How to Use Computicket Travel: Book Bus Tickets & Flights in South Africa
Your complete guide to safe, affordable travel bookings
Last updated: December 2025
Quick Facts About Computicket Travel
- Owned by Shoprite – trusted since 1968
- Book bus tickets from R150 to R800+
- Available at all Shoprite and Checkers stores
- Book online or in-store with help
- Pay with card, EFT or Money Market Account
Table of Contents
What is Computicket Travel?
Computicket is South Africa’s biggest ticket booking company. They sell bus tickets, flight tickets, event tickets and more. Computicket is owned by Shoprite Group.
You can find Computicket at the Money Market counter in every Shoprite and Checkers store. You can also book online at computicket.com or call them.
Started in 1968, Computicket was one of the first computer booking systems in the world. Today, millions of South Africans use it every year.
✅ Services You Can Book Through Computicket
1. Bus Tickets (Most Popular)
Book intercity bus tickets to travel between cities. Popular routes include Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban to East London, Pretoria to Polokwane.
2. Flight Tickets
Compare and book flights from airlines like FlySafair, Kulula, SAA and British Airways. Sometimes cheaper than booking directly with airlines.
3. Accommodation & Hotels
Book hotels in South Africa and other countries. Compare different star ratings and prices.
4. Package Holidays
Holiday packages to Mauritius, Zanzibar, Victoria Falls and more. Includes flights and accommodation.
5. Cruises
Book MSC Cruises from Durban and Cape Town. Also Mediterranean cruises.
6. Event Tickets
Concerts, sports events, theatre shows, festivals and more.
7. Shoprite Vouchers
Buy electronic vouchers to send to family or friends. They can spend at Shoprite, Checkers or Usave.
Bus Companies You Can Book Through Computicket
As of December 2025, Computicket works with these bus companies:
| Bus Company | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Intercape | Premium luxury | R300-R800+ |
| Greyhound | Luxury coach | R350-R850+ |
| City to City | Budget friendly | R150-R500 |
| Intercity Xpress | Affordable luxury | R250-R650 |
| Eagle Liner | Budget option | R180-R550 |
| Big Sky Intercity | Budget friendly | R200-R600 |
Popular Routes Available
- Johannesburg to Cape Town (12-14 hours)
- Johannesburg to Durban (6-7 hours)
- Cape Town to Durban (17-19 hours)
- Johannesburg to East London (9-10 hours)
- Pretoria to Polokwane (4-5 hours)
- Durban to Mthatha (5-6 hours)
- Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (9-10 hours)
- Johannesburg to Bloemfontein (5-6 hours)
✅ How to Book Your Tickets: 3 Easy Ways
Method 1: Book In-Store at Shoprite or Checkers (Easiest)
Step 1: Go to any Shoprite or Checkers store
Step 2: Find the Money Market counter (usually near the front)
Step 3: Tell the staff where you want to go
Step 4: Tell them your travel date
Step 5: They will show you available buses and prices
Step 6: Choose the time and bus company you prefer
Step 7: Give your ID document or passport
Step 8: Pay with cash or card
Step 9: Get your ticket (looks like a till slip)
Step 10: Check you also get an SMS or email with booking details
Method 2: Book Online at Computicket.com
Step 1: Go to www.computicket.com on your phone or computer
Step 2: Click on “Travel” or “Bus Tickets”
Step 3: Enter where you’re leaving from
Step 4: Enter where you’re going to
Step 5: Choose your travel date
Step 6: Click “Search” to see available buses
Step 7: Compare times, prices and bus companies
Step 8: Click on the bus you want
Step 9: Fill in your details (name, ID number, phone number)
Step 10: Choose payment method (card, EFT or Money Market Account)
Step 11: Pay for your ticket
Step 12: Save the SMS or email with your booking reference
Method 3: Book by Phone
Call: 0861 915 4000 (toll-free from landline)
Or call: 011 340 8066 (from mobile phone)
Have ready: Your ID number, travel dates, destination, and bank card details
What It Costs & How to Pay
Typical Bus Ticket Prices (December 2025)
| Route Example | Distance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg to Pretoria | 50km | R80 – R150 |
| Johannesburg to Durban | 570km | R350 – R550 |
| Johannesburg to Cape Town | 1,400km | R600 – R850 |
| Cape Town to Durban | 1,600km | R650 – R900 |
| Pretoria to Polokwane | 300km | R200 – R380 |
Booking Fees & Extra Costs
✅ No booking fee for bus tickets – You pay only the ticket price
✅ Prices include VAT – The price you see is what you pay
❌ Cancellation fees – Most tickets charge 10-25% to cancel or change
❌ Extra luggage fees – If you bring more than allowed (usually one suitcase)
❌ Seat selection fees – Some bus companies charge R20-R50 to choose your seat
Payment Methods Accepted
At Shoprite/Checkers Stores:
- Cash (any amount)
- Debit card (any South African bank)
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Money Market Account
Online at Computicket.com:
- Debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- EFT/Instant EFT (via Ozow)
- Money Market Account
Using Your Money Market Account
If you have a Shoprite Money Market Account, you can use it to pay for Computicket tickets. This is free to open and has no monthly fees.
