Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the primary airport that serves Cape Town. It is the second busiest airport in the country and Africa’s 3rd largest airport.
Located approximately 12 miles (20 km) from the city center, this airport operates with domestic and international flights.
There are basically 5 ways in which you can get to and from Cape Town Airport:
- Bus
- Uber or Bolt
- Taxi
- Shuttle
- Renting a car
In this post I am going to explain to you all of them including their costs to get to the City Centre.
Location
The airport is located in Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490.
1. By Bus
MyCiti bus offers direct connections from the airport to Cape Town city centre (Civic Centre Station).
Outside the airport you will find a station where you can buy a Myconnect card (it works similar to a debit card and you recharge it to have balance and be able to get on the buses). Also, you can use the MyCiti bus card to move around the city.
- Estimated time: 30 minutes.
- Cost: once-off Myconnect card cost of 35 ZAR = 3 USD + around 80 ZAR = 7 USD for the trip (depending on the time of departure because there are peak and saver fares).
2. By UBER/Bolt
UBER and Bolt are convenient smartphone apps that will let you move to and from the airport and also around Cape Town. You will need internet on your smartphone but the airport has free WIFI and if you find it slow you can get internet from one of the restaurants inside.
- Estimated time: 20 minutes.
- Cost: around 175 ZAR = 15 USD.
3. By Taxi
Transport to and from the Cape Town Airport is also provided by metered and authorized taxis. When you walk outside the arrivals gate you will see the restaurants at your right, walk in that direction and then turn left towards the electric stairs. On the way, you will see a yellow stand.
- Estimated time: 20 minutes.
- Cost: around 260 ZAR = 22 USD.
4. By Shuttle
There are various private shuttle companies in Cape Town airport that offer service. You will see them right in front of the restaurants beneath the electric stairs. Some of them are:
- Centurion tours: www.centuriontours.co.za
- Citi Hopper: www.citihopper.co.za
- Sport 24 hrs: http://www.sport24hrs.co.za
- Estimated time: 30 minutes.
- Cost: around 130 ZAR = 11 USD per person.
5. Renting a Car
Renting a car is a good way to explore Cape Town and its surroundings. Before you hire a car, make sure that your license is accepted and allows you to drive in South Africa.
- Estimated time: 20 minutes.
- Cost: around 250 ZAR = 21 USD per day (usually, you will receive your rental car with a full tank of petrol. When returning the car, you can either fill the tank or let the company fill it for you and the cost will be added to your invoice at the standard petrol price).
There are currently 9 car rental agencies operating at Cape Town Airport (Avis, Bidvest Car Rental, Capital Car Hire, Dollar, Thrifty Car Rental, Europcar, First Car Rental, Hertz, Tempest Car Hire, and Woodford).
The car rental facilities are situated in front of the Transport Plaza and the Central Terminal Building. Access to the facility is gained from two pedestrian subways that are placed on either side of the terminal building or you can also cross the street.
To choose the best one according to your needs I recommend you to use the following website:
Rentalcars.com will search for the best price between all the companies. After you enter the dates when you want to pick-up and drop-off the car, the locations, and the type of car, it will show you which company offers the best price.
Extra
a. Tourist Information
Make sure you visit the Tourist information center when you arrive. There are free city guides and tour brochures that can give you an idea of all the things you can do in Cape Town.
Also, you should check The Ultimate Cape Town Guide: 10 places you must definitely visit!
b. Cape Town Airport Facilities
Cape Town Airport has almost all the facilities that an international passenger may expect, such as: Shops, Restaurants and Cafés, Banks, Chapel and prayer rooms, Conference rooms, and Medical service.
Are you interested in traveling around the world? In the Travel Section you can find detailed travel guides for different cities, touristic activities, recommendations, tips, and much more!
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