How to Book Computicket Bus Tickets in South Africa
Complete guide for affordable intercity bus travel
Last updated: December 2025
Quick Facts
- Computicket is owned by Shoprite – book online or in any Shoprite store
- Connects you to major bus operators like Intercape, Greyhound, and City to City
- Tickets from R280 to R800+ depending on route and distance
- Book early to save money – prices rise closer to travel date
- Always use official Computicket website or Shoprite stores
Table of Contents
What is Computicket?
Computicket is South Africa’s largest ticketing service. They do not own buses. Instead, they help you book tickets from many different bus companies.
Who owns Computicket?
Shoprite bought Computicket in 2005. This is why you can book bus tickets at any Shoprite store.
Where can you book?
- Online at computicket.com
- At Shoprite Money Market counters
- At Checkers Money Market counters
- By phone: 0861 915 4000
The main benefit is comparing prices from many bus companies in one place. You can see which bus is cheapest for your route.
Which Bus Companies Can You Book Through Computicket?
Computicket connects you to several major bus operators in South Africa. Each company has different buses and prices.
Major Bus Operators Available:
| Bus Company | Service Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Intercape | Sleepliner (luxury), Mainliner, Budgetliner | R280 – R800+ |
| Greyhound | Premium (Dreamliner), Standard | R300 – R750+ |
| Intercity Xpress | Luxury coaches with WiFi | R350 – R700+ |
| City to City | Budget-friendly option | R250 – R600+ |
| Eagle Liner | Regional routes | R280 – R550+ |
â How to Book Bus Tickets Online
Booking online is easy and you can do it from home. Here are the steps:
Step-by-Step Online Booking:
Open your web browser. Type: computicket.com or checkmybus.computicket.com
Warning: Make sure you see “computicket.com” in the address bar. Scammers create fake websites.
- Where are you leaving from? (Example: Johannesburg)
- Where are you going? (Example: Cape Town)
- What date do you want to travel?
- How many passengers?
You will see a list of buses. Look at:
- Departure time – when the bus leaves
- Arrival time – when you will get there
- Journey time – how long the trip takes
- Price – how much it costs
- Bus company – who operates the bus
Most bus companies offer different ticket types:
- Saver: Cheapest but strict rules for changes (15kg luggage)
- Flexi: Medium price, easier to change (20kg luggage)
- Full Flexi: Most expensive, easy changes, most luggage (25kg)
You must provide:
Some buses let you pick your seat. Tips for choosing:
- Front seats – less shaking on bumpy roads
- Window seats – can lean and rest
- Aisle seats – easier to get up and stretch
- Near exit – quicker to get off the bus
Computicket accepts:
- Visa or Mastercard credit cards
- Visa or Mastercard debit cards
- Some stores accept cash payment
NEVER PAY BY:
- Cash deposit into someone’s personal bank account
- Money transfer services like EFT to unknown accounts
- Airtime vouchers
- Gift cards or voucher codes
After payment, you will get:
- Email with your ticket (usually within 5 minutes)
- SMS with booking reference number
- Save or print your ticket
- Keep your booking reference number safe
- Book at least 3-7 days in advance for cheaper prices
- Tuesday to Thursday buses are often cheaper than Friday/Sunday
- Overnight buses can save you accommodation costs
- Check if you qualify for pensioner or student discounts
How to Book Bus Tickets at Shoprite Stores
You do not need a computer or bank card to book. You can go to any Shoprite or Checkers store.
Step-by-Step In-Store Booking:
- Find the Money Market Counter
When you enter Shoprite or Checkers, look for the “Money Market” section. It is usually near the front of the store. You will see a sign that says “Computicket Travel”. - Tell Them Where You Want to Go
The staff member will ask you: Where are you leaving from? Where are you going? What date do you want to travel? How many people are travelling? - They Will Show You Options
The staff member will search on the computer. They will show you different bus times and prices. Choose the one that works best for you. - Provide Your Details
You must give them: Your full name (as on your ID), Your ID number, Your phone number. They will enter this into the system. - Pay for Your Ticket
You can pay with: Cash (Rands), Debit card, Credit card. The staff will give you a receipt. - Collect Your Ticket
The staff will print your ticket immediately. Check that all details are correct before you leave. Keep your ticket safe – you need it to board the bus.
Call Computicket: 0861 915 4000
They will help you book over the phone. You can pay with a credit or debit card. They will send your ticket to your phone or email.
Benefits of Booking at Shoprite:
- Staff help you if you are not sure
- You can pay with cash
- You get your ticket immediately
- You can do your shopping at the same time
đ° Ticket Prices & Popular Routes (December 2025)
Bus ticket prices change based on when you book and which bus company you choose. These are typical prices as of December 2025.
