Transportation in Cape Town
You can't really get lost in Cape Town as Table Mountain is always there to guide you.Cape Town is a very compact and manageable city as its growth is restricted by mountains on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean to the front.The city centre's cultural sights are within walking distance of each other, but the attractions of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Table Mountain cable car are a little too far to walk. Get a tan on the Atlantic seaboard beaches, and let loose with your credit card in the glitzy malls of the Southern and Northern Suburbs. If you simply want a holiday by the seaside head to the South Peninsula.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Car
Public transport is geared towards getting people from the townships to the city, so the best way to get around is to hire a car. Signposts are generally good, although your route is not always direct, as mountains can get in the way.
Train
The Metro Rail from Cape Town to the end of the line at Simon's Town joins the coast at Muizenberg, giving fantastic sea views, which may include whales (May-Nov). The famous Blue Train runs between Cape Town and Pretoria three times a week and Rovos Rail offers luxury train journeys to some of Africa's greatest destinations, including the Victoria Falls and Dar-Es-Salaam.
Taxi
Metered taxi cabs don't cruise the streets waiting to be hailed (except outside nightclubs), they are usually ordered in advance. When locals talk about taxis, they are referring to battered minibuses that cram in as many people as possible and drive like lunatics to and from townships.
Foot
Discover the small and quirky by walking the streets of Cape Town, which will come alive all the more if accompanied by a guide. Take the precautions of removing flashy jewellery, keeping handbags closed and cameras tucked away.
Boat
Boating is less a form of transport and more a way to relax and enjoy the scenery, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the place to do it. Choose between an old sailing schooner, dinky steam boat, adrenaline-inducing speed boat or a Robben Island high-speed catamaran.
Rent your car
Although Cape Town’s public-transport system is being improved, the car remains the best way to get around. With main highways linking the city to the interior and downtown it’s easy to get your orientation if you can see Table Mountain and Robben Island.
Transportation Tips
You cannot buy petrol with a credit card – you will need cash. You don't have to serve yourself at petrol stations – this, plus a windscreen clean, water and oil check is done for you in anticipation of a small tip.
Cape Metro Rail websiteThe Blue Train websiteRovos Rail websiteAutomobile Association of South Africa website
