The sprawling coastline, towering mountains, and vibrant neighbourhoods demand a smart approach to getting around Cape Town. Whether you’re dodging rush-hour traffic, preparing to hike Table Mountain, or sipping wine in Stellenbosch, knowing how to navigate the city is key to unlocking its treasures. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering practical, local-tested advice on everything from budget-friendly buses to adrenaline-pumping helicopter tours.
Table of Contents
Let’s dive in.
1. Public Transportation – MyCiTi Bus, Trains, Golden Arrow & Minibus Taxis
MyCiTi Bus – Your Budget-Friendly Backbone
- Routes & Coverage: Connects the CBD, Atlantic Seaboard, and suburbs like Sea Point, Camps Bay, and Milnerton. Flying into Cape Town? The A01 Airport Route runs every 20 minutes from Terminal 1 to the Civic Center (30-minute ride).
- How to Use: Buy a myconnect card (R35 one-time fee) at airport kiosks or major stations. Load daily/weekly passes (R100/day, R300/week) or pay per ride (R15 – R40 depending on zones). Tap in/out using card readers at the bus doors.
- Download the MiCiti App, allowing you to track your bus, plan and save your routes, and check your account balance.
If you’re here to soak up Cape Town’s vibes without blowing your budget, the MyCiTi Bus is your golden ticket. These reliable blue and white buses zip you from the airport straight to the city centre (hello, A01 route!) in 30 minutes flat – perfect for that first-day scramble to drop bags and hit Long Street’s cafes. Prefer coastal views? Hop on the route to Camps Bay; you’ll be sipping a mojito with your toes in the sand faster than you can say “Table Mountain.” Grab a myconnect card at the airport kiosk (it’s cheaper than Uber for multi-day trips), and you’re set.
Night owls, note: MyCiTi stops around 10 PM. Perfect for sunset chasers, but club hoppers will need Uber.
Budget backpackers, this is your jam. For R300/week, you can hit the Waterfront, Green Point Park, and even the Oranjezicht Market without sweating your wallet.
Pro Tip: Avoid peak hours (6:45 – 8 AM and 4:15 – 5:30 PM) when buses crawl and fares spike by 20%.
Using Trains in Cape Town – What You Need to Know
Forget Cape Town’s train services – they’re unreliable and sketchy at the best of times. But there’s one glorious exception; the Southern Suburbs Line from Cape Town Station to Simon’s Town. This scenic coastal route is a hidden gem, chugging past Muizenberg’s surfers, Kalk Bay’s vintage shops, and Fish Hoek’s sparkling bay.
The journey itself is the attraction – think mountain vistas on one side, ocean spray on the other, all from the window of a shiny new air-conditioned train (yes, they exist!). These upgraded carriages are patrolled by railway police, making daytime rides feel safer – try to stick to peak hours (6 – 9 AM and 3 – 6 PM) when commuters pack the carriages.
A one-way ticket from Cape Town to Simon’s Town costs R20 (about $1), or snag a return for R35. Buy tickets at station offices (cash only) or via the Metrorail website – no apps here, sadly. Check the Southern Line schedule here, but brace for delays and frequent platform changes – this is Africa, after all. Listen out for announcements on the public address system and if in doubt, ask fellow travellers or the driver to confirm you’re getting on the right train.
Our advice is to avoid all other lines, especially at night.
Luxury Train Rides
The Blue Train to Johannesburg? A whole different vibe – this luxe safari-on-rails costs upwards of R30,000 (book months ahead!) and includes butlers and bubbly. It’s considered one of the most luxurious train rides in the world and you’ll be pampered for the stunning 1,600 km journey.
But for Cape Town day trippers, stick to the Southern Suburbs Line. Just keep your phone tucked away, travel in groups, and soak up those views. 🚂✨
Pro tip: Pair your Simon’s Town train ride with a penguin visit at Boulders Beach – it’s a 10-minute walk from the station.
Golden Arrow Buses
- Routes & Coverage: Connects most areas from the CBD to the Atlantic Seaboard, Northern Suburbs, Western Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, and Far-South.
- Electric Buses Launched in 2025: New eco-friendly routes covering Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, and Wynberg. Cash-only (R10 – R25) but less tourist-friendly – stick to MyCiTi for simplicity.
- To help plan your route: download the Network Timetable.
- Start your journey: Choose your ride at the Grand Parade Bus Terminus or the many bus stops along major roads.
- You can pay your driver when get on board.
