PORT ELIZABETH FAQ`S
The Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is the main airport servicing Port Elizabeth. The airport is located about 2 miles south of the city center, less than a 10-minute drive into the city.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?There are shuttles, taxis, and rental cars available at the airport. There are taxis located outside the terminal. All taxis are metered and service all major towns and suburbs within the vicinity. Buses can be found by following the bus icon to the terminus, which is located in a multi-story parking lot, behind the car rental area. There are several rental car companies to choose from at the airport, the car rental offices can be found just outside the terminal. The Gautrain is a rapid rail system operating daily from 5:15 am until 10:00 pm, with trains arriving approximately every 12 minutes.
How do I get around by public transportation in Port Elizabeth?Public transportation in Port Elizabeth consists of buses, trains, and taxis. Buses depart from Market Square Bus Station which is located beneath the Norwich Union Center Building on Strand Street. Buses depart frequently and schedules and routes can be found at the bus stops and station.
How do I call or hail a taxi?There are taxis and minibus taxis in Port Elizabeth. The shared minibus taxis can become extremely crowded but offer a cheap way to get around town with a ride across town costing you around R10. Taxis can be found at major tourist attractions, at the airport, hailed from the street, and ordered by phone from your hotel.
Can I get around by Train in Port Elizabeth?Port Elizabeth Railway station is located in the heart of the city off Strand Street, and another station right by the harbor. There are local commuter trains operated by MetroRail and long-distance trains. The Apple Express is a narrow gauge tourist train that operates from a separate station located on Humewood Road near King’s Beach. The train departs regularly for Thornhill Village via the Van Staden’s River bridge, which is the highest narrow gauge rail bridge in the entire world.
Should I rent a car to visit Port Elizabeth?The city of Port Elizabeth is easily accessible by motorways from Cape Town via the scenic Garden Route, Bloemfontein, East London, and of course Johannesburg. There are several rental car companies found at the airport and around the city. The excellent road network throughout the country allows visitors to connect with the largest metropolitan areas and the smallest villages with ease. It is not necessary to rent a car if you are strictly visiting Port Elizabeth as there are some good transportation options to get around the city. If you plan to explore the surrounding area and visit other cities a car is highly recommended.
Is Port Elizabeth a walking city?Yes, walking around Port Elizabeth is possible with many of the main attractions located within walking distance. The city center is pretty compact and accommodations, attractions, dining, shopping, and entertainment options can be found close by.
Can I take a boat ride in Port Elizabeth?Port Elizabeth features a harbor in Algoa Bay and an additional harbor located at Coega. Cruising on Nelson Mandela Bay is a popular tourist attraction and the ultimate eco-tourism experience. Take in the scenic beauty of the ocean life with a chance to spot whales, dolphins, and seals. Visitors can choose from a number of options such as a chartered boat, or guided excursion.
Is Port Elizabeth a dangerous destination, is there anything I should be aware of?Port Elizabeth is considered a safe destination to visit. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers.
What are some popular areas for shopping?There are a lot of shopping options to choose from when visiting Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape area. There are plenty of large shopping malls in Port Elizabeth along with small boutique shops in Richmond Hill and country-style shops in the Gamtoos Valley, when it comes to the eastern cape there is a wide range of shopping opportunities to explore. Port Elizabeth is nestled on Algoa Bay in South Africa and is one of the most popular ports in the country famous for its beaches. Shopping is another popular activity when visiting, there are bustling authentic markets to explore and some spectacular shopping centers and malls such as the Walmer Park Shopping Center. This is an exclusive shopping center ideally situated in the city offering an excellent and diverse range of retail stores, and restaurants located in the Walmer suburb with 150 retail stores and restaurants to choose from. Pier 14 is another spectacular shopping center with a sea of choices for retail and other services set in the historical heart of the city, it's a vibrant hub of fashion stores, homeware stores, and restaurants to keep you entertained for hours. Baywest Mall is jam-packed with a wide variety of retail outlets, a Fun Factory, and a Food Court. Boardwalk Mall Shopping Center is a family-centric shopping destination home to over 94 tenants and the best brands. There is also many fast food outlets, an arcade, a movie theater, a hotel, and a casino. Bay West Mall is the largest mall in Port Elizabeth boasting some high-end retailers not found at any other malls. There are arcades, movie theatres, an extensive food court with a big-screen TV, and an ice rink.
