Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is located 20 kms from Cape Town, South Africa. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the city centre by road, depending on traffic conditions. Unfortuantely, there are no public transport services at Cape Town Airport. So there are only two modes of transport available from Cape Town Airport to the city centre: taxi or private transfer.

You can take an authorised Cape Town Airport taxi. These taxis are metered and available 24/7 from the airport taxi ranks. You can also take a minivan taxi, although we do not recommend this as they are generally considered unsafe.

Alternatively, the safest and most convenient option is to book a private transfer in advance with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups. That way, you’ll secure a fixed fare with no hidden fees and feel at ease knowing you booked a reliable, top-rated service.

*The MyCiti Bus Line connecting Cape Town Airport to the city has been suspended until further notice due to lack of use.

3 options to go from Cape Town Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€25 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€25 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Bus: SUSPENDED
€13 30min 05:30–21:30
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Cape Town Airport to city centre by taxi

Most taxis in Cape Town are operated by private companies, although you should only ever use the ‘Authorised Airport Taxis’. These taxis are metered and available 24/7 from the official airport taxi rank.

All you have to do is head to the transport kiosks or domestic arrivals desk in the Central Terminal Building and request a taxi from there. The trip in a taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city centre takes around 20 minutes in usual traffic.

*Shuttle vans or minivan taxis are another form of ‘taxi’ service in South Africa. However, they have a bad reputation and aren’t very safe for tourists. We do not recommend taking one.

How much is a taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city centre?

Cape Town Airport taxi costs are calculated using a taximeter, based on the distance travelled. That being said, the average price of a taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city centre is between €20 (ZAR 396) and €30 (ZAR 594). However, tolls, traffic levels and other factors may increase your final fare.

Where do I get it from?

The taxi rank at Cape Town Airport is located on the ground floor of the Central Terminal building, right outside Arrivals. Clear signs indicate the ranks location.

You’ll also find transport kiosks and a domestic arrivals desk inside the arrivals area. You can ask for more information and request a taxi from either location.

Convenience

Official airport taxis are a convenient choice as they offer door-to-door transfers with added privacy. However, taxis don’t generally have the best reputation in terms of road safety. Plus, they’re known to overcharge customers.

On top of that, waiting times can be long during peak season as there aren’t many transport options available from the airport. This means the majority of travellers landing at CPT Airport will be queuing up for a taxi upon arrival.

Useful Tips

Always make sure the driver resets the taximeter before you begin your trip.
At the airport, you should only ever use the authorised airport taxis.
Minibus taxis do not offer door to door services, rather they operate similar to a bus network traveling only through popular destinations. Drivers will only stop upon request.
In case you decide to take a minibus taxi, make sure to confirm the total price of the ride in advance, in order to avoid getting scammed.
Your airport taxi in Cape Town may accept card payments. However, it’s more common to find that they do not. For this reason, it’s best to have some cash handy in the local currency (ZAR).

How to get from Cape Town Airport to Cape Town by private transfer?

The best way to get from Cape Town Airport to the city centre is by private transfer. If you opt for a trasnsfer, you’ll receive a fixed quote ahead of time, rather than relying on the uncertainty of the taximeter. This means you can book and pay for your transfer before even stepping foot in the airport.

Private transfers, such as Welcome Pickups’ personalised services, are widely considered to be the safest and most convenient option when arriving in Cape Town. They offer plenty of perks to eliminate any stress and make your journey as seamless as possible:

  • Meet and greets
  • Trained English-speaking drivers
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed fixed fares
  • 24/7 customer support

 

By opting for a private transfer, you can organise everything in advance so that you don’t have to worry about a thing on the day. Plus, your trained driver will even give you a mini tour of the city as you make your way to your hotel and offer local recommendations, so that you can make the most out of your stay.

Cost of a transfer from Cape Town Airport

The cost of your private transfer from Cape Town Airport to the city depends on which vehicle you select. A transfer in one of our modern sedans costs €25 (ZAR 495) during the day and €30 (ZAR 595) at night. Whereas you’ll pay €35 (ZAR 693) and €42 (ZAR 832) respectively for a minivan, and €65 (ZAR 1,287) and €78 (ZAR 1,545) for a minibus.

