CAPE TOWN - GETTING AROUND

By Train

Cape Town offers the Metrorail Train system most of which are commuter trains traveling from the city center to the outer suburbs and to the nearby wine regions. The trains can be extremely crowded and loud during rush hour, trains run daily from 6 am until around 9 pm depending on the route, departing every hour and tickets can be purchased at the Metrorail stations. A ticket costs around R10.

The Southern Line is the most popular route for tourists running from Cape Town to Simon`s Town along the False Bay Coast with several scenic stops along the way. For more information on times and ticket prices visit www.transport.info@capetown.gov.za

By Bus

The Cape Town City Sightseeing bus departs every 20 minutes from the Two Oceans Aquarium on a double-decker hop-on-hop-off tour with audio-commentary stopping at the major attractions found in Cape Town. The first bus departs at 9 am (every 20 minutes) until 5 pm and tickets cost approximately R120. Visit www.citysightseeing.co.za for more information.

The buses in Cape Town are offered by MyCiTi bus service, a cheap and convenient way to get around the city. Buses connect travelers with the major city landmarks from the central city all the way along to the coast to Hout Bay and to the northern beaches. Buses run daily from 5 am until 10 pm, cash is not accepted, passengers must purchase a `connect` card to travel which costs around an initial non-refundable R35 which can be purchased from MyCiTi stations and select retailers. Fares depend upon the time of day and total distance you are traveling (peak travel hours are 6:45 am until 8 am and 4:15 pm until 5:30 pm).

By Taxi

Shared taxis or `Rikkis` are a popular form of transport in Cape Town, with a network on minibusses shared with other travelers. You can also hire `Rikkis` as a private taxi to deliver you from door to door for a fee. Shared taxis don`t follow a certain route; there are no maps or timetables which can make them a little unreliable. The main station is located in the city center next to the main train station; you can also flag one down from the street. Licensed minibusses have a blue and white sticker on the back of the vehicle with the final destination shown. Fares usually cost around R20 – R25 for a trip from the city center to Table Mountain.

Taxis are abundant in Cape Town and available 24/7, however, they can be expensive, rates start around R8 to R15 per 0.62 miles and should be clearly displayed on the outside of the taxis. The city has designated taxi ranks that can be found on the streets, you cannot hail a cab from the street, you can also order by phone. The main taxi rank is found on the upper deck of the Cape Town Train Station.

Uber and Taxify are also available in the city, simply download the apps to your smartphone and input your pick up and drop off location. Payment is handled directly through the app making it simple and convenient.

By Car

Renting a car to travel around the `Mother City` at your own pace is a great idea and gives you the freedom to see the many sites and attractions on your own time. Rental car agencies are available at the airport and many locations in downtown Cape Town. Having your own vehicle is a relaxing way to see the vast area and attractions the city has to offer. The city has some of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world, cruising along the stunning coastline and through the majestic mountains is a great ride.

By Foot

Cape Town offers so many different areas to see and explore, so walking around is necessary and enjoyable with a spectacular scenic coastline, serene beaches, and stunning Mountains. The city center is easily accessible on foot with many sights and attractions lumped together.

Cape Town is renowned for hiking up the iconic Table Top and Lion`s Head Mountains through the lush green flora and fauna the area is famous for along with breathtaking views from the top.

The Cape Peninsula is a dynamic region filled with natural landscapes, quaint towns, and villages and the Cape Flats where walking is a pleasure.

The V&A Waterfront is a happening area filled with sights and attractions for the whole family. A particularly popular place in the evening to stroll along the harbor and watch the sunset and visit the many restaurants and bars located here.

Bo-Kaap is one of the most picturesque and photographed neighborhoods in the city, decorated with colorful houses painted in pastel and bright colors. The area dates back to the 1700`s and is nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill.

By Bike

Cape Town is a bike-friendly city and a renowned cycling location where you can cycle to explore the beautiful mountains and coastal landscapes. There are many off-road cycling routes and bike tours offered in the city, the perfect way to see and experience the spectacular scenic city. There are designated cycling lanes in the city and over 270 miles of cycle paths overall. Bikes are available to rent at many different locations in Cape Town and Upcycles is a local company renting bikes from the V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, Silo District, Camps Bay and Sea Point Pavilion with pick up and drop off points offered in between.

By Boat

Cape Town`s miles of stunning coastline provides visitors with many different options to get out on the water. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day cruising on the waters, a sunset champagne cruise or even chartering your own Yacht! Cape Town offers it all. Most boat tours and activities depart from the popular V&A Waterfront, where there are several different companies with a number of options to choose from including sailing on a Schooner, boat rides to Table Bay and Robben Island (a boat tour is the only option to visit this island) and speedboat trips.