Popular Routes & Estimated Prices:
| Route | Distance | Journey Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg – Durban | 600km | 7-9 hours | R280 – R600 |
| Johannesburg – Cape Town | 1,400km | 18-22 hours | R600 – R900 |
| Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth | 1,100km | 14-16 hours | R480 – R750 |
| Cape Town – Durban | 1,600km | 20-24 hours | R700 – R1,000 |
| Johannesburg – Bloemfontein | 400km | 5-6 hours | R280 – R450 |
| Johannesburg – East London | 1,000km | 12-15 hours | R480 – R700 |
| Cape Town – Port Elizabeth | 750km | 10-12 hours | R420 – R650 |
- Prices shown are one-way fares
- Weekend and holiday prices are usually higher
- Last-minute bookings cost more than advance bookings
- Pensioners (60+) may get 10-15% discount
- Students may qualify for discounts with valid student card
- Return tickets are sometimes cheaper than two one-way tickets
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book Early: Prices increase as the travel date gets closer. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for best prices.
- Travel Mid-Week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday buses are often cheaper than Friday or Sunday.
- Choose Budget Options: Budgetliner and City to City cost less than premium services.
- Travel at Night: Overnight buses are sometimes cheaper and you save on accommodation.
- Use FNB Credit Cards: Some FNB cards give you eBucks rewards when you buy bus tickets.
- Check for Specials: Bus companies run specials at different times. Compare prices on Computicket.
â What to Bring When Travelling
Make sure you have everything you need before you get to the bus station.
Essential Documents & Items:
| Must Bring | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Your ID Book or ID Card | The bus company will check your ID matches your ticket |
| Your Bus Ticket | Print it or show it on your phone (email or SMS) |
| Booking Reference Number | You received this by SMS when you booked |
| Face Mask (recommended) | Some buses still require masks, helps prevent illness |
Luggage Rules:
- Checked Luggage (goes under the bus): Usually 15-25kg depending on your ticket type. One suitcase or bag.
- Hand Luggage (keep with you): One small bag that fits under your seat or in the overhead rack. Example: backpack, handbag, or small sports bag.
- Extra Luggage Fees: If your luggage is too heavy, you may pay extra. Fees vary by bus company.
Arrival at the Bus Station:
- Arrive 30-45 Minutes Early: This gives you time to find your bus, tag your luggage, and board without stress.
- Go to the Correct Terminal: Big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town have multiple bus stations. Check your ticket for the exact location.
- Tag Your Luggage: Staff will put a tag on your suitcase with your name and destination. This helps ensure it goes on the correct bus.
- Listen for Announcements: They will call your bus number when it is time to board.
- Keep Valuables With You: Never put money, phone, ID, or important documents in checked luggage.
- Water bottle (some buses have long stops)
- Snacks (buses stop for food but this costs extra)
- Phone charger (some buses have charging ports)
- Warm jacket or blanket (buses get cold from air conditioning)
- Earphones (if you want to listen to music)
- Toilet paper (not all bus toilets have paper)
- Medication you might need during the journey
đ¨ Scams to Avoid When Booking Bus Tickets
CRITICAL WARNING: Scammers are stealing money from people who want to book bus tickets. Read this carefully to protect yourself.
Common Bus Booking Scams in South Africa (2025):
How it works: Scammers create websites that look like Computicket. They steal your money when you try to pay.
How to protect yourself:
- Only use: computicket.com or checkmybus.computicket.com
- Check the web address carefully – scammers use similar names
- Look for the padlock symbol (đ) next to the web address
- Never click links from WhatsApp or Facebook messages
How it works: Scammers post on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp claiming “6 months unlimited bus travel for R56” or similar impossible deals.
How to protect yourself:
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it is a scam
- Bus companies NEVER offer unlimited travel for cheap prices
- Check the official Computicket or bus company page
- Real deals are announced on official websites and Shoprite stores
How it works: Someone approaches you at a bus station or taxi rank. They say they can get you a cheaper ticket. The ticket is fake or stolen.
How to protect yourself:
- NEVER buy tickets from people on the street
- Only buy from: Computicket online, Shoprite stores, official bus company offices
- If someone offers you a “special deal”, walk away
- Real bus staff wear uniforms and work inside ticket offices
How it works: Scammers claim to work for bus companies. They give you a WhatsApp number to book tickets. You send money but never get a ticket.
