Key information:
- Distance: Around 20 km from Cape Town Airport to the city center.
- Taxi: About 25 min, around €24 (ZAR 450), 24/7.
- Private transfer: About 25 min, from €25 (ZAR 467), 24/7.
- Bus: No direct public bus. The MyCiTi A01 service is suspended.
- Train: No direct train from the airport.
The distance between Cape Town Airport and the city center is around 20 km and the drive takes about 25 minutes when traffic is behaving itself. An authorized Cape Town Airport taxi costs around €24 (ZAR 450), while a private transfer starts from €25 (ZAR 467).
The N2 can get pretty backed up during weekday peak hours, especially in the morning and late afternoon, so the drive can take longer than the usual 25 minutes.
There’s no direct bus or train from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) at the moment, so you’ll be heading into the city by road. The old MyCiTi A01 Airport–Civic Centre bus from Cape Town Airport to the city center is still suspended.
The options to get from Cape Town Airport to the city
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €25 | 25min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| For the same price as a taxi, a private transfer is fully customizable and offers peace of mind, flexibility, and safety. | ||||||
Taxi | €244 | 25min | 05:00–00:00 | Convenience | Book | |
| Best for travelers who want to take a taxi straight from Cape Town Airport to their hotel, without needing to pre-book or change transport along the way. | ||||||
An authorized taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city center costs about €24 (ZAR 450) and usually takes around 25 minutes when traffic’s moving well. Cape Town Airport taxis run 24/7 and will take you straight to your hotel or accommodation.
The main thing to be aware of is unofficial drivers hanging around the terminal. Cape Town International Airport specifically warns travelers not to accept rides from people who approach them inside or just outside, so stick to an authorized Cape Town Airport taxi from the official taxi counter. And if you’re landing after midnight, book ahead because the desk shuts at 00:00.
How much is a taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city?
A taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city center costs around €24 (ZAR 450). Most authorized taxis run on a meter, so there isn’t one set airport fare. You’ll usually start at about €1.30 (ZAR 25), then pay roughly €0.95 (ZAR 18) per kilometer.
Not everyone accepts cards, so check with the driver or airport desk before you set off. Cash in South African rand is still worth having as a backup, especially if the card machine isn’t working or the driver only takes cash.
Where do I get a taxi at Cape Town Airport?
Sort your taxi at one of the transport kiosks or the domestic arrivals desk in the Central Terminal Building. The official rank is on the ground floor, right outside the main arrivals exit. Once you’re through the glass doors, you’ll see the taxis lined up along the curb.
They don’t all have the same look, so don’t rely on color or a roof sign. Check the company branding and driver ID before you hop in, and official airport drivers should also have an airport permit.
Cape Town Airport taxis don’t usually have a standard night surcharge, so be wary if someone suddenly adds a big extra “night rate.”
Taxi convenience rating
A taxi is useful if you haven’t booked anything in advance and want a direct ride to your hotel. Plus, if you’re traveling with two or three other people, splitting the fare can be a good option.
Because the meter keeps ticking while you’re on the road, traffic can bump the price up a bit. If the N2 is slow or the roads around the city center are busy, expect to pay slightly more. And if you land after midnight, the official walk-up desk will already be closed.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreA private transfer from Cape Town Airport to the city starts from €25 (ZAR 467) and takes around 25 minutes. And because you book and pay ahead of time, your driver is waiting for you when you land.
Private transfers run 24/7, so if you land after midnight, you’re not stuck trying to figure things out once the official airport taxi desk has closed. Your driver’s already booked, so you don’t have to worry about that after a late flight.
Booking is pretty easy. Enter your pickup and drop-off details, flight number, passenger count, and any extras you need, then choose your vehicle and pay online.
How much is a private transfer from Cape Town Airport to the city?
A Welcome Pickups transfer from Cape Town Airport to the city starts from €25 (ZAR 467) for a sedan carrying up to four passengers. If you need more space, a minivan for up to seven costs €35 (ZAR 654), while a minibus for up to 12 starts from €65 (ZAR 1,215).
