Getting Around Cape Town, South Africa: Complete City Transit Guide
Cape Town's got a bunch of ways to get around, from shiny new buses to the ever-present minibus taxis. The public transport setup includes the MyCiTi rapid transit buses, commuter trains, and both traditional and app-based taxi services. Plenty of visitors just rent a car or grab an Uber, too.
MyCiTi buses are usually the top pick for tourists who want reliable public transport. They connect major areas, running from Atlantis in the north all the way down to Hout Bay.
This card-based system covers regular routes to popular spots and feels pretty safe. But—let's be honest—Cape Town's public transport still has gaps, so you'll probably end up mixing and matching options.
Depending on your mood or your plans for the day, you can pick from a whole menu of transport choices. Some neighborhoods are easy to see on foot or by bike, while others really call for wheels. Knowing the ins and outs of each option helps you figure out how to see as much of Cape Town as you want.
Overview of Transit Options in Cape Town
There's no shortage of ways to get around here: buses, trains, taxis, ride-share apps, bikes, or just renting a car if you're after flexibility.
Public Transportation Networks
MyCiTi Bus System is the backbone of Cape Town's rapid transit. The buses run on special lanes, which helps them dodge traffic and stay (mostly) on time.
You'll find routes linking the city center, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, and Camps Bay. There's even a direct bus to the airport, which is handy after a long flight.
Train Services cover the Southern Line and weave through the city with some surprisingly scenic stretches. Stations are sprinkled across Cape Town, making train trips a solid option for certain routes.
Regular commuter trains connect neighborhoods and suburbs. They're budget-friendly and a classic way to see more of the city.
Traditional Buses include private companies and commuter lines. The City Sightseeing bus is a favorite for hop-on, hop-off touring at all the must-see places.
Private Transportation Methods
Ride-sharing apps like Uber are everywhere. They're easy to find at the airport and in all the touristy zones.
Metered taxis are another option if you want something a bit more old-school. Both taxis and ride-shares will get you right to the door.
Car rental companies are everywhere, offering all sorts of vehicles. Pick what fits your trip—tiny car for city streets or something bigger for the mountains.
If you're planning to check out places outside the city center, a rental car gives you the most freedom. It's hard to beat for flexibility.
Minibus taxis are the local shared rides. They stick to main roads, stopping at railway stations and taxi ranks, especially in the townships.
Active and Sustainable Transport
Cycling infrastructure is better than you'd expect, with a growing network of dedicated bike lanes. You can actually see a fair number of cyclists out and about.
Bike rental companies offer everything from daily to monthly rentals. If you want someone to show you around, there are guided cycling tours too.
Walking is a decent option in certain parts of Cape Town. The city center and waterfront are both pretty walkable, at least for short distances.
Lots of the big attractions are close together, so you can stroll between them. Neighborhoods like the V&A Waterfront are especially easy to explore on foot.
Exploring Cape Town by MyCiTi Buses
The MyCiTi bus system is a modern, budget-friendly way to reach Cape Town's main sights. You'll need a MyConnect Card to ride, and the network connects key spots like the city center, Hout Bay, and Camps Bay.
Using the MyConnect Card
All MyCiTi passengers need a MyConnect Card—think of it as Cape Town's version of a metro card. It's rechargeable and keeps things simple.
You can buy a card at MyCiTi stations, certain stores, or online. There's a small fee for the card, plus whatever amount you load for your trips.
Just tap in when you board and tap out when you leave. The fare comes off automatically, based on how far you traveled.
Reloading is easy: stations, participating retailers, or the MyCiTi app all work. The app's handy for real-time arrivals and trip planning, too.
Card Benefits:
- No hunting for exact change
- Fares calculated automatically
- Multiple people can use one card
- Reloading is quick
Major MyCiTi Bus Routes and Destinations
MyCiTi buses link the city center with popular areas via several key routes. Route 104, for example, connects Oranjezicht and Gardens to the V&A Waterfront along Adderley Street.
