Can you get around Cape Town without a car?

Cape Town has a number of private bus companies and commuter bus services, as well as the City Sightseeing bus. The City Sightseeing bus is an awesome way to see the city at your own pace as you jump on and off at your leisure. The MyCiti bus is another quick way to get around the city.



Yes, it is entirely possible to navigate Cape Town without a car in 2026, thanks to a combination of public and private transport options. The MyCiTi bus system is the city's reliable and affordable rapid transit network, covering many central areas and tourist hubs with clean, air-conditioned buses. For travelers looking to see the major sights, the City Sightseeing "Red Bus" (hop-on, hop-off) is highly effective, with routes covering Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. For on-demand travel, Uber is widely available, safe, and relatively inexpensive compared to international standards. Additionally, the Metrorail Southern Line offers a scenic (though sometimes delayed) route to coastal towns like Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town. Walking is also a great option within "safe zones" like the V&A Waterfront or the Sea Point Promenade. However, for exploring more remote areas like Cape Point or the deeper Winelands, most car-less travelers find it most convenient to book a guided group tour or a private shuttle.

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Though most Capetonians drive everywhere, Cape Town is an extremely walkable city.

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Uber is a popular option, but you may prefer an UberX to the cheaper Uber Go options, which are sometimes odorous and barely roadworthy. Taxis wait around the city center, including hotels and backpacker hostels, although fares are likely to be higher from popular tourist spots such as the V&A Waterfront.

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Many use it for their daily commute to and from work because it's cheaper and can reduce the amount of time spent in traffic. Research shows that intra-city buses like MyCiTi and Golden Arrow Bus Services in Cape Town are as safe as rail.

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Traveling alone in Cape Town is relatively safe, provided you take basic precautions. Going in a group when you move around the city reduces your chances of being attacked or robbed. Cape Town welcomes millions of tourists and adventurers each year, so it's easy to find buddies to move around together.

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Short answer, yes it is safe. As with any city, various areas would be no-go zones, and others are areas no-go at night, and some where you should be on alert for pick-pockets / petty theft. Some more info as to what your plans are and reasons for travel, type of activities will attract more specific answers.

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View All Trips. Exploring a handful of the the city's highlights in one or two days is possible, but one week should be the minimum length of stay to get the most out of Cape Town. It's important to remember that what to do each day depends on several factors: seasonal events, personal interests and the weather.

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The rand is generally fairly weak compared to many currencies, so South Africa is quite an affordable destination if you're coming from Europe, Oceania or North America. And while Cape Town tends to be a bit pricier than other parts of the country, it still offers great value.

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The safest way to travel is by car, allowing you to road trip through the scenic Cape Town area too. The region has a good road system, with South Africans driving on the left. Parking is readily available, and you'll likely encounter car guards, who you should tip around R5 for watching your vehicle.

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Taxis are an extremely efficient means of navigating Cape Town, but their convenience will cost you. Rates are about 10 to 11 ZAR per kilometer (roughly $1.50 USD per mile) depending on the cab company. Also, don't expect to hail a cab directly from the street.

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