Pietermaritzburg travel guide

Pietermaritzburg Tourism | Pietermaritzburg Guide

You're Going to Love Pietermaritzburg

With a population of 750 845, Pietermaritzburg is a must-see destination in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Pietermaritzburg deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

When to visit Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg in August
Estimated hotel price
£18
1 night at 3-star hotel
Pietermaritzburg in August
Estimated hotel price
£18
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Pietermaritzburg

Plane

When flying to Pietermaritzburg, you’ll arrive at Pietermaritzburg (PZB), which is located 3 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Pietermaritzburg from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 19h 20m.

Car

Another option to get to Pietermaritzburg is to pick up a car hire from Durban, which is about 67 km from Pietermaritzburg. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and CarWiz, among others, in Durban.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Pietermaritzburg, including Intercity Xpress, Eagle Liner and Citiliner. From Durban, the bus ride to Pietermaritzburg takes 483 km and will cost you around £33. From Johannesburg, the ticket costs about £25 for a journey of 563 km. The most popular bus station is Pietermaritzburg Intercape Ferreira Mainliner (Pty) Ltd, located 1.7 km from the city centre of Pietermaritzburg. Pietermaritzburg McDonald's Centre is also a commonly used station, and is 1.6 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Pietermaritzburg, you’ll arrive at Pietermaritzburg (PZB), which is located 3 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Pietermaritzburg from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 19h 20m.

Car

Another option to get to Pietermaritzburg is to pick up a car hire from Durban, which is about 67 km from Pietermaritzburg. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and CarWiz, among others, in Durban.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Pietermaritzburg, including Intercity Xpress, Eagle Liner and Citiliner. From Durban, the bus ride to Pietermaritzburg takes 483 km and will cost you around £33. From Johannesburg, the ticket costs about £25 for a journey of 563 km. The most popular bus station is Pietermaritzburg Intercape Ferreira Mainliner (Pty) Ltd, located 1.7 km from the city centre of Pietermaritzburg. Pietermaritzburg McDonald's Centre is also a commonly used station, and is 1.6 km from the city centre.

Airports near Pietermaritzburg

Airlines serving Pietermaritzburg

Lufthansa
Good (4,695 reviews)
SWISS
Good (955 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,592 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,260 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,600 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,110 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,431 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,969 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (927 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (405 reviews)
Egypt Air
Good (195 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (966 reviews)
Kenya Airways
Good (160 reviews)
South African
Good (19 reviews)
Cemair
Good (13 reviews)
FlySafair
Excellent (71 reviews)
Proflight Zambia
Excellent (1 reviews)
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Where to stay in Pietermaritzburg

Average rates range from around £38 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £22 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Pietermaritzburg

Most booked hotels in Pietermaritzburg

Ascot Bush Lodge
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
£33+

Hiring a car in Pietermaritzburg

Hiring a car in Pietermaritzburg costs £22 per day, on average, or £45 if you want to hire it for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 47% more expensive than at Pietermaritzburg.

Expect to pay £1.10 per litre in Pietermaritzburg (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £13.09 and £17.46.

Hiring a car in Pietermaritzburg costs £22 per day, on average, or £45 if you want to hire it for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 47% more expensive than at Pietermaritzburg.

Expect to pay £1.10 per litre in Pietermaritzburg (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £13.09 and £17.46.