Getting around Cape Town

Public transport

Public transport in Cape Town is improving. Golden Arrow Bus Services (tel: +27 800 656 463; www.gabs.co.za) has a bus terminal on Grand Parade with routes to V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Hout Bay and Kirstenbosch. You can buy tickets, including 10-ride clipcards, on-board or from the terminal. The MyCiTi bus rapid transport system (tel: +27 800 656 463; www.myciti.org.za) connects to the airport, Sea Point and Camps Bay among others. A preloadable myconnect card is available at station kiosks and some shops.

Trains to tourist spots like Stellenbosch, Simon's Town and Khayelitsha are run by Metrorail Western Cape (tel: +27 800 656 463; www.capemetrorail.co.za). A hop-on-hop-off pass is available.

Taxis

Metered taxies are widely available, particularly around main attractions. Your hotels and restaurants can also book one for you.

Recommended operators include Marine Taxis (tel: +27 861 434 0434) and Unicab (tel: +27 21 486 1600). Tipping is around 10%.

Minibus taxi is the choice of transport for local workers. They're cheap and fast. However, with no set route and time schedule, it can be challenging for tourists.

Driving

Many visitors choose to drive to explore outlying areas. Driving is fairly easy, although the rules of the road are often breached. Expect to be cut up, but avoid any altercations.

Parking is plentiful with indoor parking at main shopping malls and central car parks on Strand Street, Grand Parade and Plein Street. In free open car parks, uniformed guards look after cars for a tip. On-street parking is managed by marshals with hand-held devices recording your arrival time. You can pay by cash or using the SnapScan mobile app. On-street parking is free after 1800 and on Sundays.

Car hire

Many car hire companies have booths at the airport or hotel can arrange rentals. Companies include Avis (tel: +27 21 424 1177; www.avis.co.za), Europcar (tel: +27 21 421 5190; www.europcar.co.za) and First Car Rental (tel: +27 861 178 227; www.firstcarrental.co.za). Insurance is recommended. Drivers usually have to be 21, have a credit card and International Driving Permit or a licence in English with photograph. 

Bicycle hire

It’s a hilly city, but cycling can be rewarding. Up Cycles (tel: +27 74 100 9161 or +27 76 135 2223; www.upcycles.co.za) hires bikes at Clock Town Square (V&A Waterfront), Sea Point Pavilion and the Hotel Mandela Rhodes Place.