Cape Town Destination Guide

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  Public Transport in Cape Town

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Transportation
Guide to Public Transport in Cape Town

The good news is that Cape Town has South Africa's best public transport system, and the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.

Trains
Capemetro runs a train line departing from the central train station and running through the southern suburbs to the coast at Muizenburg; from there the train winds around the False Bay coast stopping off at Kalk Bay, St.James, Fishhoek and then turns around at Simonstown. The full journey is very picturesque and relaxing, and certainly the best way to get to the False Bay beaches. Regrettably there have been some security concerns on this route of late; make sure you sit in first class, near the train guard and other passengers.

The celebrated Blue Train (Tel: +27 (0)12-334-8459) elevates the ordinary train journey into an epic of luxury and mobile indulgence. The full route covers two legs: Cape Town - Pretoria, and Pretoria - Victoria Falls (in Zimbabwe to the north). You can also take shorter journeys from Pretoria to Hoedspruit through the Valley of the Olifants, or Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, which passes through part of the Garden Route. There is now a train departing from Cape Town central to Spier wine estate, near Stellenbosch. Train times are irregular so call ahead for the schedule (Tel: +27 (0)21-419-5222).

Buses
Within the city centre, the public bus system is spartan though efficient (and safe) provided you are travelling between the main attractions such as the Waterfront, the lower cable-car station and the central train station.

The main bus terminus is around Adderley St and the Golden Acre shopping centre. Tickets can be bought from the driver or from Captour on Adderley St.

After dark you might be better advised to use licensed cabs rather than travelling on public transport - many visitors feel uncomfortable onboard buses and trains at night.

Driving
If you want to rent a car in Cape Town, you will have a wide range of choice. The relatively attractive rental rates are offset by high insurance costs - and you stand a good chance of needing the insurance.

Before you rent a car and embark on a road trip, know this about driving in Cape Town: Normal road behaviour here would be considered dangerous by European or American standards. Mini-bus taxis demand extreme caution - they will break suddenly, swerve without indication, cut-in without looking, and drive through red traffic lights. As for the rest of Cape Town's drivers, the situation is nearly as bad: avoid the right lane unless you intend driving very fast; do not incite road rage with physical gestures or flashing lights; and be careful when feeding from off-ramps onto the highway.

Be careful when parking your rental car on the street, particularly near Camps Bay and Clifton beaches. The Cape Town traffic department has recently outsourced enforcement to a private company and they are zealous about fining and towing illegally parked cars. The fine and release fee are together approximately ZAR1000. This new situation has caused heated complaints from tourists and locals alike as parking bays are few and far between in the city.

The minimum driving age in South Africa is 18 years. If you wish to hire a car, however, the minimum age is 23 years and you must have held a valid licence for five years.

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You must carry your driving licence with you at all times you are in charge of a vehicle. A valid national driving licence is fine if it is written in English and has a photo and signature. If not, you will need to obtain an International Driving Licence before you are able to drive in South Africa. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. The speed limit is 120km per hour (75mph) on open roads, 100km per hour (62mph) on smaller roads and 80 or 60km per hour (50 or 37mph) in urban areas. It is compulsory to wear seat belts.

Taxis
Taxis in Cape Town are not normally hailed on the street; it is usual to either reserve one from your hotel or wait at the taxi stands located at large venues such as the Waterfront.

Minibus taxis are licensed, prolific and very cheap. They are also crowded, driven in a dubious manner, and prone to break down. That said, if one is going your way (the sign in the window will let you know), minibus taxis are a sure way to meet the rich variety of people that make up this city. They are particularly useful if you are trying to get into the city from the suburbs or the beaches - hail one by pointing your index finger at the ground.

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