Popular Tourist Routes:
- Route 106/107: Camps Bay to Civic Centre (clockwise and anticlockwise)
- Route 108: Hout Bay Harbour to Sea Point via Hangberg
- Route 105: Sea Point and Fresnaye to city center
- Route 113: Upper Kloof Street to Waterfront via Adderley
The T01 route is an express from Dunoon through Table View to the Civic Centre and Waterfront—nice if you want to cover more ground quickly.
D-routes serve townships like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, connecting those communities to the city for work or shopping.
Route 261 links Century City and Salt River to Adderley Street, making it easier to switch between trains and buses.
Benefits and Limitations of MyCiTi Service
MyCiTi buses are a solid choice for tourists. Dedicated lanes help them beat traffic, and the buses themselves are modern and air-conditioned.
Key Benefits:
- Modern, comfortable buses
- Safe and pretty reliable
- Won't break the bank
- Real-time tracking on the app
- Hits most major tourist spots
Most routes operate from early morning to late evening. During rush hour, expect a bus every 10-20 minutes.
Main Limitations:
- Some suburbs aren't covered
- You need to buy the MyConnect Card
- A few routes skip Sundays
- Buses can get packed during rush hour
The service doesn't go to Constantia or the southern suburbs. If you're aiming for wine farms or southern beaches, you'll need another plan.
MyCiTi is best for trips between the city center, Atlantic Seaboard, and the northern 'burbs. The network's still growing, so maybe check for updates before you go.
Other Public Transportation: Trains, Taxis, and Minibuses
Cape Town's got more than just buses. There are trains connecting the center to coastal areas like Fish Hoek, minibus taxis for short hops, and metered taxis for folks who want a private ride.
Metrorail Train Services and Key Routes
Metrorail runs Cape Town's train network, linking the city to the outskirts. The Southern Line is the most scenic, winding from Cape Town station to Fish Hoek and Simon's Town along the coast.
You'll get some great views of False Bay and stop at a few popular spots. Trains run often during peak hours, but less so on weekends.
The Northern Line heads out to Bellville and Parow. The Central Line serves the townships and northern suburbs.
Key train routes:
- Southern Line: Cape Town to Fish Hoek/Simon's Town
- Northern Line: Cape Town to Bellville
- Central Line: Cape Town to Langa/Nyanga
Tickets are cheap—anywhere from R5-15 depending on how far you're going. Buy them at the station, either from a person or a machine.
Safety and Tips for Public Transit Users
Public transport here is mostly fine, but you do need to keep your wits about you. Don't flash your phone, camera, or jewelry around.
Daytime travel is always safer. If you can, stick to peak times (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) when there are more people and usually more security.
Keep your bag close and pay attention to what's going on. Sitting near other passengers is usually smarter than being alone in an empty car.
Safety tips:
- Hide your valuables
- Travel when it's busy
- Stick close to other people
- Have exact change ready
Some train routes can be delayed or have safety hiccups. It's worth checking the latest updates before you head out, and sometimes it's just better to grab an Uber.
Minibus Taxis and Metered Taxi Services
Minibus taxis are a Cape Town staple. They're shared rides that follow set routes, usually starting from taxi ranks at train stations and big roads.
You'll hear local music, and there's usually a "gaatjie" (door operator) collecting fares. Expect to pay R8-20, depending on your trip.
Hand signals let drivers know where you're headed—it's a bit of a local art form. Minibus taxis can get crowded, but they're a real slice of Cape Town life.
Metered taxis park at the airport, hotels, and touristy spots. They charge by the meter, based on distance and time.
Taxi options:
- Minibus taxis: Shared rides, local routes, R8-20
- Metered taxis: Private rides, meter-based prices
- Ride-sharing: Uber and Bolt are everywhere
Ride-sharing apps like Uber are super convenient, with upfront pricing and easy pick-ups via your phone.
