With so many options, from Uber and airport transfer companies to metered taxis and various e-hailing service providers, it’s easy to get lost when it comes to pricing, routes and potential scams when visiting a new destination.
If you are heading to or from Cape Town International Airport, here’s what you need to know before you book your transfer.
Scams To Avoid
Bradley Agulhas, Operations Manager at LZ Travel, explained that one of the main reasons for inflated prices is that travellers to Cape Town are often unfamiliar with the local currency and can easily be persuaded to pay more without realising.
“When you arrive at the airport, your first point of contact is often with a driver who will take you to your destination. In many cases, and if not arranged prior to your trip, travellers rely on the same driver throughout their stay, and if they don’t do their research, they may become vulnerable to scams.”
According to Agulhas, these drivers often park outside the airport and wait near the entrance or in the parking areas for travellers.
“Tired from their journey, travellers are likely to book the first driver they encounter, without confirming prices or other details. They can be very persuasive,” he said.
What To Do
Agulhas shares some tips to avoid these potential scams:
Pre-book your transfers
To avoid any hassle upon arrival, it’s always a good idea to pre-book your airport transfer with a reputable transport company or via your travel agent. This option will also save you time and money by locking in a set price in advance.
Use reputable companies with reviews
Always choose transport providers with good reviews and ratings on TripAdvisor or visit the company’s website for testimonials.
Use authorised airport taxi services
Only use authorised taxi services, which can be found at a kiosk inside the terminal. You can easily recognised them by their name tags and other relevant credentials. The team will provide information on transport options to suit your destination. You can also speak to the team at Cape Town Tourism’s information centre for assistance.
Book through an app
If you’re booking a ride through Uber or any other e-hailing service, make sure to do so via the app to avoid unnecessary costs. Some people may approach you, claiming to be Uber drivers and offering cheaper rides. If this happens, do your research and opt for a more reliable service that can be traced in case of any issues.
Check for additional charges
Some transfers might include extra fees for things like luggage, waiting times, or late-night travel. Be sure to clarify these potential costs ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Factors That Determine Cost
Heinz Erwee, the Group Financial Manager at Automotion Airport Valet Parking Services, said that while a set fee can be agreed upon, there are always possibilities for the price to increase due to certain variables. These include factors such as busy times of day; trips to popular areas that are high demand and special events or concerts, all of which can drive up the cost.
“There’s also the possibility of an ‘operating fee’ that may be charged to cover safety and operational costs,” he said.
Erwee added that after-hours service typically results in a higher cost, which applies to any time between 6pm and 6am.
“It’s important to book in advance and do your research. The biggest company is not always the best. There are other legitimate businesses that can offer you a more personalised experience,” he explained.
Cost Comparison
Uber
Uber’s pricing can vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and demand. Typically, Uber uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning the cost can increase during peak times, such as peak hour traffic or bad weather. These peak traffic times start from 6am-10am. Peak traffic in the evenings begins at around 3pm until 6.30pm.
While Uber may seem like the cheapest option, it can become expensive during high-demand hours/days, including New Year’s Eve, Easter weekend, and during the festive season between December and January. The lack of upfront pricing can sometimes lead to surprise charges, which can be a concern for travellers who are not familiar with the area.
Erwee shares an estimated cost for what you might pay when taking an Uber from Cape Town International Airport. The price will depend on the time of your trip and the season.
City Centre: From R115-R200
Northern Suburbs: From R143-R200
Stellenbosch: From R183-R250
Outlying areas like Simons Town, Kalk Bay: From R291-R350
Metered Taxis
When booking through a reputable meter taxi service, passengers are charged according to the meter, which can provide more transparency than negotiating a price upfront.
Please note that the risk of being overcharged (due to longer routes or waiting in traffic) is higher compared to a fixed-price airport transfer.
Erwee shares an estimated cost for what you might pay when using a meter taxi service from Cape Town International Airport. The price will depend on the time of your trip and the season.
City Centre: From R400
Northern Suburbs: From R140-R200
Stellenbosch: From R200-R250
In outlying areas like Simons Town and Kalk Bay: From R270-R300
Airport Transfers
Airport transfer services offer a fixed rate, often based on the distance between your location and the airport. This means no surprises when it comes to pricing. It is worth noting that some companies charge extra for premium services, tolls, or late-night travel.
Cost: These prices are based on the distance and number of passengers travelling. An airport transfer should be booked before your trip, but if you haven’t, there is an airport transfer kiosk at Cape Town International Airport where you can arrange one.
Transport Providers to Consider
LZ Travel: Email desk@lztravel.co.za or call +27 (0) 21 300 1439
Automotion Airport Valet Parking: Email info@automotion.co.za or call +27 21 385 1445
SouthSun Tours: Email info@southsuntours.co.za or call +27 (0)66 256 9407
Kingdom Tours and Transfers: Email info@kingdomtt.co.za or call +27 21 705 6177
Oak Leaf Shuttles: Email info@oakleafshuttles.co.za or call +27 (0) 82 579 0096
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- Travelling Around Cape Town
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