Cape Town (CPT) Airport Taxi Cost (2026)
USD 19–30 by meter. Uber + Bolt are 30-40% cheaper. MyCiTi bus is USD 6. Always use the official kerbside taxi rank.
Quick Answer
ZAR 350–550 (USD 19–30) for the official metered taxi from CPT to the city bowl (Centre, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point). Uber + Bolt are 30-40% cheaper — pickup zone is on the upper-level parkade. MyCiTi airport bus is ZAR 110 (USD 6) for budget travellers with light bags. NEVER accept rides from anyone inside the terminal — those are unregulated. Drive on the LEFT if renting a car.
Transfer Options Compared
| Mode | Cost | Time | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorised Airport Taxi (metered) | ZAR 350–550 (USD 19–30) | 20–35 min | Metered + regulated; queue at the kerbside taxi rank outside arrivals; safe; receipt. | Drivers may push for a fixed price — insist on the meter (it's mandatory). Avoid "white taxis" inside the terminal. |
| Uber / Bolt | ZAR 220–380 (USD 12–21) | 20–35 min | In-app pricing 30-40% below metered taxi; modern cars; English app; foreign cards accepted. | Pickup zone is on the upper level — follow signs to "Uber & Bolt Pickup" (5 min walk from arrivals). |
| MyCiTi airport bus | ZAR 110 (USD 6) | 40–50 min | Frequent + reliable route to Civic Centre + Waterfront; good for solo travellers with one bag. | Requires MyConnect card (ZAR 35) + load value at the airport; limited late-night service. |
| Pre-booked private transfer | ZAR 700–1,200 (USD 38–66) | 20–35 min | Meet-and-greet with name sign; English driver; insurance; fixed rate; ideal for late arrivals. | Pricier than Uber; usually only worth it for groups 4+ or wine-region day trips. |
| Rental car (Avis / Bidvest / Hertz) | ZAR 350–800/day (USD 19–44) | 15–35 min | Cape Town + Garden Route + winelands really need a car; airport rental desks all in arrivals; left-hand drive. | Cape Town has strong tourist driving (mountain roads, narrow streets); SA insurance excess can be ZAR 10,000+. |
Fares verified May 2026. South African airport taxis are metered by law: ZAR 14 flag-fall + ZAR 12/km, +25% after 22:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cape Town (CPT) taxi to the city cost in 2026?+
Average metered taxi from CPT to the city bowl (City Centre, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point): ZAR 350–550 (USD 19–30) for the 20–35 min trip. South African airport taxis are metered by law — flag-fall ZAR 14, ZAR 12/km. Many drivers offer a fixed price (ZAR 400 to City Centre, ZAR 450 to Waterfront) — both options are reasonable. After 22:00 a 25% night surcharge applies.
Is Uber cheaper than a Cape Town airport taxi?+
Yes — Uber + Bolt run 30-40% cheaper than the metered taxi for the same routes. Uber to City Centre: ZAR 220–290 (USD 12–16); to V&A Waterfront: ZAR 280–340 (USD 15–19); to Camps Bay: ZAR 320–380 (USD 18–21). The catch: pickup zone is on the upper-level parkade (5-min walk via the elevator from arrivals), not at the kerbside. Signs point you to "Uber & Bolt Pickup."
Is the MyCiTi airport bus a good option?+
Yes, for budget-conscious solo travellers with light luggage. ZAR 110 (USD 6) gets you to the Civic Centre + V&A Waterfront in 40–50 min, with frequent buses 06:00–22:00. You need a MyConnect card (one-time ZAR 35 from the airport service desk) loaded with value. From the Civic Centre, MyCiTi inner-city buses cost ZAR 12 (USD 0.65) — cheap onward transport.
Is it safe to take a taxi at Cape Town International?+
The authorised airport taxis (queued at the kerbside taxi rank just outside arrivals) are safe + regulated. Uber + Bolt are also widely used + considered safe. AVOID anyone offering a ride inside the terminal — these are unregulated "white taxis" charging 3-5× metered rates. Stick to the official rank or the app pickup zone. Cape Town airport itself is one of Africa's safest.
Should I rent a car at Cape Town airport?+
Yes if you plan to visit the Cape Peninsula (Cape Point + Boulders Beach penguins), winelands (Stellenbosch + Franschhoek), or Garden Route. Rental rates from ZAR 350/day (USD 19) for an economy car. South Africa drives on the LEFT. Cape Town traffic is relatively easy compared to Johannesburg. Be aware of strict speed cameras + petty theft at parking lots — never leave valuables visible.
How much should I tip a Cape Town taxi driver?+
10% is standard for good service. ZAR 30–50 tip on a ZAR 400 fare is typical. Drivers will often help with luggage — round up to the nearest ZAR 50 for that. Uber + Bolt drivers can be tipped in-app (5-15%) — not mandatory but appreciated.
How long is the minimum connection time at CPT?+
Same-airline international-to-domestic: 60 min. International-to-international: 90 min. CPT is a single-terminal airport — domestic + international gates are connected, so there's no terminal change. South African Airways + Cemair + FlySafair all hub here. Note: 75% of international connections at CPT go via Johannesburg (JNB) on connecting flights — those add 90 min for the JNB leg.