Golden Arrow buses are Cape Town’s underrated workhorses – think no-frills, diesel and electric-powered rides connecting the CBD to spots like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain (Perhaps not the safest routes for tourists). You may have better luck choosing to visit Hout Bay or Muizenburg instead.
Backpackers craving local immersion, this is your vibe. For R10, you’ll squeeze in next to students, vendors, and commuters blasting amapiano from their phones.
It’s gritty, real, and way cheaper than tours. But bring small bills (cash only!) and patience – routes aren’t always Google-friendly.
Minibus Taxis – Ride Like a Local (But Be Careful)
- The Lowdown: Cheap (R5 – R20) and ubiquitous, but can be chaotic and sometimes dangerous. Routes like the CBD to Hout Bay and trips to the Southern Suburbs are popular.
- You can catch a ride from the Cape Town Railway Station Deck or at various points in Adderley and Strand Streets.
- Safety First
- Only board at official ranks (e.g., Adderley Street)
- Avoid late-night rides
- Keep valuables hidden
They’re the city’s chaotic heartbeat. Need to get from Adderley Street to Hout Bay Harbour for a seafood feast? Flag one down (look for guys hanging out windows yelling destinations).
It’s R15 and a wild ride – think reggae blasting, spontaneous detours, and maybe a few extra passengers in the aisle. But keep your phone hidden and bags close; these aren’t for the anxious. Adventurous souls only.
Local Advice – Try to have R2 or R5 coins or a R10 note to cover the cost of your trip. Ask people in the queue where the taxi is going if you are unsure of your destination. The driver and “guard” accept payment once you are inside the taxi. The norm is to pass your fare to the passenger seated in front of you, take the money from passengers behind you, and pass it forward. If you only have large denomination notes, the driver will arrange the change and pass it back to you.
2. Ride-Hailing & Taxis – Uber, Bolt, and Metered Cabs
- Uber/Bolt: Cheaper than taxis (R50 to R150 for short trips). Always match license plates in the app. Share your trip status with friends.
- Metered Taxis: Look for branded vehicles (e.g., Excite Taxis). Fare from CBD to Camps Bay: ~R200. Avoid unmetered cars and negotiate upfront if necessary.
Uber is your VIP pass for Cape Town’s nightlife. After a wine-fueled dinner at Kloof Street’s bistros, you’ll want a safe, air-conditioned ride back to your Airbnb.
Bolt’s even cheaper at R70 from the CBD to Clifton at midnight?
Yes, please.
Solo travellers, this is your safety net: drivers are rated, routes tracked, and you won’t get lost arguing with a metered taxi.
But here’s the tea: surge pricing hits hard during rain or events (looking at you, Cape Town Jazz Fest or before a Stormers Rugby match at the DHL Stadium). Save your rides for evenings or when you’re dressed too fancy for MyCiTi.
Bonus: Uber drivers often double as impromptu tour guides – ask for their favourite hidden beaches.
3. Car Rentals – Freedom to Explore
- Top Picks:
- Bluu Car Rental: Affordable range of small, medium, and luxury vehicles starting at around R300/day.
- International brands (Avis, Hertz) onsite at the airport.
- Need-to-Know:
- Drive on the left.
- Avoid displaying bags/phones at red lights.
Planning day trips? To help you plan your day, check out our “10 Best Beaches” article.
Renting a car equals freedom to chase sunrises on Chapman’s Peak Drive or picnic in Stellenbosch’s vineyards without tour-group drama.
Bluu Car Rental (shoutout to our fave local advertiser!) hooks you up with a compact vehicle for R300/day – ideal for families lugging beach gear or couples doing a Garden Route road trip. Toss a surfboard in the trunk, crank up Jeremy Loops, and go.
But Cape Town driving isn’t for the faint-hearted. Mountain roads twist like spaghetti, and parking in the CBD feels like the Hunger Games.
Pro tip: Rent a GPS or download offline maps cell service dies near Cape Point. Oh, and always lock doors at stop streets and red lights.
Rentals beat tours for flexibility. We suggest you take a tour of the Cape Peninsula by way of Chapman’s Peak Drive or make a day of it and visit the wine farms in Franschhoek.
You can find more detailed information about renting a car at Cape Town International Airport in our article, “Top 8 Car Rentals at Cape Town International Airport”.
4. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus – Sightseeing Made Easy
- City Sightseeing Cape Town: 2 routes covering 30+ stops, including Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens.
- 1-day pass: R350.
- Why Use It: Free Wi-Fi, multilingual commentary, and easy transfers to the Wine Tram.