How to protect yourself:
- Intercity Xpress does use WhatsApp (www.intercity.co.za for official number)
- Most other bus companies do NOT use WhatsApp for bookings
- Always verify the number on the official website
- Never send money to personal bank accounts
How it works: Someone at the bus station offers to help with your bags. After helping, they demand money. Some reviews mention people charging R50-R200 for unwanted “help”.
How to protect yourself:
- Say “no thank you” firmly to anyone offering to help
- Carry your own bags if you can
- Official porters wear uniforms and work for the bus station
- Do not feel pressured to pay for help you did not ask for
LEGITIMATE bus booking services:
- â NEVER ask for cash deposits into personal accounts
- â NEVER require payment before showing you the bus options
- â ALWAYS have official websites ending in .co.za or .com
- â ALWAYS give you a proper ticket or booking reference
- â ALWAYS have physical offices or are in Shoprite stores
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed:
- Contact Your Bank Immediately: Call the fraud line on the back of your card. They may be able to reverse the payment.
- Report to Police: Open a case at your nearest police station. Get a case number.
- Report to SABRIC: South African Banking Risk Information Centre tracks scams. Visit: www.sabric.co.za
- Warn Others: Share what happened so others don’t fall for the same scam.
- Change Passwords: If you entered passwords on a fake website, change them immediately.
Your Consumer Rights & Refunds
The Consumer Protection Act protects your rights when you buy bus tickets. Here is what you need to know.
Can You Get a Refund?
Your refund rights depend on your ticket type and why you want to cancel.
| Situation | Your Rights |
|---|---|
| You change your mind | The bus company can charge a cancellation fee. Saver tickets usually have high fees (25%). Flexi tickets have lower fees (15%). Check your ticket terms. |
| The bus breaks down or is cancelled | You are entitled to a full refund OR a ticket on the next available bus at no extra cost. |
| The bus is very late (2+ hours) | You can request a partial refund or compensation. Keep records of the delay. |
| You miss your bus | Usually no refund. Some companies let you change to another bus for a fee. |
| The ticket information was wrong | You are entitled to a full refund if the bus company gave you incorrect information. |
How to Request a Refund or Make a Complaint:
Call or email the bus company (Intercape, Greyhound, etc.). Have your booking reference number ready. Explain the problem clearly. Ask for a refund or compensation. Request a case number for your complaint.
If the phone call does not work, write an email or letter. Include: Your name and contact details, Booking reference number, Date of travel, What went wrong, What you want (refund, compensation), Copies of your ticket and any receipts.
Email: support@computicket.com
Phone: 0861 915 4000
Explain that the bus company is not helping. Computicket may be able to assist with refunds.
If the company still does not help, contact:
National Consumer Commission
Phone: 0860 003 600
Website: www.thencc.gov.za
They will investigate your complaint for free.
Important Contact Numbers:
| Organisation | Contact Number | What They Help With |
|---|---|---|
| Computicket | 0861 915 4000 | Bookings and general queries |
| Intercape | 021 380 4400 | Intercape bus issues |
| National Consumer Commission | 0860 003 600 | Consumer rights complaints |
| SABRIC (Scam Reports) | 0860 123 000 | Report fraud and scams |
| Police (Emergencies) | 10111 | Crime and emergency assistance |
- Bus companies cannot refuse refunds if they cancel the service
- You have 3 years to make a complaint from the date of the incident
- Keep all records: tickets, emails, SMS messages, receipts
- Take photos of problems (dirty bus, broken facilities, etc.)
- The Consumer Protection Act is on your side – use it
Our Final Recommendations
Computicket is a legitimate and safe way to book bus tickets in South Africa. Booking through their official website or at Shoprite stores is secure and convenient.
Best practices for safe booking:
- Always use computicket.com or visit Shoprite Money Market counters
- Book 1-2 weeks ahead for the best prices and seat selection
- Compare different bus operators – prices and comfort vary
- Choose flexible tickets if you might need to change your plans
- Keep your booking reference and ticket safe
- Arrive at the bus station 30-45 minutes before departure
Red flags to watch for:
- Deals that seem too good to be true (they are scams)
- Requests to pay into personal bank accounts
- WhatsApp numbers claiming to be official (verify first)
- People selling tickets at bus stations or taxi ranks
- Websites that look similar but are not the official Computicket site
Bus travel in South Africa is generally safe and affordable when you book through legitimate channels. Computicket makes it easy to compare prices and find the best option for your journey. Travel safely!
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in December 2025. Bus ticket prices, routes, and company policies may change. Always verify current information with official sources before making travel decisions. Computicket is owned by Shoprite Holdings. This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Computicket, Shoprite, or any bus companies mentioned.
For consumer complaints or disputes, contact the National Consumer Commission at 0860 003 600 or visit www.thencc.gov.za