To open a Money Market Account:
- Download the Shoprite app from Google Play or App Store
- OR dial *120*3534# from your phone
- Takes less than 60 seconds
- No ID or paperwork needed
- Load cash for free at any Shoprite or Checkers store
⚠️ What You Need to Book & Travel
When Booking Your Ticket:
- Valid South African ID document OR Valid passport
- Your cellphone number (to receive ticket SMS)
- Your email address (to receive ticket confirmation)
- Payment (cash, card, or Money Market Account)
When Travelling on the Bus:
- Your ID or passport (original, not a copy)
- Your booking reference number (from SMS or email)
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure time
- Keep your luggage within allowed limits (usually 20kg)
Booking for Someone Else:
If you’re booking a ticket for another person (like your mother or child):
- You need their ID number or passport number
- You need their correct cellphone number
- The ticket will be sent to their phone
- They must travel with their own ID or passport
Children Travelling:
Special rules for children under 18:
- Children under 2 years: Usually travel free (no seat)
- Children 2-11 years: Get 15% discount on most buses
- Children under 18 need their birth certificate
- Unaccompanied minors need a letter from parents/guardian
🚨 SCAMS TO AVOID – Stay Safe!
Travel scams increased by 32% in South Africa during 2024-2025. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Scam 1: Fake Computicket Websites
How it works: Scammers create fake websites that look like Computicket. You pay for tickets but never get them.
Red flags:
- Website address is NOT www.computicket.com
- Address might be computicketsa.com or computicket-tickets.co.za
- Prices seem too cheap (50% off or more)
- They ask you to pay via EFT to a personal account
- Website has spelling mistakes or poor grammar
✅ Stay safe: Only use www.computicket.com or book in-store at Shoprite/Checkers
Scam 2: Facebook & WhatsApp “Special Deals”
How it works: Scammers create fake Facebook pages or WhatsApp messages claiming to be Computicket. They offer “special deals” like “6 months unlimited travel for R56”.
Red flags:
- Deal seems too good to be true
- They ask you to pay immediately or “deal expires”
- They want payment via WhatsApp or direct deposit
- The page has few followers or was created recently
- No blue verification tick on the Facebook page
✅ Stay safe: Never buy tickets through social media messages. Always go to the official Computicket website or store.
Scam 3: Phishing SMS & Emails
How it works: You get an SMS or email claiming to be from Computicket. It says your booking is cancelled or you need to confirm details. The link goes to a fake website.
Red flags:
- You didn’t book any tickets recently
- Message creates panic (“booking cancelled!”)
- Link doesn’t go to computicket.com
- They ask for your card details or PIN
- Sender’s email is not from @computicket.com
✅ Stay safe: Don’t click links in messages. Go directly to computicket.com or call 0861 915 4000.
Scam 4: People Selling “Cheap Tickets” at Taxi Ranks
How it works: Someone approaches you at a taxi rank or bus station. They offer to sell you a bus ticket cheaper than Computicket prices. The ticket is fake or already used.
Red flags:
- Ticket is photocopied or looks tampered with
- Price is much cheaper than official prices
- Person can’t show you an official receipt
- They want cash only and insist you buy now
✅ Stay safe: Only buy tickets from official Computicket outlets or online at computicket.com.
Scam 5: Fake “Booking Assistance” Charges
How it works: Someone at a taxi rank offers to “help” you book online. They charge you extra fees for the “service” or steal your card details.
✅ Stay safe: Go to a Shoprite or Checkers Money Market counter for free help. Never give your card to strangers.
🚨 REMEMBER THESE SAFETY RULES:
- Computicket never asks for your PIN number
- Real Computicket website is www.computicket.com ONLY
- Legitimate tickets are never 50% cheaper than normal prices
- Shoprite staff at Money Market counters give free help
- Your booking reference is for your use only – don’t share it
What to Do If You’re Scammed
- Contact your bank immediately to stop the payment
- Call Computicket at 0861 915 4000 to report the scam
- Report to SAPS at your nearest police station
- Contact SABRIC (banking fraud): 0860 123 000
- Report to FIC (Financial Intelligence Centre) online at www.fic.gov.za
✅ How to Save Money on Travel
Tip 1: Book Early (Save 20-40%)
Book at least 1-3 weeks before your travel date. Last-minute tickets can be 40% more expensive. Prices go up as the date gets closer.
Tip 2: Travel Mid-Week (Save 15-30%)
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday tickets are usually cheaper. Friday afternoon and Sunday evening are the most expensive times because everyone is travelling.
Tip 3: Compare Bus Companies
For the same route and time, prices can differ by R100-R200 between companies. Budget buses like City to City and Eagle Liner are cheaper than Greyhound and Intercape.