Driving in Cape Town: Car Hire and Road Travel
Renting a car is probably the best way to see Cape Town and the surrounding areas, like Constantia and Table Mountain. Still, you'll want to know the local rules, customs, and a few safety basics before hitting the road.
Car Rental Agencies and Requirements
All the big international rental brands are here, plus local companies that sometimes offer better deals or more personal service. You can pick up a car at the airport or in town—whatever's easier.
Basic Requirements:
- Valid driver's license (an international permit is a good idea)
- Credit card for the deposit
- Usually 21-25 years old minimum (depends on the company)
- Passport for ID
Choices range from tiny city cars to big SUVs. Go for an SUV if you plan on tackling mountain roads or venturing into the townships. For city trips, a compact car is just fine.
Rental costs jump up in summer (December-February), thanks to all the tourists. Weekly rates usually work out cheaper per day than renting by the day.
Insurance is a must. You'll get basic third-party coverage, but it's smart to opt for comprehensive insurance—Cape Town's got its share of car theft and break-ins, so better safe than sorry.
Local Driving Culture and Safety Advice
South Africans drive on the left. Locals call traffic lights "robots," which can throw you the first time you hear it. Drivers in the city center are assertive but generally stick to the rules.
Key safety practices include:
- Keep your doors locked and windows mostly up
- Don't stop for strangers or at red robots in sketchy areas
- Hide anything valuable
- Plan your route with GPS ahead of time
Rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) clog up the N1 and N2 highways. If you can, avoid driving then—unless you like sitting in traffic.
Mountain roads, especially up to Table Mountain, demand extra attention. They're steep, twisty, and the weather can change fast. Fog can sneak in, especially near the coast.
Driving in townships or informal settlements isn't for everyone. If you're not familiar with the area, it's safer (and honestly more interesting) to go with a guided tour.
Parking and Road Regulations
Street parking in Cape Town's city center runs on paid meters during business hours. Fees range from R5 to R15 per hour, depending on the exact spot.
Most meters take coins and cards, but sometimes you’ll find one that’s a bit picky.
Parking options include:
- Street parking (metered and free zones)
- Shopping mall parking (usually free)
- Private parking garages (R20-50 per day)
- Hotel parking (varies by property)
Car guards are a fixture in many areas, looking after parked cars. They’ll expect a small tip—usually R5-10—for their trouble.
It’s not an official system, but honestly, it does help keep your car safer from theft or random dings.
Speed limits sit at 60 km/h in urban zones and jump to 100-120 km/h on highways. Major intersections and highways are watched by traffic cameras.
Fines for breaking the rules can sting, so best to drive smart.
Seat belts are non-negotiable for everyone in the car. Get caught using your phone without a hands-free setup, and you’ll get fined.
Drunk driving laws are strict here, with roadblocks popping up—especially on weekends and holidays.
In Constantia, parking is usually a breeze thanks to wide streets and lots of shopping centers. Over by Table Mountain, there are dedicated parking spots at the cable car and hiking trail entrances.
Alternative Modes: Cycling and Walking
Cape Town’s honestly a great city for getting around on foot or by bike. There are dedicated routes and plenty of pedestrian-friendly zones all over.
The city’s really trying to make sustainable transport a thing, and for the most part, it works for both locals and visitors.
Bike Rentals and Cycling Routes
You’ll find bike rental shops scattered throughout the city center and tourist hotspots. Many hotels and hostels even rent out bikes to their guests.
The Sea Point Promenade has a cycling path that hugs the coastline. It’s a beautiful ride and links up with places like Camps Bay.
Green Point is another good bet, with well-kept cycling lanes that take you straight to the V&A Waterfront. Those paths are mostly flat—great for a relaxed outing.
If you’re into mountain biking, the Table Mountain area has some trails with tough terrain and epic city views.
Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus system lets you bring bikes on certain routes, which is handy if you need to cover more ground.
