The main scam at CPT
Cape Town airport has active taxi scams. Only use MyCiti, authorized rank taxi, Uber, or Bolt. Never accept rides from strangers.
Do
- Use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals
- Use Uber / Grab / Bolt / Careem / DiDi if available (app-based, fixed price)
- Insist on the meter or agreed fixed rate BEFORE entering the vehicle
- Verify the driver's license plate matches your receipt
- Pre-book a transfer for zero scam risk (see below)
Don't
- Never accept rides from drivers approaching you inside arrivals
- Never enter a taxi without confirming meter/price first
- Avoid taxi ranks OUTSIDE the official signposted zone
- Do not pay in cash without seeing the meter reading
- Never hand over your passport or luggage to hold as "security"
Official safe options at CPT
Airport authorized taxi
taxi
Cost: ZAR 320-500 ($17-27)
Time: 20-30 min
Only use taxis at the authorized rank outside arrivals.
Uber / Bolt
ride share
Cost: ZAR 200-400 ($11-22)
Time: 20-30 min
Uber + Bolt widely used. Pickup at designated zone.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer — zero scam risk
The safest option for first-time visitors to Cape Town: driver meets you inside arrivals with your name, price locked before you fly, no queues, no negotiation.
Getting out of Cape Town (CPT)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
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Full Cape Town airport transport guide
All transport options compared: metro, bus, taxi, ride-share, shuttle.
See full transport guide →Frequently asked
How do I avoid taxi scams at Cape Town International Airport?
Cape Town airport has active taxi scams. Only use MyCiti, authorized rank taxi, Uber, or Bolt. Never accept rides from strangers.
What is the official taxi rank at Cape Town International Airport?
The official Cape Town airport taxi options are: Airport authorized taxi (ZAR 320-500 ($17-27), 20-30 min); Uber / Bolt (ZAR 200-400 ($11-22), 20-30 min).
Is Uber safer than a taxi at Cape Town International Airport?
App-based ride-share (Uber, Grab, Careem, Bolt or similar depending on region) is generally the safest option for tourists at Cape Town International Airport — pricing is locked before pickup, no negotiation, driver + vehicle details are recorded. If ride-share is unavailable, use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals (not lobby touts).
Should I pre-book a transfer from Cape Town International Airport?
Pre-booking a fixed-price airport transfer eliminates all scam risk: no queues, no negotiation, driver meets you inside arrivals with your name. Price is locked before you fly. This is the most tourist-friendly option, especially for first-time visitors to Cape Town.