You pay online when you book, using a credit or debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Cash isn’t accepted for the initial booking, and once the fare is confirmed, traffic delays won’t change the price.
The fare also covers:
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Cape Town Airport.
Where do I meet my private transfer at Cape Town Airport?
Once you’ve got your bags, follow the meeting instructions in your booking and head to the agreed pickup point. You’ll have your driver’s name, photo, contact details, and vehicle information before you land, so you know who to expect.
Your driver keeps an eye on your flight and adjusts the pickup time if you’re delayed. They’ll meet you at the agreed spot, help with your luggage, and walk you out to the car.
Private transfer convenience rating
Pre-booking a private transfer for your ride from Cape Town Airport to the city center ensures a smoother arrival. Your pickup is already arranged, your driver knows when you’re landing, and you can head straight to the car instead of organizing transport after baggage claim.
You can also sort any extras in advance, like a child seat, so there’s less to deal with once you arrive.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 4 passengers
€19Starting from 4.8 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 7 passengers
€30Starting from 4.3 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€40Starting from 3.3 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How much does a taxi cost from Cape Town Airport to the V&A Waterfront?
You’ll pay around €24 (ZAR 450) for a taxi from Cape Town Airport to the V&A Waterfront. The V&A Waterfront is about 22 km from Cape Town Airport, and the drive usually takes about 25 minutes. Just keep in mind that taxis use a meter, so heavy traffic can increase the final fare.
Is there a train from Cape Town Airport to the city center?
No. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) doesn’t have a train station, so there’s no direct train into the city center. You’ll need to travel by road instead.
Are there any public buses between Cape Town Airport and downtown?
No. There’s currently no public bus from Cape Town Airport to the city center. The MyCiTi A01 Airport–Civic Centre service is suspended, and there’s currently no replacement service.
What is the typical taxi fare from Cape Town Airport to central Cape Town?
The price of a taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city center is approximately €24 (ZAR 450). Authorized Cape Town Airport taxis run on a meter, so rates can vary depending on traffic levels and your exact final destination.
Are there shuttle services available from Cape Town Airport to the city center?
No. There are no public shuttle services from Cape Town Airport, and shared minibuses don’t operate directly from the airport. To get into the city center, you’ll need to use an authorized taxi or book a private airport transfer.
How far is it from Cape Town Airport to the city center?
Around 20 km. In light traffic, you’re looking at about 25 minutes into central Cape Town. The N2 can get pretty busy during weekday rush hours, though.
What is the bus schedule from Cape Town Airport to the city center?
There isn’t one at the moment. The MyCiTi A01 Airport–Civic Centre service is still suspended, so there’s no bus from Cape Town Airport to the city center right now.
How frequently do buses run between Cape Town Airport and the city center?
They don’t at the moment. The MyCiTi A01 airport service is still suspended, so there’s currently no scheduled public bus running between Cape Town Airport and the city center.
What are the cheapest transport options from Cape Town Airport to the Waterfront area?
Taxis and private transfers cost roughly the same, starting from €24–€25 (ZAR 450–467). A private transfer can give you a bit more for the price, including a pre-arranged pickup, a fixed fare, and a more comfortable arrival. There’s no direct public bus or train from Cape Town Airport to the Waterfront.
How long does it take to get from Cape Town Airport to the city by taxi?
Around 25 minutes in normal traffic conditions. The airport is about 20 km from central Cape Town, and taxis usually take the N2. If you land during the weekday morning or late-afternoon rush, expect the drive to take a bit longer.
Is there a direct bus route from Cape Town Airport to the V&A Waterfront?
No. The old MyCiTi A01 airport route is still suspended, so you can’t take a direct public bus from Cape Town Airport to the V&A Waterfront. At the moment, you’ll need to use a taxi or private transfer instead.
How do I get from Cape Town Airport to my hotel in the city center?
You can take an authorized taxi or pre-book a private transfer for a direct ride to your hotel. Both take about 25 minutes in light traffic.
Justine Mellor
Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.
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