First-time visitors with FOMO, this is your cheat code. The City Sightseeing bus loops past all the Insta-famous spots: Table Mountain’s cable car, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden flower kingdoms, and the penguins at Boulders Beach.
Teens bored? Plug in the free headphones for commentary about pirates and shipwrecks. Retirees, you’ll love the no-hassle views from the open-top deck – no hiking required.
But it’s pricier than public transport (R350/day). Best for short stays or if you hate planning.
Sneaky hack: Buy the 2-day pass and use it for quick trips between the Waterfront and Camps Bay – way cheaper than Uber for groups.
5. Cycling – Explore the Cape Peninsula on Two Wheels
- Up Cycles Rentals: R119/hour or R459/day. Stations at Sea Point Promenade and V&A Waterfront.
- Best Routes:
- Flat & Scenic: Sea Point to Mouille Point (5km).
- For Adventure: Signal Hill’s downhill trails (rent a mountain bike).
- Watch For: Sudden “Cape Doctor” winds (avoid cycling). Unless you cycle in the wind shadow from the Waterfront to Camps Bay, the southeaster can be brutal on summer afternoons, especially in and around the CBD. The wind funnels between the buildings, especially near the foreshore and civic centre, blowing pedestrians and cyclists over.
Up Cycles’ beach cruisers are a great choice for sunny, wind-free days. Pedal the Sea Point Promenade with the ocean on your right and ice cream shops on your left – stop at Mojo Market for a coconut latte. You can find this trendy hangout by turning up Church or Clarens Streets at the Sea point Pavillion Swimming Pools. Turn into Regent Road at the next corner and enjoy an eclectic mix of cullinary treats.
Fit travellers, challenge yourself to the climb up Signal Hill; the downhill rush past Bo-Kaap’s rainbow houses is pure adrenaline.
But Cape Town’s wind doesn’t play around. That “Cape Doctor” breeze will flip your hat into the sea by noon. Rent early, return by 11 AM, and stick to flat routes like the Waterfront canals.
Oh, and families – opt for tandems! Kids get tired fast, and you don’t want to Uber home with two bikes.
6. Walking – Discover Hidden Gems
- Safe Zones: V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, Company’s Garden and Sea Point Promenade.
- Avoid After Dark: Long Street’s bars are lively but sketchy post-10 PM.
- Guided Tours:
- Street Art Tours: Woodstock’s murals (R200/person), we can recommend Chandy.
- Free Walking Tours: Cape Town Free Walking Tours are tips-based and come highly recommended.
- Hiking: Take a hike up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head
Cape Town’s CBD is a walker’s playground. Start at the Company’s Garden – feed squirrels, then wander through St George’s Mall’s street art to Greenmarket Square for haggling over beaded giraffes.
Hungry? Bree Street’s food trucks are a 5-minute shuffle away. Solo wanderers, join a free walking tour to hear gossip about haunted castles and apartheid history.
But after dark?
Nope. Streets empty fast, and even Long Street’s bars aren’t worth the risk. Stick to the Waterfront for evening strolls – the canals glitter with fairy lights, and buskers serenade you past luxury yachts. Romantic AF!
7. Private Tours – Luxury & Customization
- Wine Tram (Franschhoek): Hop between vineyards on a vintage tram. R950 for tastings + lunch.
- Helicopter Flights: 20-minute “Cape Peninsula Tour” from R4,500/person – book via Cape Town Helicopters.
Splurge alert: The Franschhoek Wine Tram is Disneyland for wine lovers. Clink glasses on a vintage tram rolling through vineyards, hopping off to swirl Chenin Blanc at Boschendal or stuff your face with cheese at Haute Cabrière. Groups of friends, this is your vibe – no one has to stay sober to drive.
For VIP treatment, book a private chauffeur. Imagine sipping MCC in a Mercedes while your guide spills tea about Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island.
Helicopter tours?
Save it for proposals or milestone birthdays. Nothing beats swooping over Lions Head at sunset while your pilot points out whales below. Bougie? Yes. Unforgettable? 100%.
For more ideas on where to go and what to see, take a squiz at the “Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town” for some of the most popular activities in the Mother City.
8. Boat Cruises & Water Taxis
- Must-Do:
- Waterfront Canal Cruise: R150 for 30 minutes on the Waterfront Canals.
- Duiker Island Seals Tour: Departs Hout Bay (R150 Adults & R75 Children). Powerful vessels from Nauticat Charters will get you to all the action in perfect safety.
