Exploring Cape Town means getting from Table Mountain to Camps Bay, from the V&A Waterfront to the Cape Winelands, and beyond. While many tourists rely on Uber, Bolt, or car rentals, Cape Town also has several public transport options.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about MyCiTi Buses, trains, and taxis in Cape Town—what’s safe, what’s affordable, and what’s best avoided—so you can move around the Mother City with confidence.
1. MyCiTi Bus: Affordable & Reliable
The MyCiTi Bus system is Cape Town’s most reliable form of public transport, designed with both locals and tourists in mind.
Routes & Coverage
- Airport Shuttle: Runs between Cape Town International Airport and Civic Centre in the city.
- City Routes: Connects the CBD, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Table View, and Blouberg.
- Suburban Routes: Extends to areas like Atlantis, Hout Bay, and Mitchells Plain (limited routes).
Costs
- MyConnect Card: Required for travel; available at stations and kiosks.
- Fares: R10–R30 per trip depending on distance. The airport bus costs around R90.
Pros
- Safe, clean, and efficient.
- Affordable compared to private transport.
- Modern buses with air conditioning and accessibility for wheelchairs.
Cons
- Limited late-night service.
- Doesn’t cover all tourist areas (e.g., Constantia Winelands).
👉 Tip: Perfect for budget travelers, especially for airport transfers and routes along the Atlantic Seaboard.
2. Trains: Cheap but Caution Needed
Cape Town has an extensive Metrorail train network, historically one of the city’s most popular transport systems. However, due to underfunding, vandalism, and safety issues, it is no longer widely recommended for tourists.
Routes
- Southern Line: Runs from Cape Town to Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and Simon’s Town (scenic route along False Bay).
- Northern Line & Central Line: Serve suburbs and townships but are less relevant for tourists.
Costs
- Incredibly cheap compared to other options (as little as R10–R20 per ride).
Pros
- Scenic views on the Southern Line—especially between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay.
- Cheapest way to reach coastal towns.
Cons
- Safety concerns (theft, vandalism, lack of security).
- Trains are often delayed or canceled.
- Infrastructure is unreliable.
👉 Tip: If you want to try the train, use the Southern Line Tourist Train (when operational), which offers a safer, guided experience. Otherwise, stick to Uber or MyCiTi buses.
3. Taxis: Limited Availability
Unlike cities such as London or New York, Cape Town does not have a large, regulated taxi system. Metered taxis exist but are limited and expensive.
Costs
- Around R350–R450 ($20–25) from the airport to central Cape Town.
- Fares within the city are usually higher than Uber or Bolt.
Pros
- Available 24/7.
- Convenient if you don’t use mobile apps.
Cons
- Harder to find outside tourist hubs.
- Not regulated—prices vary and can be high.
- Less safe than ride-hailing apps.
👉 Tip: Instead of flagging down a taxi, book one through your hotel or use Uber or Bolt.
4. Ride-Hailing Apps: The Preferred Option
While not traditional “public transport,” apps like Uber and Bolt are the most common way for both locals and tourists to get around Cape Town.
- Cost: R30–R60 for short trips in the city, R200–R350 from the airport.
- Safety: Safer than traditional taxis with driver ratings and GPS tracking.
- Convenience: Available almost everywhere, 24/7.
👉 Tip: Always check the driver’s name, photo, and license plate before entering the car.
5. Minibus Taxis: Local but Risky
You’ll see white minibus taxis crisscrossing Cape Town. These are the most common transport option for locals but not recommended for tourists.
- Pros: Extremely cheap, frequent.
- Cons: Overcrowded, little regulation, risky driving, and safety concerns.
👉 Traveler Advice: Avoid unless you’re traveling with a local who knows the system.
6. Comparing Transport Options
| Mode | Safety | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyCiTi Bus | High | R10–R90 | Budget travel, airport, Atlantic coast |
| Trains | Low–Medium | R10–R20 | Scenic coastal trips (with caution) |
| Taxis | Medium | R350–R450 | Emergency rides (use hotel bookings) |
| Uber/Bolt | High | R30–R350 | Day-to-day transport |
| Car Rentals | High | From R400/day | Day trips & exploring Cape Peninsula |
7. Transport Safety Tips in Cape Town
- Avoid night travel on buses and trains.
- Use Uber/Bolt for late-night rides.
- Keep valuables out of sight on buses and trains.
- Plan ahead: Cape Town doesn’t have a 24-hour metro system.
- Save emergency numbers: Police (10111), Ambulance (10177), General emergencies (112 from mobile).
Final Thoughts
Cape Town’s public transport system is a mix of modern buses, aging trains, and limited taxis. For tourists, the MyCiTi bus is the safest and most affordable option for major routes, while Uber and Bolt are the go-to choices for convenience and reliability.
While trains offer scenic coastal views, they are best avoided unless you’re joining a guided tourist service. Traditional metered taxis are limited and expensive, making ride-hailing apps and car rentals far more practical.
With a little planning, you can move around Cape Town safely, affordably, and efficiently—giving you more time to enjoy the city’s natural beauty, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods.
