Getting Around Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg — popularly called Maritzburg or just PMB — is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal and sits on the main N3 freeway between Durban and Johannesburg. For a visitor, the practical reality is that this is a car-oriented city: private transport is the easiest and most comfortable way to get around, and renting a car is strongly advised. That said, several other options exist, and some of the city's sights are within walking distance of each other if you don't mind covering a few kilometres on foot.
Rail and Long-Distance Trains
Pietermaritzburg lies on the rail route between Johannesburg and Durban, but passenger trains are few and far between. The long-distance Shosholoza Meyl overnight service runs in each direction roughly every second day, connecting the city with both Johannesburg and Durban. Note that this service was suspended during the COVID pandemic and, following looting and cable theft, had not resumed as of early 2023 — so confirm current status before planning a trip around it.
The railway station is on the corner of Church and Railway streets, on the south-western edge of the city centre. Take care when travelling on foot in this part of town, as muggings and bag snatching have been reported.
There is no metro or tram network in the city; rail here means the national long-distance service rather than a local commuter system.
Buses
Regular daily bus services connect Pietermaritzburg to major cities around South Africa. The bus station is on Burger Street, opposite the McDonald's, and serves the major bus companies. Greyhound is generally regarded as the most reliable operator, running several round-trips between Durban and Johannesburg daily, with Pietermaritzburg as the last stop before Durban.
Minibus-Taxis
Minibus-taxis are the main form of public transport within the city. They are cheap, but uncomfortable and occasionally unsafe. The central minibus-taxi rank is in Market Square, in the Central Business District, near the Natal Society Library and the City Hall.
- To reach the CBD from the suburbs, look for a taxi heading to "eTuwen" or simply "Town" — there is usually someone leaning out of the window announcing the destination loudly.
- Be careful not to confuse "town" with eThekwini, which is Durban. If in doubt, ask the conductor.
- Minibus-taxis run on set routes, so there are many places you simply cannot reach using them.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Private taxis (cabs) can be hired, but they are substantially more expensive than minibus-taxis. One established local operator is Yellow Cab, reachable on +27 33 397-1910.
Walking
Some of Pietermaritzburg's sights are within walking distance of one another, provided you are prepared to walk a few kilometres. The CBD is not as safe as the suburbs: the area around the City Hall is generally fine, but long rambling walks into unfamiliar parts of the centre are best avoided.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Pietermaritzburg Airport (IATA code PZB) is located at 2 Pharazyn Way and receives daily flights from Johannesburg. Service can be slightly erratic or heavily booked, so bear that in mind when booking onward connections or important flights. Because private transport is the recommended way of getting around the city, arranging a rental car or a private taxi from the airport is the most practical approach for onward travel.
Getting In by Road
Access by road is easy: the city lies on the major N3 freeway from Durban to Johannesburg, and the R56 connects it with Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London to the south-west. If you are driving yourself, this makes Pietermaritzburg a straightforward stop on a longer South African road trip.