subject: Getting Around Cape Town [print this page] Getting Around Cape Town Getting Around Cape Town
The city is served by a large number of buses and mini buses, while most of the hotels in Cape Town can arrange private car hire and taxis for their guests. Public transportation is also available in the form of trains and this can be a cheap and convenient way to get around.
The cheapest options
On foot
Talking a stroll through Cape Town during the daytime is an interesting experience as there is plenty to see here. The sheer size of Cape Town men's that visitors will need to take some form of public transportation in order to see all of the sights, but those that are centrally located can easily be explored on foot in around half a day.
By bus
Cape Town's public bus system is run by Golden Arrow, who maintain an extensive network of bus routes. All buses start at the Golden Acre terminal, which can be found on the Grand Parade. These buses are certainly the cheapest way to explore Cape Town, although they are often few and far between and lack of signs means that a little luck is involved in getting to the desired destination.
Mid range
By train
With more than 80 stations located throughout Cape Town, travelling by train is a quick and convenient way to get around. The main station can be found on the corner of Adderley Street and Strand Street in the very heart of the city and visitors can use the train to travel on scenic routes such as along the east coast of the Cape Peninsula.
By minibus/Rikki
An excellent idea for those who are planning on doing a lot of shopping, Rikkis are a form of shared taxis. Traveling all over the city, Rikkis can simply be hailed as they pass by and although they run on set routes it is possible to get them to stop just about anywhere along the route. Those weighed down with shopping bags may even be able to get the Rikki driver to stop directly outside their hotel in Cape Town.
Luxury options
By taxi
By far the best and safest way to explore Cape Town in the evening, taxis can be hired at taxi ranks or ordered by phone. Although taxis don't usually use a meter there should be no problem on settling the fare, as the standard rate is usually R4.50 and this rate is monitored by Cape Town City council.
Hiring motorbikes and bicycles
While cycling around Cape Town may sound like an excellent and cheap way to explore the city, negotiating the numerous hills can be rather draining after a while. Another option is to hire either a scooter or motorbike and both of these vehicles can be hired cheaply either by the day or for an entire week. There are plenty of vehicles to choose from in Cape Town and this is a great way to nip through the travel and explore at our own pace.
Car hire
Those who are interested in renting a car in Cape Town will be pleased to discover that there are a large number of car rental companies to choose from. While low traffic density makes driving around the city a pleasant experience compared to many cities, hiring a car also means that visitors will have the freedom to embark on a number of daytrips from Cape Town.