What is the language spoken in Port Elizabeth?The official language spoken in Port Elizabeth is English, which is widely spoken, especially in the service industry, it is taught in schools and used in government, business, and the media. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. There are officially eleven languages in South Africa with Afrikaans being one of the most popular along with English and nine ethnic languages, of which Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken. We recommend getting a good English/African guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
What is the best time to visit Port Elizabeth? The best time to visit Port Elizabeth is the spring and autumn months from September to November and March to May. The weather at this time of year is mild and pleasant when it is an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. The daily temperatures are generally warm and sunny with lower humidity than the summer months, a great time to explore the city and its spectacular surroundings. The city boasts an oceanic climate under the Trewartha climate it has a subtropical climate. The area lies between the Mediterranean climate zones of the Western Cape and regions of eastern South Africa where winters are cool but mild and summers are warm but less humid and hot than the northerly parts of South Africa’s east coast. The weather in Port Elizabeth is good all year round and on average the warmest months are January, February, March, April, and December. The rainiest months are February, March, July, and October. The best months to swim in the waters are January, February, March, and December. The months between August and December are the best time to see migratory whales. The dry season between September and April is the best time to visit the Eastern Cape game reserves. Where can I go to the beach in Port Elizabeth? Port Elizabeth is extremely proud of its international Blue Flag status awarded to King’s Beach, Wells Estate Beach, and Humewood Beach. There is a great selection of stunning beaches to choose from in the area with family-friendly, relaxing stretches of sand dotted along the 25-mile stretch of pristine shoreline. The wonderful tropical weather and warm temperatures draw beachgoers to PE’s beaches offering clean white sandy beaches, excellent water quality and lifesaving standards, plenty of parking, and stunning views. Explore the endless stretches of golden sands in Port Elizabeth which is part of Nelson Mandela Bay and lapped by the enticing turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, all of these combined make for the perfect beach destination.The currency of Port Elizabeth is the Botswana dollar or pula, although US dollars are widely accepted. The currency of Port Elizabeth is the South African Rand (ZAR), US dollars are also widely accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the Shilling, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.
What is the food like?The city of Port Elizabeth is well known for its friendly hospitality and excellent dining choices in the Eastern Cape. There are options to choose from elegant dining establishments, casual shoreline cafes, and artsy venues. The vibrant coastal city is home to a plethora of fantastic restaurants offering delectable cuisine which is a reflection of the waves of settlers that have come to the country since the 17th century. There are some amazing restaurants and other dining establishments that offer spectacular views over the beaches and the ocean in the city. These establishments also boast amazing ambiance and top-notch service, serving up new and exciting flavors to satisfy your culinary cravings. Visitors can choose from a variety of menu items like a hearty steak, a traditional bobotie, or a rich, creamy bowl of chowder. The culinary influences found at restaurants have strong influences from British, Dutch, Green, German, and African dishes. Port Elizabeth is a hotspot for all the national and tourists alike, it is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. The exquisite cuisine in the city and its culinary delights make it the best spot for food lovers from around the globe.
What is the nightlife like?The nightlife in Port Elizabeth is made up of several worthwhile places to visit, it's made up of a melting pot of music and dance culture. There are bustling bars, laid-back lounges and restaurants, live music venues, and more to spend a night out on the town. There are some excellent beachfront establishments to visit at night in Port Elizabeth with sensational views over Algoa Bay. There are some fantastic locations to capture a spectacular sunset with a drink in hand. There are many popular nightclubs to dance the night away. Plenty of bars and pubs to keep the drinks flowing and plenty of entertainment. There are also many speakeasy (shebeens) bars in Port Elizabeth. The city fills the evening air with sounds to suit a multitude of musical tastes and nightlife vibes.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?In case of an emergency dial 997, for the fire department dial 998, 997 for an ambulance, and 999 for the police.
Hospitals:Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital tel. 27-41-392-3911
Life St George’s Hospital tel. 27-41-392-6111
Edge Day Hospital tel. 27-41-492-4911