How to get around in Cape Town

Cape Town's city center is reasonably compact and navigable on foot, but many highlights lie outside its limits. South Africa's second-largest metropolis after Johannesburg climbs the slopes of Table Mountain, spreads down the Cape Peninsula and sprawls across the surrounding flatlands.

The best way to travel is via car rental, Uber or MyCiTi buses. Unfortunately, Cape Town has a high crime rate, but it’s easy to stay safe if you follow a few simple rules.

Here's what you need to know about getting around Cape Town.

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Walk around town during the daytime

Walking is a wonderful way to see the city center by day, with lots of shops and street life. Note that motorists often don’t stop at pedestrian crossings, and catching a taxi is a safer option after dark.

Catch the bus

Cape Town’s two main bus networks are Golden Arrow – which has been in operation for 160 years and serves the developing neighborhoods in the Cape Flats – and the modern bus fleet owned by MyCiTi.

MyCiTi's more modern buses are a good option for traveling around the city center and Atlantic suburbs. They cover the center up to Gardens and out to the Waterfront; along the Atlantic seaboard to Camps Bay and Hout Bay; up to Tamboerskloof along Kloof Nek Rd, with a shuttle service to the cableway; to Woodstock and Salt River; to Bloubergstrand and Table View; to Khayelitsha; and to the airport.

Planning tip: Fares have to be paid with a stored-value myconnect card (a non-refundable R40 [US$2.30]) purchased from station kiosks and participating retailers.

Copy the locals and drive

The safest way to travel is by car, which also allows you to road trip through the scenic Cape Town area. The region has a good road system, with South Africans driving on the left. Parking is readily available, and you’ll likely encounter car guards, who you should tip around R5 (US$0.30) for watching your vehicle.

Drivers have to be confident and alert, as locals are often aggressive and erratic behind the wheel. Cape Town has a notorious rush hour, from around 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6.30pm.

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Hiring a vehicle from the likes of AroundAboutCars is affordable. Major car hire companies have desks at the airport and offices in town, offering everything from 4WD vehicles to motorbikes, although the latter is only recommended for experienced riders.

Planning tip: When it comes to driving, the primary local idiosyncrasy is the four-way stops at junctions. These operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tour the sights by bicycle

If you’re prepared for the many hills and long distances between sights, the Cape Peninsula is a terrific place to explore by bike. Dedicated cycle lanes include one running north toward Table View and another alongside the Walk of Remembrance from Cape Town Railway Station to Green Point.

However, Cape Town’s inconsiderate drivers can make things difficult for cyclists. Bicycles are also banned from suburban trains (although allowed on MyCiTi buses). There are bike-hire companies around town, while Up Cycles allows you to pedal one way between its Sea Point, V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay stations.

Take an Uber or hire a taxi

Uber is a popular option in Cape Town, but you may prefer an UberX to the cheaper Uber Go options, which are sometimes odorous and barely roadworthy.

Taxis wait around the city center, including near hotels and backpacker hostels, although fares are likely to be higher from popular tourist spots such as the V&A Waterfront. If a taxi has a meter, ask the driver to use it, as this will likely be cheaper than agreeing on a fare in advance.

Planning tip: As with most forms of transport in Cape Town, it's better to avoid traveling alone in a taxi after dark.

Visit Simon's Town by train and Uber

Metrorail trains are generally regarded as unreliable and unsafe, with pickpocketing, muggings and poorly maintained stations well reported in the local media. There's one exception: the Southern Line between central Cape Town Railway Station and Fish Hoek, which crosses the middle-class Southern Suburbs and skirts False Bay. From Fish Hoek, take an Uber to the charming Simon's Town, where you can get close to some beautiful beaches and nature reserves. This can be an enjoyable excursion, especially traveling with a group, but it’s not recommended as a regular mode of transport.

New trains have been added to the network, but unfortunately many are still dilapidated. Where possible, try to travel in MetroPlus (first class) carriages.

Planning tip: Buy your MetroPlus ticket at the station before boarding the train.

See the peninsula by boat

Simon's Town Boat Company offers an eco-cruise around the Cape Point reserve offering scenic views of the Cape Peninsula with knowledgeable tour guides.

Use caution with minibus taxis

You'll see shared minibus taxis darting around town, carrying locals between the Cape Flats and the city center. These rickety white minibuses are usually overcrowded, and there is fierce competition between rival firms. Some are driven with little regard for traffic lights (which locals call "robots") and therefore passenger safety.

While minibus taxis may be a characterful way of traveling short distances in the city center, exercise caution: they may not be the safest option and are not a good choice for the open road.

Planning tip: Taxi ranks are often located next to train stations, such as the main rank on the upper deck of Cape Town Railway Station. The taxis also frequently stop to drop off and pick up passengers. If you choose to take one, hail it and ask the driver or conductor where they’re going. The fare should be negligible; give it to the passenger in front of you, who will pass it forward, with your change returning in the same manner. Take coins and R10 or R20 notes, as the driver may not be able to break R100 or R200.

There is some accessible transportation in Cape Town

Apart from rental cars and tour companies, the best option for people living with a disability is MyCiTi, which has facilities including boarding bridges on buses.