Route 1 for a city circle service.
• Route 2 for a service between Suncoast, the transfer station and uShaka Marine World.
• Route 2.1 for the return direction or associated service pattern.
• Route 3 for a city circle service through Albert Park and the central area.

The official People Mover timetable shows these route numbers, destinations and operating times.

The People Mover operator information page also describes its northern, southern and western city services.

How to Read a Durban Route

For Durban Transport, pay attention to both the number and the letter. For People Mover, look at the route number as well as the named line and destination.

For example, a commuter travelling from the beachfront towards uShaka Marine World should confirm whether the bus is travelling in that direction, even if the route number appears correct.

Why Route Numbers Differ

South African bus route numbers are set by individual operators and transport authorities. They are not a single national code.

This means:

• Route 104 in Cape Town is not related to route 104 in another city.
• A Johannesburg Rea Vaya T route is different from a MyCiTi T route in Cape Town.
• A route number may have a letter variation that changes the destination or direction.
• A bus route number may identify a corridor, while the timetable contains the precise stops.
• A city may have several operators serving the same general area with completely different numbering systems.

The operator is therefore just as important as the route number.

How to Find the Correct Bus

Use this simple process before leaving home:

1. Identify the city and operator.
2. Search the official route map or timetable.
3. Match your starting point with the destination.
4. Check the route letter or variation.
5. Confirm the direction of travel.
6. Check the operating day and first and last departure.
7. Confirm any service changes before going to the stop.

For a daily commute, save the operator's official route page on your phone. This is more reliable than relying on an old photograph of a bus stop or an outdated route list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Bus Route Numbers Mean in South Africa?

There is no single national bus route numbering system in South Africa. Each bus operator uses its own route numbers, letters or codes. Always check the operator, destination and direction together with the route number.

What Do Rea Vaya Route Numbers Mean?

Rea Vaya uses different letters for different types of routes. T routes are trunk routes, C routes are additional city routes and F routes are feeder routes connecting surrounding areas to the wider Rea Vaya network.

How Do Gautrain Bus Route Numbers Work?

Gautrain buses use station-based letters and numbers. For example, S routes operate from Sandton Station, M routes from Midrand Station and RB routes from Rosebank Station. Check the route code and destination before boarding.

If you plan to use these services regularly, CommuteZA also has a guide explaining how to get a bus card for the Gautrain.

What Do MyCiTi Bus Route Numbers Mean?

MyCiTi uses letters and numbers to distinguish between different services. T routes are trunk routes, D routes are direct routes and three-digit numbers such as 101, 104 and 213 are used for area and local services.

Can the Same Bus Route Number Be Used in Different South African Cities?

Yes. Bus route numbers are assigned by individual operators rather than through a national numbering system. A route number used in Johannesburg may therefore have no connection to the same number used in Cape Town or Durban.

What Does a Letter After a Bus Route Number Mean?

A letter can identify a particular route variation, destination or service pattern. For example, Joburg Metrobus and Durban Transport have services where the same main route number can have different letter variations. Check both the number and letter before boarding.

How Do I Find the Correct Bus Route?

First identify the bus operator serving your journey. Then check its official route map or timetable and match your departure point, destination, route number, direction and operating time. Do not rely on the route number alone.

Final Commuter Tip

The safest way to understand a South African bus route number is to read it together with the operator and destination. In Johannesburg, you may need to distinguish between Rea Vaya, Joburg Metrobus and Gautrain buses. In Cape Town, you need to separate MyCiTi from Golden Arrow. In Durban, you may be choosing between Durban Transport and People Mover.

The number gets you close, but the destination, direction and current timetable get you there.