Getting around in Cape Town
Cape Town is one of few cities in South Africa where you really can get around without having a car.
The advantage of using public transport is that it gives you a hands-on interaction with community life. You can also spend more time looking out of the window and less time looking for parking!
Taxis
One can call a cab like anywhere else in the world or alternatively choose the much less expensive hop-on/hop off minibus taxi.
The latter is very affordable and a distance of 7kms between Camps Bay and the city centre will cost only R6.50 (£0.59, US$0.96, €0.66) whereas if you book a private taxi you are looking at more like R60 (£5.42, US$8.87, €6.07) for a one-way trip for the same journey.
A minibus taxi is perfectly safe during the day and above all, really quite fun from a tourist point of view. The payment & seating system in itself, works seamlessly despite looking shambolic to the outsider.
Tips for first timers to minibus taxis
If this is not for you, and for those travelling at night time, there are many cab companies operating all over the city bowl who provide a reliable and safe door-to-door service.
Rikkis (0861 745 547). Here you pay a set amount per person as opposed to paying per vehicle. It usually amounts to R10/km. They are great for getting from one place to another especially within the city. They do pick up other passengers en route though, unless you specifically ask for a door-to-door service when you call them.
Buses
Golden Arrow buses in Cape Town are situated mainly at the bus terminal on Strand Street which is opposite the Cape Town railway station.
They are reasonably priced at R8.00, (£0.72, US$1.18, €0.81) for a half hour journey and if you travel regularly, it is advisable to purchase a monthly bus pass which is more cost effective.
My CITI – More recently we have a new integrated rapid transit service called MyCiTi; an airport shuttle and inner-city loop.
The airport shuttle takes about 30 minutes outside of peak hour and tickets cost R50. The tickets are sold at the stations at the Airport and the Civic Centre.
The inner-city loop serviceprovides a safe, quick, reliable way for tourists and locals to travel around the inner city, passing tourist attractions and nightspots as well as venues where many Capetonians live and work.
For more information, call the City’s toll-free Transport Information Centre on 0800 656 463.
Trains
Trains also operate from the train station on the corner of Adderley street & Strand street (MAP). The operator is called Metrorail and can be reached on 0800 65 64 63. A 1st class seat is recommended, costing R8.00 for a half hour journey between Cape Town and Bellville as opposed to R5.50 in 3rd class. It’s not much to pay for added safety & comfort.
Coach Travel
There are some excellent coach companies travelling between major cities of South Africa and are great for budget travel to or from Cape Town from the rest of the country. A one-way, 8 hour journey of 550kms between Knysna & Cape Town can cost on average R200 (£18.10, US$29.61, €20.26).
Intercape (0861 287 287) & Greyhound (083 915 9000) are just two that offer clean, air-conditioned, very punctual services & sleeper coaches around South Africa & to sub–saharan Africa. Movies are shown, seats recline and the friendly staff serve tea, coffee and snacks throughout.
Air Travel
Cape Town International Airport is located in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town about 20kms from the centre of Town on the N2, Exit 16. All major airlines travel in and out of Cape Town airport both for Internation and domestic flights. The airport has all the facilities one could need including shops and business class lounges for some of the airlines.
Want to book a ticket? Click here for flights to Cape Town
Safety
Please remember not to expose expensive jewelery, cameras or laptops when travelling through any city by public transport. As is the case anywhere, keep an eye on your cellphone.
Try and make sure that you always have the correct information about where you are going to get the help you may need from the friendly locals.
Most of all have fun & enjoy the atmosphere. If you can’t manage without your own car or would like to travel further afield for sightseeing then of course a car or even a scooter is a great & convenient option. For recommended rental companies and scooter hire please see our directory of Car & Scooter hire companies.