Cape Town’s international airport is located about half an hour from the city bowl. Shuttle bus services between the airport and the city center are available at arrivals, expect to pay around R180 for one person one way. Private taxis charge approximately R210. Check for below for prices and availability.
Table Mountain Cable Car
There are many ways up to Table Mountain, and getting to its top is easier than ever. The most popular way up is through the Cable Car, a fast and secure way of transportation that has served visitors since 1929.
Access to various areas of the national park is as follows: Boulders Beach – It is located in Simon’s Town, on the M4. Alternatively, you can go to Muizenberg via M3 and M5 and from there continue to M4.
Kirstenbosch Garden is closer to the city center, less than 20 minutes with no traffic. Getting there is best done via M3 and M63. Oudekraal is located on the M6 between Camp’s Bay and Llandudno. Cape Point is naturally the furthest from the city center as it is the southernmost point of the continent. One can reach it either via M4, passing through Simon’s Town, or the M3, M64, M6, and M4.
Traveling by Train
One line services the southern suburbs and includes a beautiful section along the False Bay coastline from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town. Please note that train services are particularly infrequent on Sundays and public holidays and do not run at night.
Traveling by Bus
The main commuter bus terminal is on the Grand Parade. Buses do not run at night.
The main long-distance bus companies are Greyhound, Translux, and Intercape. All are of a good standard and reasonably priced. Tickets can be booked from their offices on lower Adderley Street just in front of the train station.
Traveling by Taxi
Note that in Cape Town taxis do not ‘cruise’ for passengers, so phone ahead. There are ranks at the airport and V&A Waterfront. Taxi fares are generally expensive (in local terms) but compare favorably to 1st world cities. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a price beforehand. Some drivers take advantage of tourists. It is worth following the route being taken on a map – it may be further or slower than necessary.
Uber and Bolt are also available in Cape Town (please check for updates and fees) and can be a more convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
Feeling brave? – The cheapest, fastest, and most frightening form of transport is the Minibus Taxi. These local minibuses run frequently along fairly fixed routes hooting loudly and screeching to a stop alongside any potential passengers. Note that local people call these ‘taxis’ – beware of the confusion!