Best Areas for Walking
The city center is pretty compact, so you can walk to most major attractions without breaking a sweat.
The V&A Waterfront is set up for pedestrians, with clear signs and safe streets. It’s an easy stroll from the city center, too.
Sea Point has a long promenade that’s perfect for walking. You’ll get ocean views for kilometers.
Camps Bay offers a short but lovely walk along the beach, plus access to hiking trails heading toward Table Mountain.
Company's Garden in the city center is a peaceful spot for a walk, connecting several museums and government buildings.
Accessibility for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Most main streets have sidewalks and crosswalks, but the quality can really depend on the neighborhood.
There are bicycle lanes on several big routes, making things safer for cyclists. Still, coverage isn’t perfect everywhere.
At major intersections, traffic lights usually have pedestrian signals. Some even have audio cues for those with vision impairments.
It’s worth noting—safety can be an issue in some places, especially after dark. Always check out the neighborhood before heading out alone.
And then there’s the terrain: hills and steep roads can make walking or cycling tough, especially around Table Mountain or heading toward Hout Bay. You’ll want to be reasonably fit for those.
Getting Around Popular Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town’s top attractions are pretty spread out, so you’ll need to plan how you’re getting to each. Table Mountain has a cable car, coastal spots like Camps Bay call for scenic routes, and the suburbs are a different story altogether.
Table Mountain and Surrounding Areas
The Table Mountain Cable Car leaves from the Lower Cable Station, which you can reach a few ways. MyCiTi Bus Route 110 goes straight from the city center to the cable car for R15-25.
If you’re not into buses, Uber or Bolt rides from anywhere in Cape Town cost about R80-150, depending on where you’re starting. It’s a 15-25 minute ride from downtown.
Some private tours include Table Mountain in their day packages—expect to pay R800-1500 per person, but that usually covers transport and sometimes even skip-the-line tickets.
Hikers can start the Platteklip Gorge trail near the cable car. You can use the same transport as the cable car crowd to get there.
Parking at the Lower Cable Station is R20 per day, but spots go fast in peak season—by 9 AM, you might be out of luck.
Coastal Destinations: Camps Bay and Hout Bay
Camps Bay is right on the Atlantic Seaboard, with killer views of the beach and mountains. The MyCiTi Bus runs there from the city center for R25-35, taking about half an hour.
Uber to Camps Bay costs R60-120 from central Cape Town, and the drive along Kloof Road is honestly worth it for the scenery alone.
Getting to Hout Bay is a bit trickier. There’s no direct MyCiTi, so the cheapest way is a minibus taxi from Adderley Street—just R15-20.
If you want flexibility, car rentals are your best friend for Hout Bay, especially if you’re taking the iconic Chapman's Peak Drive. The winding road is a challenge, but the views? Totally worth it.
Golden Arrow buses also go from the city center to Hout Bay for R20-25. They don’t run as often as MyCiTi, so check the schedule before you go.
Exploring Suburbs like Constantia and Fish Hoek
Constantia wine estates aren’t exactly easy to reach by public transport. If you’re thinking about private wine tours, expect to pay anywhere from R900 up to R2000 per person; that usually covers a handful of vineyard stops and your ride for the day.
Car rentals are honestly the way to go if you want to roam Constantia at your own pace. There’s something about weaving along those vineyard-lined roads that makes the drive itself part of the experience.
Getting to Fish Hoek is more straightforward. The Southern Suburbs train line leaves from Cape Town Station, hugging the coast for a scenic 45-minute ride, and it’s just R20 one-way.
The MyCiTi Bus does reach parts of Constantia, but you’ll need to switch buses at Wynberg. Depending on luck and timing, you’re looking at anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half.
There’s always Uber if you’re not up for public transport. A trip to either suburb from central Cape Town lands somewhere between R150 and R300. Fish Hoek is about 45 minutes out; Constantia is a bit closer—figure on 30 to 40 minutes, give or take.