Getting around Cape Town

Timing and position are as important off the field as on. Don’t get caught out while navigating Cape Town’s transport system. Read the guide below and ensure you are always onside!

24/7 public transport call centre

Call the 24/7 public transport call centre on 0800 656 463 should you have any transport queries. They are happy to help. Alternatively, call Cape Town Tourism on +27 (0)21 487 6800 for any queries or for help planning your trip.

Getting around by car, shuttle and taxi

We drive on the left-hand side of the road, and our cars – rental cars included – are right-hand-drive vehicles. All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are in kilometres. Wearing seat belts is compulsory. Using hand-held phones while driving is against the law.

The general speed limit on highways is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated.

Any valid driver’s licence is accepted provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English.

Our public transport system is limited so you’ll need to hire a car, call a taxi or join a tour.

Public transport is being overhauled ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The central city and Cape Town International Airport will have a dedicated lane for Bus Rapid Transit vehicles. At present there is no public transport service from the airport.

 
• Shuttle services operate from kiosks in the International and Domestic Arrivals halls at the airport. The buses transport visitors to Cape Town’s central transport hub in Hertzog Boulevard. From there, you will be able to take a metered taxi to your accommodation. The information kiosk attendants at the hub will assist you should you require any help. Use the Cape Town Tourism visitor information centre at Domestic and International Arrivals to book a shuttle or taxi.



• All major car-hire companies operate from the airport and have city depots. Several small car-hire companies offer very competitive rates. You can book a car by contacting .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). You can also call Cape Town Tourism on +27 (0)21 487 6800 or make a booking at any Cape Town Tourism visitor information centre.


• Minibus taxis operate across the city and offer convenient but sometimes hair-raisingly fast public transport along major routes. Boarding points are whenever and wherever you can get the driver to stop – usually with no warning! The upside is that minibus taxis are frequently available and inexpensive. There are no route maps for these services but you can’t miss the network across the city. For more information, ask us by email on .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).


• If you are not feeling that adventurous, call for a metered taxi; ask about fares beforehand. Metered taxis will operate from the major rail stations and from the central transport hub in Hertzog Boulevard. On match days, catch a taxi to the transport hub and then a shuttle bus to the Cape Town Stadium. Contact Cape Town Tourism to ask about accredited companies or to make a booking.


• Rikkis are mid-priced taxis that operate in and around the central city. Yellow Rikki phones are situated around the city, allowing you to place a free call to book a Rikki. Contact them on +27 (0)861 745 547 or contact Cape Town Tourism to make a booking.


• Various companies run guided tours of the city and surrounds. Book one of the 400 assessed tour operators that are accredited by Cape Town Tourism. We will match you to an excellent operator that suits your needs. Email us now on .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Getting around by bus

A bus service operates across the main areas of the city. However, this is mainly focused on commuter transport. For more information visit www.gabs.co.za

A great way to see the city is on the City Sightseeing bus. You can buy your ticket from the Cape Town Tourism visitor information centre in the city centre and hop on and off as you wish en route between many of the city’s main attractions. Tickets purchased on the bus include discount vouchers for a variety of stops along the way.

Bus Rapid Transit

The official site for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) explains it as a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective urban mobility. This is done through the provision of segregated right-of-way infrastructure, rapid and frequent operations, and excellence in marketing and customer service.

The most defining feature of BRT is its focus on customer service. Dedicated, median bus-ways will dramatically reduce travel times. The dedicated lanes also reduce operating costs so that fare levels are quite affordable. Special attention is also given to safety and security through the presence of security personnel and the use of CCTV cameras.

BRT offers easy transfers between routes, and the convenience of smart cards to pay for journeys. Information on routes and vehicle arrival times is provided at stations to help passengers.

For more information please contact the executive director of transport, roads & stormwater, Eddie Chinnappen, on +27 21 400 2457 or fax +27 21 400 5937 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Getting around by rail

• A train service operates across the main areas of the city. The central station is a short walk from the transport hub in Hertzog Boulevard. The 15 major stations in the Cape Town metro area offer a metered taxi service as well as park and ride facilities. There is security at all major and minor stations.


• The best tourism route is the Southern Line Rail Route, stretching from Cape Town to Simon’s Town. From Muizenberg the train travels along a scenic coastal route. Hop-on, hop-off tickets cost R12 for a one-way ticket and R25 for a return. Tickets are available for purchase from any station along the Southern Line. Pick up a useful map from Cape Town Tourism.


• Trains will run at least every hour from 04h00 to 01h00 on all days during the World Cup. For more information visit www.capemetrorail.co.za.

Walking

The best way to soak up the festive atmosphere and absorb South African culture is by walking within the city centre.

Enjoy the festivities along the Fan Walk, which starts outside the central railway station in Adderley Street and ends at the entrance to the stadium precinct. Vehicles are not allowed along this distance of approximately 2.5km.

Walking to and from the Cape Town Stadium is strongly suggested to avoid traffic congestion.

While there will be a strong security presence along the Fan Walk, fans are advised not to walk alone after dark in unpopulated areas.

Transport map

Download a PDF of this transport map here.

Fan map

How far is your hotel from the stadium? What else can you see while in the city centre? Which beach is closest to the Grand Parade fan park?

The answers to these questions and more are available on our Cape Town 2010 Google Map.

Let us help you plan your transport

Photo courtesy Damien du Toit

Once you’re in the city, getting around is simple and convenient. You have a variety of options including taxi, coach, train, bus, hire car or even canal boat. In fact, once you’re in Cape Town’s central business district, the close proximity of stadiums and fan parks, as well as dedicated fan routes, makes it possible to soak up the Cape Town atmosphere by walking to your destination.

We would love to help you plan your way around our incredible city and the first African soccer World Cup!

Please contact us to help you to book a car, motorbike, camper van or any other form of transport. We are very happy to answer any of your questions about the best ways to get around.

We can also assist you to book accommodation and tours and experiences as well as provide information on top attractions, restaurants and more.