Knysna, Garden Route

International and national guests can fly to George, 60km away from Knysna on the N2 highway.

This airport only receives domestic air traffic, so if you are flying in from overseas, you’ll have to make a connecting flight in either Cape Town (Cape Town International Airport) or Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport).

Other cities with flights directly to George include:

• Nelspruit
• Bloemfontein
• Gqeberha (Previously Port Elizabeth)
• Hoedspruit
• Kimberley
• Polokwane

Check out these local airlines for direct flights to George.

• FlySafair
• Airlink
• Lift

Internationals will find it worth their while to hire a car if they’re travelling long distances on their South African holiday. Once you’re in town, it’s relatively easy to get around, but public transport isn’t as seamless as it is in Europe or the States. Most South Africans get around in private cars – you should too.

Most major airports have car rental agencies like Avis or Hertz on site, making for a seamless transition upon touch-down.

After setting off, you’ll find that Knysna is connected to Cape Town (500 km) and Gqeberha (280 km) via the N2, a safe and well-maintained national road. Google Maps is your friend, but the route is also well marked with road signs.

Driving to Knysna from Cape Town is a beautiful, scenic meander along the Garden Route, with plenty of farm stalls to stop at along the way for coffee, roosterkoek (traditional, griddle-baked buns) and biltong – a must!

There are a hefty number of speed cameras on this route, so stick to the speed limit, and remember, we drive on the left in this country…

For the Saffas, you know the drill: Pop ‘Knysna’ into Google Maps and hit the road!

Renting a car or spending money on petrol in your own vehicle can be costly. Eliminate this issue by opting to travel to Knysna by bus.

All major bus companies serve Knysna on the major routes between Cape Town and Gqeberha, including Translux, Intercape, Springbok Atlas and Greyhound.

Once here, there are ways to get around. Uber is now up and running along the Garden Route – exciting times!

Alternatively, guests at The Turbine Hotel & Spa need only ask for assistance at the front desk. We’d be more than happy to help arrange transport for you.

Sadly, train travel is limited in South Africa and there are no direct passenger lines to Knysna.

However, if you do want to experience the beauty of the Garden Route from a train car, there are a few recreational train rides to enjoy once here.

Check these out for a fun family activity:

• The Diaz Express: A fun rail experience on the Transnet railway line between George and Mossel Bay. The custom-made train cars are a fun addition for kids and the views of the Garden Route’s vista’s are simply breath-taking.
• Outeniqua Choo Tjoe: A restored steam train that gives passengers a taste of what train travel felt like in the days of old.

Now that you know how to get here, there aren’t any excuses left!

Book a magical Knysna-based vacation to South Africa and stay at The Turbine Hotel & Spa, where we’re plugged into everything outdoor-related on the Garden Route thanks to our adventure centre, Turbine Water Club.

Check out our previous blog post on Arty Things To Do In Knysna to add a bit of culture to your itinerary.

From delicious food to world-class beaches, Knysna has it all!

Booking Details

Make use of our online booking platform to secure your dates or get in touch directly via email at book@turbinehotel.co.za.