How do you get to Cape Town?
Getting There4.9/10Harder to reach than about 55% of cities
- Main airport
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: capetown-airport.co.za, en.wikipedia.org
Good to know
Good to Know
- Uber/Bolt are 20-40% cheaper and significantly safer than metered taxis or minibus taxis from airport
- MyCiTi A01 bus is the most budget-friendly at R80 (~$5), takes ~35 min to CBD
- Always use official airport taxis or designated e-hailing if using taxis; avoid solicitors offering rides inside terminal
- Metrorail (commuter trains) is extremely affordable but subject to significant delays—factor in 20-30 minutes extra time and avoid late evening travel due to safety concerns
- Robben Island tours sell out in advance during peak season (Sept–April); book online 48+ hours ahead
- Robben Island ferries are weather-dependent, especially in winter (June–August) when rough seas can cause cancellations
- Cape Town Airport is undergoing a R10.1 billion upgrade; some construction-related delays possible through 2029
- No direct airport rail link exists; plan accordingly for ground transport
- Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) require rental car or pre-booked tour for best flexibility; no direct public bus from airport
Metrorail
- Hub
- Cape Town Railway Station (CBD center, Adderley & Strand Streets)
- Caveat
- Due to cable theft and aging infrastructure, significant delays (20-30 min buffer recommended). Services do not operate Sundays/public holidays unless indicated.
- Status
- Operational with service disruptions
Fares
- Single Trip Range Low
- ZAR 7.00
- Single Trip Range High
- ZAR 22
- Note
- Fares based on distance and seating (Metro vs MetroPlus). Monthly passes available for savings.
Lines
Southern Line
- Route
- Cape Town → Southern Suburbs → Simon's Town (beach towns, False Bay)
- Frequency
- Regular service (subject to delays)
Northern Line
- Route
- Cape Town → Bellville → Paarl, Stellenbosch, Strand, Wellington
- Frequency
- Regular service
Central Line
- Route
- Cape Town → Langa → Mitchell's Plain, Khayelitsha, Bellville
- Frequency
- Regular service (recently restored)
Cape Flats Line
- Route
- Cape Town → Athlone → Retreat
- Frequency
- Regular service
Long Distance Rail
- Operator
- Shosholoza Meyl (PRASA)
- Note
- Inter-city rail services available but variable reliability. The Blue Train (luxury service) also departs from Cape Town station.
Routes
Johannesburg
- Via
- Kimberley
- Frequency
- Daily
Durban
- Via
- Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg
- Frequency
- Weekly
East London
- Frequency
- Weekly
Ground Transport From Airport
E-hailing (Uber/Bolt)
- To CBD
- ZAR 150
- Reliability
- Widely available 24/7, recommended safest option
- To CBD High
- ZAR 250
- Duration Minutes
- 20-40
- Notes
- 20-40% cheaper than metered taxis. Pickup at Parkade 1, designated e-hailing zone. Free airport WiFi to book.
MyCiTi Bus (A01 Route)
- Cost
- ZAR 80
- Reliability
- Regular service, well-established
- Duration Minutes
- 30
- Notes
- Most affordable public transport option. Direct to city center. Most economical choice.
Metered Taxi (Official)
- Reliability
- Available but not recommended (higher cost, overcharging risk)
- Cost Range Low
- ZAR 250
- Cost Range High
- ZAR 400
- Duration Minutes
- 25-40
- Notes
- Only official airport taxis. Depart from Arrivals Hall. Risk of overcharging with unofficial taxis.
Private Transfer/Shuttle
- Cost Low
- ZAR 400
- Cost High
- ZAR 900
- Reliability
- Reliable, flight-tracked, cancellable up to 24 hours
- Notes
- Pre-booked hotel transfers available. Convenient for late arrivals.
Airport
- Name
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
- Distance From City
- 19.5 km (~12 miles from CBD)
- International Status
- Major international hub with 29 airlines serving 40+ destinations
- Airport Notes
- Ranked Africa's Best Airport 2026 (11 consecutive years). Major upgrade programme (R10.1 billion) underway through 2029. E-hailing pickup at Parkade 1 Ground Floor.
Key Routes
- Domestic
- Johannesburg (2 hours), Durban, George, Hoedspruit, and other regional centers
- International
- United States (Delta, United), Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways), Europe (KLM, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa), Africa (Ethiopian, Air Tanzania)
Day Trip Access
Winelands
- To
- ZAR 900
- Distance
- ~50 km east
- Destinations
- Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl
- Best Transport
- Rental car (most flexible) or pre-booked wine tour shuttle
- Cost Private Transfer
- ZAR 500
- Note
- Metrorail to Civic Centre then arrange onward transport (no direct public bus from airport to winelands)
Scenic Drives
- Cape Point
- ~60 km south via scenic coastal route (30-45 min drive)
- Table Mountain
- City center-adjacent cable car access
- Twelve Apostles
- ~15 km south (Camps Bay beach access)
- Note
- Rental car recommended for flexibility; Uber available for shorter trips
Ferry Connections
Robben Island
- Caveat
- Weather-dependent; tours frequently cancelled in winter due to rough seas. Book in advance online (often sells out).
- Included
- Return ferry, island bus tour, guided prison tour, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Schedule
- Departs 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 (weather permitting)
- Accessibility
- MyCiTi bus (routes 104, 105, 106) to V&A Waterfront; Uber/taxis available
- Departure Point
- Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront
- Distance From CBD
- ~5 km, walkable or accessible by public transport
- Tour Duration Hours
- 3.5
- Ferry Duration Minutes
- 30-60 (depends on vessel and sea conditions)
Tour Cost
- International Visitors
- ZAR 825
- South African Citizens
- ZAR 400
No Direct Rail To Airport
A 4 km rail connection was proposed but never built. MyCiTi bus is primary public transport link.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Cape Town
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.