Airport Guide to Cape Town (CPT)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Africa’s third-busiest airport, and the winner of the 2009 Skytrax award for Best Airport in Africa, Cape Town International (CPT) is a sleek, light and spacious transport hub – and a suitably lovely introduction for foreign visitors to the Cape of Good Hope.

Recently upgraded for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town International is a truly world-class airport, and a prime tourism gateway. Flights to Cape Town International are operated by a huge array of airlines, bringing eager visitors from all over the world to the city’s sunny shores.

Boasting an impressive array of facilities and amenities, just as you’ll have no shortage of things to do in South Africa’s Mother City – with hiking trails up iconic Table Mountain, long stretches of beautiful beaches, trips out to historic Robben Island, and serious partying in Long Street all in the offing – rest assured that your time spent in transit in Cape Town International will be very painless indeed.

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Terminal Transfer

Although Cape Town International consists of five terminals, they are all built along one road, and are connected by well-signed, well-lit walkways. It is very easy to move between the terminals on foot.

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Getting into Town

Cape Town International Airport is located about 20km (13 miles) from the centre of Cape Town, and usually takes 25 minutes to reach by car.

Taxi: An official, licensed airport taxi service is offered by Touch Down Taxis, while Rikki’s Taxis also make constant trips to and from the airport. You’ll find the taxis immediately outside the terminal buildings, and you should expect to pay between R200 and R300 for a trip into Cape Town’s CBD. Visitors are advised against using unofficial (or ‘pirate’) taxis.

Bus: A brand-new MyCiTi airport bus service provides an inexpensive, convenient way to reach Cape Town from the airport. Buses operate between 5am and 10pm, and depart from the airport every 20 minutes, travelling to Civic Centre Station on Hertzog Boulevard (right in the heart of the city). Children under four travel for free, whereas tickets cost R26.5-0 for children up to 11, and R53 (for adults).

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Car Parking

There is plenty of both short- and long-term parking available at Cape Town International Airport, in the form of two multi-storey car parks, two shaded parking areas, and a long-stay parking garage (P5). Fees are R16 for the first hour (for the car parks), R8 for the first hour (shaded parking), and R275 for up to five days in the long-stay parking area. There is free parking in the pick-up area for 30 minutes.

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Information Desks

There are plenty of well-signed tourist information and general help desks scattered around Cape Town International Airport, staffed by friendly, helpful people.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There is a bank (ABSA) in the international departures terminal, and various ATMs and currency exchange offices scattered throughout the rest of the airport.

Luggage: There are luggage storage facilities available at Cape Town International Airport, costing R55 per day, which is payable in advance. Note that the left luggage office is open daily from 6am to 10pm. There is also a lost property office in the baggage reclaim area, and a baggage wrapping service available.

Conference and business: Cape Town International boasts a very impressive Conference Centre, located in the Southern Office Block near Terminal 5. Comprising four rooms ranging from boardrooms and conference rooms to training facilities, the Conference Centre can accommodate 6-80 delegates.

Other facilities: Other facilities at Cape Town International Airport include baby-changing rooms; a flight check service; medical facilities; a pharmacy; a post office; prayer rooms; porter services; and a VAT refund service.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi hotspots are located past the security check-points in the international and domestic departures terminals. Unfortunately, this service isn’t free – you’ll be prompted to supply either your credit card details, or a wi-fi voucher number, in order to get online.

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