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CPT

Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town, South Africa

Where to start
Uber / Bolt

Uber and Bolt are the default at Cape Town and both work well — pickup is at a designated rideshare zone set back from the curb, not at the terminal door. Metered taxis from the official rank cost more. The MyCiTi bus reaches the CBD in about 45 minutes but needs a myconnect card bought at the terminal.

Ride Options

Uber

rideshare

Fast, private transfer to the city or Atlantic Seaboard

AvailabilityVery widely available
Pickup NoteRequest in the app, then follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup zone in the parking area — not the terminal curb. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Bolt

rideshare

Competitive alternative to Uber

AvailabilityAvailable in Cape Town
Pickup NoteSame designated rideshare zone as Uber. Often slightly more affordable — compare both apps before booking.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

InDrive

rideshare

Set your own fare and negotiate

AvailabilityAvailable in Cape Town
Pickup NotePropose your own fare in the InDrive app and a driver accepts or counters. Same rideshare pickup zone as Uber/Bolt.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

MyCiTi Bus

transit

Budget connection to the CBD

AvailabilityRegular service until mid-evening
Pickup NoteBus stop outside the terminal to the Civic Centre station (about 45 min). Requires a rechargeable myconnect card — buy and load it at the terminal kiosk before boarding.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Metered Taxi

taxi

No-app alternative

AvailabilityAt the official rank
Pickup NoteOfficial taxi rank outside arrivals. Reliable but pricier than an app ride. Use only the rank — never an unsolicited driver inside the terminal.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

SIXT Ride — Pre-booked Airport Transfer

Private Transfer

Premium pre-booked transfer with fixed rate and meet & greet

AvailabilityPre-book via SIXT app or website
Pickup NoteDriver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Fixed price, flight tracking, free waiting window.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Book Transfer

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber and Bolt are both dominant in Cape Town, with InDrive (negotiable fares) as a third option. Pickup is at a marked rideshare zone in the parking area, deliberately set back from the curb to reduce friction with metered-taxi operators — follow the in-app directions rather than walking to the terminal door.

Taxi

Metered taxis wait at the official rank outside arrivals. They are reliable but cost more than an Uber or Bolt. Use only the official rank — never accept an unsolicited offer from a driver inside the terminal.

Shuttle

Shared shuttle services run to the CBD and popular accommodation areas; pre-booking is usually more affordable. Private hotel transfers are also available.

Transit

The MyCiTi bus connects the airport to the Civic Centre station in the CBD in roughly 45 minutes, running until mid-evening. You need a rechargeable myconnect card, which you can buy and top up at the terminal kiosk.

Private Transfer

Pre-booked private transfers and SIXT Ride meet you at arrivals with a name sign — a fixed-price alternative that skips the rank entirely.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

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Local Tips

  • Uber and Bolt both work at CPT — pickup is at a designated zone in the parking area, set back from the curb, not at the terminal door.
  • Compare Uber and Bolt before booking; Bolt is often a little more affordable, and InDrive lets you negotiate the fare.
  • Metered taxis from the official rank cost more than an app ride — only use the rank, never a driver who approaches you inside.
  • The MyCiTi bus to the CBD needs a rechargeable myconnect card — buy it at the terminal kiosk before you board.
  • Rideshare safety is generally good, but if you're arriving very late, consider pre-booking a transfer.

Tarmyq local tip

Don't walk out and look for your Uber at the curb — head to the marked rideshare pickup zone in the parking area that the app points you to. It's deliberately set back to keep the peace with metered-taxi operators.