George

Located in the very heart of the picturesque Garden Route, George is a popular tourist destination and a vital transport hub in South Africa. If you are planning a trip and looking for information on how to get to George, regular flights to the local airport are at your service, as well as a developed network of road and bus routes. This city, sprawling at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, is easily accessible for travellers and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the region.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach George is by air. The city is served by its own George Airport (GRJ), which is a key regional transport hub receiving regular flights from South Africa's major metropolises. The terminal is located just a few kilometres from the centre, ensuring an easy and quick transfer to your hotel or the start of your Garden Route itinerary.

If a direct flight does not fit your plans, you can consider alternative arrival options via neighbouring cities. The nearest airport is located in the resort town of Plettenberg Bay, and for those wishing to combine their flight with a road trip, Gqeberha or scenic Cape Town make excellent starting points.

Direct passenger rail service to the city of George is currently unavailable, so arriving here exclusively by train is not possible. However, this mode of transport can be included in a combined itinerary if you wish to observe the changing landscapes of South Africa from a carriage window.

The nearest major railway stations are in Cape Town and Gqeberha. Many travellers choose these cities as intermediate points: after arriving by train, you can transfer to a comfortable bus or rent a car. The journey from these hubs to George will become a separate adventure, passing through the famous Garden Route.

Bus services connect George with key points along the Garden Route, turning a standard transfer into a scenic excursion. The route from Cape Town is considered a classic for travellers: covering 430 kilometres takes about 5–6 hours, during which views of the ocean coast and majestic mountain passes alternate outside the window.

Tourists travelling from the east of the country often choose comfortable services from Gqeberha; the 330-kilometre journey will take approximately 4 hours. If you are staying in the neighbouring resort of Plettenberg Bay, the trip will be quite short — just about an hour and a half to cover 90 kilometres of the picturesque N2 highway.

A car journey to George along the famous Garden Route is considered one of the most beautiful routes in South Africa. The drive from Cape Town will take nearly five hours, during which you will cover 434 km, enjoying views of mountain passes and the ocean. The journey from the Gqeberha side, spanning 317 km, will require about four hours behind the wheel.

For those departing from the popular resort of Plettenberg Bay, the trip will not be tiring at all: the distance of 90 km can be comfortably driven in about an hour and a half. Most tourists prefer to rent a car for freedom of movement, but intercity taxis and private transfers are also available, the cost of which depends on the vehicle class and time of day.

Travelling to George is an excellent opportunity to explore the heart of the Garden Route with comfort and safety. To ensure your trip to South Africa goes as smoothly as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The weather in this region can be changeable even within a single day. It is recommended to dress according to the "layering" principle, to easily adapt to temperature changes. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and a windbreaker, as rain is possible here at any time of the year.
2. Transport: Although the Go George public bus system operates in the city, car rental remains the most convenient option for tourists. This will give you freedom of movement and the opportunity to visit picturesque beaches and mountain passes at your own pace.
3. Finances: The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere: in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. However, it is worth carrying a small amount of cash to pay for parking, tips, or purchases at local craft markets.
4. Health and Safety: George is considered one of the safest cities in the country, but one should remain vigilant. Do not leave valuables in plain sight in your car and use hotel safes. The region is malaria-free, so special vaccination is usually not required, but high-factor sunscreen is mandatory.
5. Communication: Most locals speak fluent English, although Afrikaans is the primary language for many. Signs and indicators are duplicated in English, so you will not encounter problems with navigation and communication.
6. Local Etiquette: South Africans are distinguished by their friendliness and hospitality. It is customary to greet staff in shops and taxi drivers. In restaurants, it is considered good manners to leave a tip of 10–15% of the bill amount if you enjoyed the service.
7. What to Avoid: Refrain from feeding wild animals, especially baboons, which can be found on the outskirts of the city or mountain roads — this can be dangerous. It is also not recommended to walk alone in deserted places after dark.
8. Tip for Golf Lovers: George is often called the golf capital of the region. If you enjoy this game, book your tee time in advance at one of the famous world-class courses, such as Fancourt, as demand is very high during the peak season.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on the beauty of nature and the unique atmosphere of this cosy city. Have a pleasant journey!