Cape Town’s Public Transport

Make sure your intrepid travelling of Cape Town is done in the most reliable, cheap and efficient way.

Cape Town and the surrounding winelands amounts to quite a large area, from one side to the other over a hundred kilometres. So it’s best to know the public transport available when arriving in our city. As any traveller or boy scout knows – being prepared is tantamount to success. So we decided to try make things a bit easier for you.

With so many interesting sights and activities available, it’s important that you know your travel options.

Car Hire

Renting a car in Cape Town is probably the best option in terms of viability, allowing you the freedom to explore at your leisure, and access areas that trains and buses cannot. While other methods of transport are relatively less expensive, hiring a car is certainly the most convenient.

While hi-jacking is not as prevalent a concern as in Gauteng, be aware! Don’t take unnecessary risks, and make sure you know your route. Also make sure you don’t leave bags or C.D’s lying in the car while parked.

Most of the car hire companies will drop of or pick up at your hotel, and you can hire at the airport itself.  Some of the better car hire company options include Around About Cars (0860 422 4022) and Tempest Car Hire (021 935 8650). For a really luxuriant, tailored to your needs service, spoil yourself with Status Luxury Vehicles (0861 100 108)

Taxi

Taxi’s in South Africa aren’t hailed off the street, but instead are hired by phone or at a taxi rank. Not the cheapest option at an average of R10 per kilometre, but quite possibly the safest – especially at night. Just make sure you get a quote for distance before you go anywhere – and watch that metre.

Especially worth mentioning is Rikki’s taxi (0861745547),available by phone– and the most popular and economic of the taxi offerings. What makes them so much cheaper is the share option, (be sure to ask for it especially) which follows an indirect route to your destination, as the taxi picks up others who need a lift on the way, making the fare far cheaper.  You’ve probably seen these large yellow taxi’s around town.

Other well known taxi cabs are Excite Taxis (021 448 4444) and Kwikcabs (021424 2222).

Minibus Taxi

These taxi’s however CAN be hailed anywhere, anytime. You’ll be able to spot them by the fact that, obviously, they’re minibuses - usually packed full and with someone sticking their body halfway out the car (and shouting nonsensically, something like Winberggggggg!). They’re also by far the cheapest option, and stop pretty much everywhere. The only real downside is the reckless driving and cramped seating ; but if your nerves can handle it they’re a great option. Find out more about them at Whats the deal with...Minibus Taxis.

Buses

Cape Town has just introduced its first Integrated Rapid transit bus system (known as IRT) which will be used first to transport visitors to and from the airport and around the central city – a specific route has been laid out to the Cape Town Stadium, so come World Cup you won’t wear out your soccer boots in wasteful walking. 

The inner city is also covered by this service – and is known as the MyCiti Bus Service, which travels two separate loops within the city, both starting at the Civic Centre Station, and covering a wide inner city area. Speedy, safe, and inexpensive, this is a fabulous new option.

We also have the standard bus options, with stops all over the city – Golden Arrow (0800 656 463) services the greater area, although it doesn’t move within the city. The main bus terminal is on Strand Street opposite Cape Town Railway station.

For within the city the hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing Bus (021 511 6000) operates a city tour every day, and moves all around Cape Town’s main sights, starting at the V&A Waterfront. No booking is required, and the fact that they’re topless makes for probably the most fun, (and the best way to see the views) of all the travelling options.

Trains

Taking a train during the day is a lot safer than most people think; but as usual it’s important to be aware, and rather avoid trains at night-time altogether.  New policing policies have made ye olde choo choo a lot safer as well. Find out more about the Unfamiliar Tracks.

The main Metrorail (0800 65 64 63) station is at Adderley Street in the CBD, and moves through almost all the suburbs in Cape Town and surrounds. Popular amongst commuters, who will often take a bus to the closest station, then the train into the city. The track along Simonstown, with its ocean view, is particularly known for its splendour.

Other

Well, walking’s always fun – provided you aren’t planning a long trip, but in fact most of Cape Town more beautiful surrounds needs to be travelled by foot anyway. It’s really the best way to properly take in Cape Town’s very best feature – the natural beauty and divine landscapes (you also get to decrease your carbon footprint). Plus you need the exercise, but be sure to follow well marked areas and routes.

You could even rent a bicycle – perfect for travelling through the city bowl area, or the forestry expanse of the Southern Suburbs. Downhill Adventures (021 422 0388) rents them for the low price of 160 Rand per day. Just don’t travel alone after dark please.

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