Transportation Guide

Complete guide to getting to and around Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Africa's Premier Gateway

Cape Town International Airport is South Africa's second-busiest airport and the main gateway to the Western Cape. Located 20km from the city center, it serves over 10 million passengers annually with flights to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

International Connections

The airport offers direct flights to major cities worldwide including:

  • Europe: London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Istanbul
  • Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi
  • Africa: Johannesburg, Durban, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Mauritius
  • Asia: Singapore, Hong Kong (via connections)
Cape Town International Airport

From Airport to City Center

MyCiTi Airport Bus (A01)

Cost: R35 (~$2.30)
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Schedule: Every 20-30 minutes, 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Route: Airport → Civic Centre → City Bowl

Metered Taxis

Cost: R250-R350 (~$16-23)
Duration: 20-30 minutes (depending on traffic)
Recommended: Uber, Bolt (ride-hailing apps)
Note: Fixed pricing through apps, safer option

Airport Shuttles

Cost: R150-R200 (~$10-13) per person
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Advantages: Door-to-door service, shared cost
Booking: Pre-book online or at airport counters

MyCiTi Bus Rapid Transit

Modern BRT System

MyCiTi is Cape Town's Bus Rapid Transit system that began operations in 2010. The system provides safe, efficient, and affordable public transportation connecting major areas of the city with dedicated bus lanes.

Main Routes & Coverage

Coverage: Airport, City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM daily
Frequency: ~8 min during peak, ~12 min off‑peak
Northern Suburbs: Dunkirk, Table View, Bloubergstrand

Ticket Prices

Single journey: R8-R35 (~$0.50-2.30)
MyCiTi card required for all journeys

MyCiTi Bus System Cape Town

Getting Around Cape Town

Uber & Bolt

Cost: R50-R200 per ride
Best for: Safe, reliable transport
Apps: Uber, Bolt (ride-hailing)
Tips: Most popular and safest option for tourists

Metered Taxis

Major Companies: Rikki's, Intercab
Cost: R15-R20 per km
Payment: Cash preferred
Tips: Less common, book in advance

Car Rental

Cost: R300-R800 per day
Companies: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar
Requirements: International driving license
Best for: Wine tours, exploring surroundings

Cycling

Bike Rental: R150-R300 per day
Best Areas: Sea Point Promenade, V&A Waterfront
Safety: Use designated cycling paths
Tours: Guided cycling tours available

Travel to Other South African Cities

Domestic Flights

South African Airways, FlySafair, and Kulula provide frequent domestic flights from Cape Town Airport to major South African cities:

  • Johannesburg: 2 hours, R800-R2,500
  • Durban: 2 hours, R900-R2,800
  • Port Elizabeth: 1.5 hours, R700-R2,200
  • East London: 1.5 hours, R800-R2,400
  • Bloemfontein: 1.5 hours, R900-R2,600
Cape Town Airport South African Airways

South African Railway System

Cape Town Railway Station

Location: Adderley Street, City Bowl
Main Routes: Blue Train, Premier Classe to Johannesburg
Journey Time: 27 hours to Johannesburg
Classes: Economy, Business, Luxury suites

Popular Train Routes

To Johannesburg: 27 hours, R1,500-R15,000
To Durban: 12-15 hours, R800-R5,000
To Port Elizabeth: 18-20 hours, R1,000-R8,000
To Kimberley: 12-14 hours, R700-R4,000

Booking Tips

Advance Booking: 2-4 weeks recommended
Online: Shosholoza Meyl website or travel agents
At Station: Counter service available
Peak Season: Book early for Tet holiday

Intercape & Bus Travel

Major Bus Terminals

Cape Town Central Bus Terminal: Intercape buses to major cities
Bellville Bus Terminal: Regional and suburban routes
Wynberg Bus Terminal: Southern Peninsula connections

Popular Routes & Operators

To Johannesburg: 18-20 hours, R800-R1,500
To Durban: 12-14 hours, R600-R1,200
To Port Elizabeth: 10-12 hours, R500-R900
To Windhoek: 18-20 hours, R900-R1,600

Cape Town Bus Terminal

Wine Region Transportation

Stellenbosch (Wine Capital)

By Car: 45 minutes, R200-R300 (rental + fuel)
Wine Tram: R350-R500 per person
Tour Options: Day trips and wine tasting tours available

Franschhoek & Paarl

Distance: 60-80 km from Cape Town
By Car: 1-1.5 hours, R150-R250
Popular For: Wine estates and gourmet restaurants

Hermanus & Whale Coast

By Car: 1.5-2 hours, R200-R350
Scenic Route: R44 coastal road
Whale Watching: June to November season

Peninsula Tours

Chapman's Peak: Scenic coastal drive
Cape Point: Full-day peninsula tours
Hop-on Hop-off: City Sightseeing bus tours

Essential Transportation Tips

Important Notes

  • Traffic: Rush hours are 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM - expect delays
  • Rain Season: May-October can affect transportation schedules
  • Language: English widely spoken, Afrikaans and Xhosa also common
  • Cash: Many transportation options require cash payment
  • Safety: Always wear helmets on motorbikes and keep valuables secure

Useful Apps

Grab: Ride-hailing and food delivery
Bolt: Popular European ride-hailing app
Google Maps: Navigation and public transport
Citymapper: Urban transportation planning

Payment Methods

Cash: South African Rand (ZAR) widely accepted
Credit Cards: Accepted in hotels and restaurants
Mobile Payment: Grab app supports various payment methods
ATMs: Widely available throughout the city

Safety & Etiquette

Traffic Rules: Motorbikes have right of way
Crossing Streets: Walk slowly and predictably
Bargaining: Common for xe om and some taxis
Tipping: Not required but appreciated

Ready to Navigate Cape Town?

With these transportation options, you'll be able to explore Cape Town and beyond with confidence!

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