Tip 4: Travel Overnight
Overnight buses are often cheaper than daytime buses. You also save money on accommodation because you sleep on the bus.
| Example | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overnight bus JHB to Cape Town | R650 |
| Daytime bus JHB to Cape Town | R800 |
| Plus accommodation (if not overnight) | R300-R500 |
| Total saving with overnight bus | R450-R650 |
Tip 5: Check for Discounts
Special discounts available on some buses:
- Children 2-11 years: 15% discount
- Pensioners 60+ years: 10-15% discount (need ID)
- Students: 10% discount on some buses (need student card)
- Groups (4+ people): Sometimes get 5-10% discount
- SANDF/SAPS members: 10% discount (need force card)
Tip 6: Avoid Peak Holiday Times
Most expensive times to travel (tickets can be 50% higher):
- Mid-December to early January (Christmas holidays)
- Easter weekend (long weekend)
- Public holiday long weekends
- School holidays (April, June-July, September-October)
Tip 7: Pack Light to Avoid Extra Fees
Most buses allow one suitcase up to 20kg free. Extra bags cost R50-R150 each. Sports equipment (like golf clubs) often costs extra.
Tip 8: Consider Return Tickets
Some bus companies offer discounts if you book a return ticket. But check prices – sometimes two one-way tickets are cheaper!
⚠️ What to Do If You Have Problems
Problem 1: Bus is Late or Cancelled
What to do:
- Contact the bus company directly (not Computicket)
- Ask for the next available bus or a refund
- Computicket only sells tickets – the bus company runs the service
Problem 2: Need to Cancel or Change Your Ticket
Cancellation fees:
- Most buses charge 10-25% cancellation fee
- Must cancel before the departure time
- No-shows (you don’t arrive) usually get no refund
How to cancel:
- If booked online: Log into your account at computicket.com
- If booked in-store: Go back to any Shoprite/Checkers Money Market counter
- You need your booking reference and ID
Problem 3: Didn’t Receive Your Ticket
What to do:
- Check your phone’s SMS inbox and spam folder
- Check your email inbox and spam/junk folder
- Call Computicket: 0861 915 4000
- Have your ID number and payment reference ready
- They can resend your ticket or print it at a store
Problem 4: Lost Your Ticket
Your booking reference is saved in Computicket’s system. You can get it reprinted for free at any Shoprite or Checkers Money Market counter. Bring your ID.
Where to Complain or Get Help
| Organisation | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Computicket Customer Service | Tel: 0861 915 4000 Email: Via their website contact form |
| Shoprite Customer Care | Tel: 0800 203 925 www.shoprite.co.za |
| Consumer Goods Council | For serious complaints Tel: 0860 003 600 |
| Banking Fraud (SABRIC) | Report card fraud Tel: 0860 123 000 |
| SAPS (Police) | Report scams and fraud Tel: 10111 or your local station |
What Other South Africans Say About Computicket Travel
“Very convenient to book at Shoprite while doing my shopping. The lady at Money Market helped me find the cheapest bus. I saved R80!”
– Thandi, Cape Town
“I book online because I work long hours. It’s easy and I get my ticket on WhatsApp immediately. No need to go to the store.”
– Sipho, Johannesburg
“My bus with City to City was 5 hours late. No communication from them. But it’s not Computicket’s fault – they just sell the tickets. Complain to the bus company.”
– James, Durban
“I use my Money Market Account to pay. It’s safer than carrying cash and I earn points for shopping.”
– Nomsa, Pretoria
“Nearly got scammed on Facebook by a fake page offering R56 for unlimited travel. Too good to be true! Always check it’s the real Computicket website.”
– Lerato, Bloemfontein
Our Final Recommendations for Using Computicket Travel
✅ Computicket is safe and trusted. They’ve been operating since 1968 and are owned by Shoprite. Millions of South Africans use them every year.
✅ Best for beginners: Book in-store at Shoprite or Checkers Money Market counter. Staff will help you for free and explain everything.
✅ Save money by: Booking early (1-3 weeks ahead), travelling mid-week, comparing bus companies, and choosing overnight buses for long trips.
⚠️ Remember: Computicket only sells tickets. If your bus is late or cancelled, complain to the bus company (Intercape, City to City, etc.), not to Computicket.
🚨 Stay safe: Only use www.computicket.com or official Shoprite/Checkers stores. Never buy tickets from strangers or fake websites. If a deal seems too good to be true, it’s a scam.
💡 Smart tip: Open a free Money Market Account for easier payments and to manage your travel budget. No monthly fees and you can load cash at any till.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in December 2025. Bus prices, fees, and schedules may change without notice. Always verify current information with Computicket or the bus company before booking. We are not affiliated with Computicket, Shoprite, or any bus company mentioned in this article.
For travel complaints or disputes, contact the bus company directly. For fraud or scams, report to SAPS and SABRIC immediately. For general consumer complaints, contact the Consumer Goods Council at 0860 003 600.