Cape Town - Essential Information

Airport

Cape Town International Airport is 20 km (13 miles) from the city centre and is easily accessible from all parts of the city. Shuttle buses connect the airport with the city centre and take about 45 minutes. Tickets are sold at kiosks inside the terminal. Licensed taxis operate from a rank outside the terminal and take 25-30 minutes to Central Cape Town. Luxury hotels also offer chauffeur-driven transfers to and from the airport, bookable through the hotel. Airport shuttle bus tickets are also available from the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Centre in the arrivals hall.

Public Transport

The safest and easiest way to get around town by public transport is the Cape Town Explorer, the city’s official sightseeing bus services, which stops at all the city’s main attractions. You can get on and off as often as you wish, and tickets can be bought on board or at the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Centres in the city centre and the V&A Waterfront. First bus leaves the V&A Waterfront at 9.30 and buses then leave every 45 minutes until 15:00.

Public buses, privately-run minibuses and commuter trains operate in and around Cape Town but if you value your comfort, safety and security using them is not a good idea. Minibus safety standards are poor, petty theft is common on buses and trains and violent crime is not uncommon on trains.

Cape Town Explorer

Taxi

Sedan taxis are plentiful and affordable. They cannot be flagged down on the street, but operate from ranks at the V&A Waterfront and elsewhere in the city centre or booked by phone from any hotel, café, restaurant or bar. A list of recommended companies is available from all Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centres.

Post

Postal services within and from South Africa are cheap and efficient. Valuables or important documents should be sent by registered post.

Pharmacy

Dentist

Telephone

Country code: + 27, Area code: 021

Electricity

230V/50Hz