Busbud
Verified Business
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Busbud receives strong criticism for its refund process, with numerous customers reporting long delays or outright failure to receive refunds after cancellations or no-show buses. A recurring frustration is the listing of unreliable bus operators whose services never arrive, leaving passengers stranded. Customers also struggle to reach human support, encountering only AI chatbots and invalid contact numbers. However, satisfied users praise the app's easy booking experience, convenient trip updates, and helpful platform for comparing schedules. When service goes smoothly, riders appreciate punctual and professional drivers.
Performance(last 12 months):
0Trustindex Rating
#7Ranked In Travel Agencies
192 hours 20 minutesAverage Time To Reply
16 NPSRecommended: Likely
Replied to 96% of negative reviews
Typically takes less than 192 hours 20 min to reply
TrustIndex
0
Score
Ranking
#7
in Travel Agencies
Avg Reply
192 hours 20 minutes
NPS Score
16
Recommended: Likely
Replied to 96% of negative reviews
Typically takes less than 192 hours 20 min to reply
Review Distribution
2.3|40 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(20%)
4(11.4%)
3(2.9%)
2(2.9%)
1(62.9%)
5(20%)
4(11.4%)
3(2.9%)
2(2.9%)
1(62.9%)
Frequently Asked Questions About Busbud
Based on recent customer reviews, this business delivers a consistently strong customer experience anchored by outstanding agent quality and rapid communication. Customers frequently name individual consultants and praise their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Recurring praise is given to claims and roadside assistance, though a vocal minority report frustrating delays, rejected claims, and poor transparency around premium increases.
Hellopeter's TrustIndex is a 0–10 score based on review star ratings, reply speed, and recent activity over the last 12 months. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (40)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperiencePopular mentions
BM
Bubele M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Mar 2026, 07:06
*********** to use
Hi Busbud, Please note we can not be ****med by big tree bus, the when we request our money . they are blaming you that you dont want to approve. 2nd will deal with big tree bus dirrect now. i need my money todayyyyy Please assist with my refund from Big Tree Bus. Yesterday, the bus was faulty, and I couldn't use the bus since it was faulty. They said I must apply for a refund from you so that you can also approve it.I'm very disappointed with their service.They dont have office. Email address used to book your ticket - buyisiwenonjiko2706@gmail.com Name of the passenger(s) on the ticket(s) - Buyisiwe Nonjiko Departure/Destination and the date of the trip - park station A 41 Rissik St Braamfontein Johannesburg 2017 to Matatiel 83 High street,Heinz Garage Reference number -24097094 TICKET NUMBER - 173946 Email address used to book your ticket - buyisiwenonjiko2706@gmail.com Name of the passenger(s) on the ticket(s) - Buyisiwe Nonjiko Departure/Destination and the date of the trip - park station A 41 Rissik St Braamfontein Johannesburg 2017 to Matatiel 83 High street,Heinz Garage 18-02-2026 8 PM Reference number -24097094 TICKET NUMBER - 173946 Account detail - Bs Nonjiko account type - Capitec acc number -1500688698
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)BM
Bubele M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Mar 2026, 07:06
*********** to use
Hi Busbud, Please note we can not be ****med by big tree bus, the when we request our money . they are blaming you that you dont want to approve. 2nd will deal with big tree bus dirrect now. i need my money todayyyyy Please assist with my refund from Big Tree Bus. Yesterday, the bus was faulty, and I couldn't use the bus since it was faulty. They said I must apply for a refund from you so that you can also approve it.I'm very disappointed with their service.They dont have office. Email address used to book your ticket - buyisiwenonjiko2706@gmail.com Name of the passenger(s) on the ticket(s) - Buyisiwe Nonjiko Departure/Destination and the date of the trip - park station A 41 Rissik St Braamfontein Johannesburg 2017 to Matatiel 83 High street,Heinz Garage Reference number -24097094 TICKET NUMBER - 173946 Email address used to book your ticket - buyisiwenonjiko2706@gmail.com Name of the passenger(s) on the ticket(s) - Buyisiwe Nonjiko Departure/Destination and the date of the trip - park station A 41 Rissik St Braamfontein Johannesburg 2017 to Matatiel 83 High street,Heinz Garage 18-02-2026 8 PM Reference number -24097094 TICKET NUMBER - 173946 Account detail - Bs Nonjiko account type - Capitec acc number -1500688698
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
10 Feb 2026, 13:05
Busbud help *****ulent companies to **** consumers
I have booked a bus(Eagle liner)on Busbud and paid insurance. The bus didn't come and when I contact them they took me from pillar to post. I asked Busbud to help me get refund and they sayI bus go back to the bus company, even after sharing my chat. Busbud listed the bus company on their website, I paid my money to them, they charged service fees but left me in the cold. Busbud is working with this companies to **** consumers.I have lost R1500.00,my son needed to get to university. I borrowed money to buy other two tickets. Do not use Busbud. Bad company, listing *****ulent services.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
10 Feb 2026, 13:05
Busbud help *****ulent companies to **** consumers
I have booked a bus(Eagle liner)on Busbud and paid insurance. The bus didn't come and when I contact them they took me from pillar to post. I asked Busbud to help me get refund and they sayI bus go back to the bus company, even after sharing my chat. Busbud listed the bus company on their website, I paid my money to them, they charged service fees but left me in the cold. Busbud is working with this companies to **** consumers.I have lost R1500.00,my son needed to get to university. I borrowed money to buy other two tickets. Do not use Busbud. Bad company, listing *****ulent services.
