Cape Town Airport Ground Transportation
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
Cape Town International Airport is located about 20 km from downtown Cape Town, and the journey to the city usually takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The airport offers several transport options including buses, shuttles, taxis, ride-hailing services, and car rentals, making it easy for travelers to reach the city centre or nearby tourist destinations.
Below is a guide to the main transportation options available at the airport.
Buses and Shuttle Services
One of the most affordable ways to travel from the airport is the MyCiTi Airport Bus, which connects the airport with the city centre.
MyCiTi Airport Bus
The A01 MyCiTi route runs between the airport and the Civic Centre bus station in downtown Cape Town, where passengers can transfer to other city routes.
Key information:
- Location: MyCiTi bus station outside the main terminal
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes
- Operating hours: Approximately 05:00–22:00
- Price: Around R90–R100 (€4–€5)
- Travel time: About 30 minutes to downtown
Passengers must purchase a MyConnect card to use the bus system.
The MyCiTi bus is a good option for budget travelers with light luggage, but if you have many bags, a taxi or ride-share may be more comfortable.
Airport Shuttle Services
Shared or private airport shuttle services operate between the airport and hotels or major tourist areas.
Key information:
- Location: Pickup zones outside the arrivals hall
- Price: Typically R400–R800 (€20–€40) depending on distance
- Travel time: Around 20–40 minutes
Shuttle services are particularly popular for transfers to areas such as:
- V&A Waterfront
- Sea Point
- Camps Bay
- Stellenbosch
Pre-booking a shuttle online guarantees a fixed price and avoids waiting in taxi queues.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing (Uber, Bolt)
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most commonly used transport options from the airport.
Official Airport Taxis
Metered taxis are available 24 hours a day.
Key information:
- Location: Taxi rank outside the arrivals hall
- Travel time: About 20 minutes to the city centre
- Price: Around R350–R450 (€18–€25) depending on traffic
Always use authorised airport taxis and make sure the driver starts the taximeter before the trip.
Ride-Hailing Services (Uber & Bolt)
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are extremely popular in Cape Town.
Key information:
- Pickup location: Designated ride-share pickup zones outside arrivals
- Price: Around R200–R350 (€10–€18) to downtown
- Travel time: 20–30 minutes
Use the airport’s free Wi-Fi to request a ride immediately after arrival.
Metro / Train / Tram
Currently there is no direct train, metro, or tram connection to Cape Town International Airport. Travelers must rely on road transport such as buses, taxis, or private transfers to reach the city.
The absence of rail transport means that road traffic can affect travel times, especially during rush hour (07:30–09:00 and late afternoon).
Car Rental
Renting a car is a popular option for travelers planning to explore the Western Cape region.
Car rental companies have desks inside the terminal and vehicles parked in nearby parking areas.
Typical rental prices:
- Economy car: R2,000 per week (~€100)
- Larger vehicles: R4,000+ per week (~€200)
Car rental is ideal for visiting destinations such as:
- Table Mountain
- Cape Winelands
- Cape Point
Driving gives you the most flexibility for exploring scenic routes like Chapman’s Peak Drive or the Garden Route.
Getting to the Airport by Private Car
Travelers arriving by private car can reach the airport via the N2 highway, which connects the airport directly with central Cape Town.
Typical driving times:
- Downtown Cape Town: 20 minutes
- V&A Waterfront: 25–30 minutes
- Stellenbosch: 35–40 minutes
The airport provides several short-term and long-term parking areas located near the terminal.
If you are traveling on a budget, the MyCiTi bus is the cheapest option. For convenience and speed, Uber or a taxi is usually the easiest way to reach the city centre.
Transfers
If you want private transportation to and from the Airport, you can book a transfer to your preferred destination.