Getting To and Around the Western Cape

From airports with direct connections to the best places for car rental, we highlight the best ways to get to and around the Western Cape.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) offers direct connections via most global airport hubs, and currently offers 182 direct international flights a week. The airport is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. On arrival, access to ground transport is simple and convenient.  

CPT is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, with taxis, buses, rideshares, and shuttles providing quick transfers from the airport to get you on your way. Cape Town is a very walkable and pedestrian-friendly city, especially in central areas, with the City Bowl particularly popular and well-suited for exploring on foot. 

To get around the rest of the Western Cape, car rentals are highly recommended for flexibility and freedom when exploring the region, especially the Garden Route, a scenic coastal corridor extending from the adventure capital of Mossel Bay. Booking your car rental in advance is recommended, and a valid driver’s license is required to drive in the province. 

Various modes of public transport are available for tourists visiting the Western Cape, including buses, shuttles, metered taxis, and chartered services.  

Cape Town’s reliable, scheduled bus service, MyCiTi, is card-based and covers major attractions like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. The provincial capital’s other main bus network, Golden Arrow, also provides commuter bus services and has been serving the community for over 160 years