- Ready to walk in Mandela’s footsteps? Book your slot here: Robben Island Tours at R400 for locals and R600 for international visitors.
Robben Island Museum Tour & Ferry Ride
A trip to Robben Island isn’t just a tour – it’s a pilgrimage into South Africa’s struggle for freedom. Hop on the ferry at the V&A Waterfront (book early – this sells out fast) for a 30-minute ride across Table Bay, with epic views of the city skyline and distant Table Mountain. Once you dock, former political prisoners-turned-guides lead you through the limestone quarry, Mandela’s tiny cell, and the stark prison corridors where apartheid’s fiercest resisters were held. It’s raw, emotional, and unmissable.
Tours run daily, with four departures (9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM) from September – April and three (9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM) from May – August. Pricing stings a bit – R400/adult (locals) vs. R600 (international visitors) but your fee funds preservation and education programs. Kids under 18 pay half.
Pro tip: Pack a jacket – that ferry ride gets windy, and the island’s moody weather matches its history. Book online to dodge the waterfront queues, and pair this with a District Six Museum visit for a full apartheid history deep-dive. 🇿🇦✨
For an alternative dose of Cape Town magic that doesn’t involve hiking or traffic jams, hop on a Waterfront Canal Cruise. Glide through the V&A’s glittering canals for just R150 – 30 minutes of pure chill as you float past luxury yachts, street performers, and Table Mountain doing its dramatic backdrop thing. It’s perfect for families with antsy kids (they’ll freak over the bridge tunnels) or couples stealing a quiet moment between wine tastings.
Pro tip: Book a sunset slot. The water turns gold, the city lights flicker on, and you’ll swear you’re in a rom-com montage.
Want wilder vibes?
Nature Tours
The Duiker Island Seals Tour from Hout Bay is your fix. R150 gets adults (and R75 for kiddos) onto a Nauticat Charters boat – think sturdy, spray-in-your-face fun as you zip to a rocky island packed with thousands of barking seals. It’s like Planet Earth live: pups flopping into waves, bulls flexing for dominance, and seagulls dive-bombing for fish scraps. The crews here know their stuff, so even if the swells kick up, you’re safe. Pair this with a Hout Bay fish ‘n chips feast afterwards, and you’ve got a day that’ll crush any “Cape Town is just a pretty face” slander.
Snag the Cape Town City Pass to save 20% on boat rides, plus skip-the-line access to big-ticket spots like Table Mountain. Bundle a canal cruise with a seal tour and a sunset champagne sail – your Instagram feed will thank you. (Passes start at R600 online or at the V&A info kiosk. No FOMO allowed.)
Pro Tip: Bundle boat rides with the Cape Town City Pass (save 20%).
9. Essential Apps
- Google Maps: Real-time traffic updates.
- MyCiTi App: Live bus tracking – download it here.
- Parkopedia Cape Town: Locate parking in the CBD.
Google Maps is your ride-or-die for dodging traffic nightmares on the N2 or scoring the quickest detour when Chapman’s Peak gets jammed. Real-time updates mean you’ll spend less time cursing rush hour and more time sipping cocktails in Camps Bay. The MyCiTi App cuts the guesswork from bus travel – track your ride live, check schedules, and find stops near you. Download it before your myconnect card runs dry.
For drivers sweating CBD parking, Parkopedia Cape Town is a lifesaver. It sniffs out open spots (with prices!) near Long Street clubs or the Company’s Garden, so you’re not circling like a vulture.
Pro tip: Use all three and rule Cape Town’s chaos like a local. 🚗💨
FAQs
Q: Is Uber safe at night?
A: Yes, but sit in the back and share your route via the app.
Q: Can I hike Table Mountain alone?
A: No, not recommended. Only hike with a guide or club – muggings happen often, especially on popular routes like Lion’s Head and Newlands Forest. Hiking in larger groups helps, but areas like Silvermine and the slopes above Kalk Bay are notoriously dangerous. Your best option is to contact one of the many Facebook hiking groups that welcome visitors on their outings.
Q: Best day trip without a car?
A: Take the City Sightseeing Bus to Kirstenbosch, then Uber to Constantia Wine Farm.
Cape Town rewards the prepared traveler. Mix MyCiTi buses for daily commutes, splurge on a Franschhoek wine tram tour, and never underestimate a sunset cruise. With this guide, you’re ready to navigate the Mother City like a pro – safely, efficiently, and with plenty of local flair.
Now, hit the road (or sky, or sea)!
