How to Get from Cape Town Airport to the City
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is 20km east of the CBD. Here's every way to make that trip, with honest costs, times, and who each option suits best.
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA)
Uber / Bolt
Best for: Solo travellers and couples
Uber and Bolt operate freely at Cape Town Airport. The Uber/Bolt pickup area is in the short-stay parking opposite departures — follow signs from arrivals. Expect R150–R200 to the CBD in normal traffic. During peak periods (7–9am, 4–6pm) or when major events have just ended, prices can surge to R250–R350.
Pros
- Door-to-door
- No negotiating
- Fixed price
- Available 24/7
Cons
- Surge pricing during peak hours
- Driver may be slow to arrive at busy times
- Not great for large groups with lots of luggage
MyCiTi Bus
Best for: Budget travellers with no luggage
The MyCiTi A01 Airport route runs directly to the Cape Town CBD and the Civic Centre interchange. The stop is outside the arrivals hall. You need to purchase a myconnect card (R30 for the card, then load credit) from the kiosk at the airport terminal. A single trip costs about R6 with the card.
Pros
- Cheapest option by far
- Air-conditioned, safe vehicles
- Goes to the CBD and Gardens
Cons
- Requires a myconnect card (buy at the airport)
- Limited luggage space
- Not useful for reaching the Southern Suburbs or Winelands
- Buses run less frequently late at night
Airport Taxi (metered)
Best for: Travellers who prefer fixed rates and don't want to use an app
Official metered taxis queue at the airport taxi rank outside arrivals. Always agree on the fare before you get in — never accept 'meter price' without knowing the approximate cost first. Expect R350–R450 to the CBD and R450–R550 to the Southern Suburbs.
Pros
- Available at the official taxi rank (no app required)
- Fixed pre-agreed fare
- Drivers are vetted
Cons
- More expensive than Uber
- Always negotiate the fare before you get in
- Less transparent than ride-hailing
Pre-booked Shuttle
Best for: Groups, families, or those with lots of luggage
Companies like Rikkis, Magic Bus, and various hotel shuttles operate at CTIA. For groups of 4+ or families with lots of luggage, a pre-booked minibus is often more economical than multiple Ubers. Your hotel may also offer a shuttle service — check before booking independently.
Pros
- Can accommodate large groups
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Reliable departure time
- Can be pre-booked
Cons
- Needs advance booking
- May share with other passengers (shared shuttles)
- More expensive than Uber for individuals
Rental Car (via CapeDrive)
Best for: Anyone planning to explore Cape Town independently
We don't operate a desk at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA). Instead: take an Uber or Bolt from arrivals to our Bloubergstrand base (~R120–R150, about 15 minutes). Your car will be ready. The reason: airport desk rates include high concession fees that get passed to you — we skip that entirely and charge from R250/day instead.
Pros
- Complete freedom to explore at your own pace
- No dependency on Uber or taxis for the rest of your trip
- Significantly cheaper than airport desk prices
- Car delivered to your first accommodation
Cons
- We don't have a desk at the airport — take a 15-min Uber to our Bloubergstrand base
- Requires a valid licence and R3,900 refundable deposit
- Left-hand driving if you're from North America or Europe
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Uber / Bolt | R150–R250 | 20–35 min |
| MyCiTi Bus | R5–R10 | 50–70 min |
| Airport Taxi (metered) | R350–R500 | 20–35 min |
| Pre-booked Shuttle | R300–R600 | 30–60 min |
| Rental Car (via CapeDrive) | From R250/day | 25–40 min from arrivals to our office |
Planning to Rent a Car?
Take an Uber from arrivals to our Bloubergstrand base (15 min, ~R120). Your rental starts from R250/day — well below what you'd pay at any airport desk.
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