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Replies (0)LG
Lindokuhle G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Jan 2026, 08:02
Busbud Sold Tickets for Cancelled Ilula Service – Refund Required
I purchased two Ilula bus tickets through Busbud for travel from Cape Town to Queenstown on 23 December (18:00). Booking references: • 110117 • 110118 On arrival at the bus station at 15:00, we were informed that Ilula buses were not operating that day. This was the first notification received — no prior communication was sent by either Ilula or Busbud. Because we only became aware of the cancellation on the day of travel, I was unable to cancel within Busbud’s 24-hour cancellation policy. The service was not rendered. While Ilula is the operator, Busbud is the platform that sold and facilitated the transaction, and therefore shares responsibility for ensuring that listed services are reliable and that customers are informed of cancellations. It is concerning that Ilula continues to be listed on Busbud despite a long-standing pattern of negative customer reviews and complaints, many of which raise similar issues regarding cancellations and lack of communication. By continuing to list and sell tickets for a service with a well-documented history of poor performance, Busbud contributes to the resulting consumer harm when services are not delivered. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008, consumers are entitled to a full refund where a service is not rendered due to supplier failure, regardless of cancellation policy. I am requesting Busbud’s urgent assistance in processing a full refund for both bookings. Proof of booking and payment is attached.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)LG
Lindokuhle G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Jan 2026, 08:02
Busbud Sold Tickets for Cancelled Ilula Service – Refund Required
I purchased two Ilula bus tickets through Busbud for travel from Cape Town to Queenstown on 23 December (18:00). Booking references: • 110117 • 110118 On arrival at the bus station at 15:00, we were informed that Ilula buses were not operating that day. This was the first notification received — no prior communication was sent by either Ilula or Busbud. Because we only became aware of the cancellation on the day of travel, I was unable to cancel within Busbud’s 24-hour cancellation policy. The service was not rendered. While Ilula is the operator, Busbud is the platform that sold and facilitated the transaction, and therefore shares responsibility for ensuring that listed services are reliable and that customers are informed of cancellations. It is concerning that Ilula continues to be listed on Busbud despite a long-standing pattern of negative customer reviews and complaints, many of which raise similar issues regarding cancellations and lack of communication. By continuing to list and sell tickets for a service with a well-documented history of poor performance, Busbud contributes to the resulting consumer harm when services are not delivered. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008, consumers are entitled to a full refund where a service is not rendered due to supplier failure, regardless of cancellation policy. I am requesting Busbud’s urgent assistance in processing a full refund for both bookings. Proof of booking and payment is attached.
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Replies (0)HM
Hope M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 Jan 2026, 07:46
Refund on bus tickets
I have an issue. I booked 6 bus tickets with Hope Diamond bus which was supposed to pick us up from Durban Station to Johannesburg Parkstation. Departure time 11:00. When we got to the bus station we were told that the bus is not available it will be available at 10pm. When I tired calling they did not answer calls and I sent them an email. They responded I requested a refund as I had to make other alternative arrangements and book another bus with intercity which was an inconvenience for us. They responded and requested evidence that I made other arrangements now they not responding.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)HM
Hope M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 Jan 2026, 07:46
Refund on bus tickets
I have an issue. I booked 6 bus tickets with Hope Diamond bus which was supposed to pick us up from Durban Station to Johannesburg Parkstation. Departure time 11:00. When we got to the bus station we were told that the bus is not available it will be available at 10pm. When I tired calling they did not answer calls and I sent them an email. They responded I requested a refund as I had to make other alternative arrangements and book another bus with intercity which was an inconvenience for us. They responded and requested evidence that I made other arrangements now they not responding.
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Tshidi T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
22 Dec 2025, 10:54
disgrace of an app
This is very useless if I must say, I booked a bus with them the bus never showed went on bus bud they never cared or addressed the issue , i will never be recommending this site to anyone I know. I wanted a refund never got it the company Citi link said I needed to cancel and request refund with Bus bud since ticket was bought via their app, Bus bud never did anything the only message I got was my ticket is not refundable
Helpful (0)
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Tshidi T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
22 Dec 2025, 10:54
disgrace of an app
This is very useless if I must say, I booked a bus with them the bus never showed went on bus bud they never cared or addressed the issue , i will never be recommending this site to anyone I know. I wanted a refund never got it the company Citi link said I needed to cancel and request refund with Bus bud since ticket was bought via their app, Bus bud never did anything the only message I got was my ticket is not refundable
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Replies (0)MJ
Mayaya J
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Dec 2025, 06:50
Pathetic service Busbud/ inforgertes the bus operator
Good day iwas ****med by these people I've been trying to get thier customer services contact me ,they even bother to refund my money , I advise people not use this app my money is gone just like that,when you booking it it's like there's other person behind your booking who's manipulating I'm really mad with these guys, my money foe my kids is gone just like that They been sending pillar to post I've tried their customer instead they blocking me on whatsapp platform I have proof of everything I'm really passed of they really ruined my festive i book a bus from cape town to.johanesbueg thier system picked 5 August imagine wich ididnt book for August 2025 cz it's really not on the ratio.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)MJ
Mayaya J
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Dec 2025, 06:50
Pathetic service Busbud/ inforgertes the bus operator
Good day iwas ****med by these people I've been trying to get thier customer services contact me ,they even bother to refund my money , I advise people not use this app my money is gone just like that,when you booking it it's like there's other person behind your booking who's manipulating I'm really mad with these guys, my money foe my kids is gone just like that They been sending pillar to post I've tried their customer instead they blocking me on whatsapp platform I have proof of everything I'm really passed of they really ruined my festive i book a bus from cape town to.johanesbueg thier system picked 5 August imagine wich ididnt book for August 2025 cz it's really not on the ratio.
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Replies (0)