You can book your Cape Town Airport transfer through our website or app within minutes. Just enter your personal details, flight number, and the pick up time to secure a quote. The quote is fixed, includes all surcharges, and is not subject to change. So even if the journey takes twice as long due to traffic, you won’t pay anything extra

 

Cost
€25 (ZAR 495)
Trip Duration
20 Min
*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Cape Town Airport.

Where do I get it from?

Instead of landing and joining the taxi queue, a private transfer from Cape Town Airport to the city gets you a personalised meet and greet in Arrivals. Your local English-speaking driver will be waiting for you outside Arrivals, holding a sign with your name on it. That way, there’s no way you’ll miss them! Your driver will then help you with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Whilst authorised Cape Town Airport taxis are a good option, the fares are metered and Cape Town taxis can be somewhat unreliable. Opting for airport transfers in Cape Town is safer and offers more value for money than a local taxi. Plus, booking a private transfer in advance saves you time at the airport and ensures a speedy arrival.

Useful Tips

A sedan can seat up to 4 passengers, minivans can take up to 7, and minibuses up to 12.
You will receive an email including your driver's name, details, and vehicle information so that you know what to expect on the day.
You can contact your driver on Whatsapp for added peace of mind.
If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one during the booking process online on our website or through our app.

How to get from Cape Town Airport to city centre by bus

MyCiti bus network is the best way of getting from Cape Town Airport to the city centre. Although sadly the service was indefinitely suspended in 2022 because not enough people were using the airport line. It may return at some point but for now, there is no public transportation available from Cape Town Airport.

How much is the bus from Cape Town Airport to city centre?

The city bus from the airport used to be the cheapest way to get to Cape Town. Unlike most public transportation systems, the bus network in Cape Town operates similar to a taxi system, where trips are charged based on distance. In other words, travellers must purchase a Myconnect card and top it up with money for rides on public services in Cape Town.

Whilst the airport service is no longer working, you can still use your Myconnect card to get around Cape Town using other lines connecting various areas throughout Cape Town.

Cost
€6.50
Trip Duration
30 Min
The MyCiti Bus no longer departs from Cape Town Airport.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The MyCiti Airport Bus Line is currently not in operation.

Where do I get it from?

MyCiti bus station in Cape Town Airport was located on the ground floor in front of the main terminal. Easily accessible from both arrivals and departures hall.

Convenience

The MyCity bus from Cape Town Airport to the city center was the only public transport route available. Therefore, since 2022, your only options are to take a taxi or private transfer.

Timetables

MyCity Bus Suspension Information

Cape Town Airport - Cape Town

Useful Tips

Money is loaded as points into the Myconnect card and there are no load fees, so you will receive 50 points for loading an R50 package.
Your journey can include transfers and stops along the way. Leave any station or bus for up to 45 minutes at a time before tapping in again to continue on the route or to transfer to another.

Cape Town Airport private transfers

Powered by Welcome Pickups. Book a trained, English-speaking driver to pick you up for a fixed price with no hidden fees.
Book Sedan
Sedan

Sedan up to 4 passengers

€19Starting from 4.8 EUR / passenger

Toyota Avanza, Toyota Etios, Volkswagen Jetta
Book Minivan
Minivan

Minivan up to 7 passengers

€30Starting from 4.3 EUR / passenger

Ford Tourneo Custom, Mercedes-Benz Vito
Book Minibus
Minibus

Minibus up to 12 passengers

€40Starting from 3.3 EUR / passenger

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city?

Cape Town Airport taxi costs are calculated using a taximeter, which means your final fare depends on the distance travelled. The estimated cost of a taxi from Cape Town Airport to the city centre is between €20 (ZAR 396) and €30 (ZAR 594). Just keep in mind that this is an estimation and fares may vary on the day.

How do I get from Cape Town Airport to the city?

How far is it from Cape Town Airport to the city centre?

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Transfer Options in Cape Town