Because of the exceptional preservation of the environment and its specific structure, its easy to forget that Cape Town has 4 million official inhabitants (a number which is actually closer to 7 million). Nevertheless, Cape Town is still the most traffic-heavy city in Africa, and the issue of the commute to work and journey home again arises every day for everyone.
One of Cape Town's distinguishing features is its urban organisation: built in a ring around the famous Table Mountain. While the city itself is not huge, it is very spread out, and rush hour (between 7:00 and 9:00) brings significant traffic jams as people come into the city to work. In the afternoons and early evenings (between 16:00 and 19:30), the traffic reverses as people make their way home.
Travelling by car in Cape Town
Be aware that safe, reliable public transport is not very well developed in Cape Town: consequently, many people travel by car, the primary means of transport in the city. Obviously, this contributes to the increasing congestion that Cape Town has been experiencing for years.
To avoid nasty surprises, buy a new or used car from an official dealer. Remember to buy and renew the Vehicle License every year.
You can also use car-rental systems which are quite well-known in Cape Town. All the usual international providers offer this (Avis, Budget, Bidvest, etc.) Local, cheaper rental companies can also be useful, such as RentalCars.
There is also a site where you can rent cars to individuals: RentMyRide, but bear in mind that the guarantees in the event of problems will not be as comprehensive.
Driving in Cape Town
Finally, don't forget that in South Africa, we drive on the left! After three months in South Africa, you are expected to exchange your driving license for a South African license. If this is a problem, you can still apply for an international permit (you should obtain this before coming to Cape Town while remembering that it expires regularly and must, therefore, be renewed) accompanied by your original license. In the absence of an international permit, a translation certified as true and verified by the consulate is indispensable and must be presented with your original permit. Be warned that some zealous (and corrupt) traffic police may cause trouble if you do not have the correct license(s).
Carpooling in Cape Town
Carpooling is not particularly common in Cape Town, for obvious reasons of security - a significant consideration in South Africa. Websites and applications do exist (Findalift, Locomute, JumpInRides, etc.), but this mode of transport is not well developed, and you may struggle to find matches that work for you.
Important:
Hitchhiking is absolutely not recommended in Cape Town.
Biking in Cape Town
Depending on the distance you need to travel, you may want to opt for a bike. Bikes are perfectly functional in your neighbourhood or in the centre of the city, but out of the question if you have to leave the city. Bikes obviously have the edge when it comes to traffic jams when travelling from one neighbourhood to another or when journeying around Table Mountain. Capetonian driving is rather slow and hesitant overall, and the risks are mainly related to the weather for cyclists!
Taxi and Uber in Cape Town
In terms of individual transport, you can also opt for taxis, with Uber and Taxify being the two major and reliable applications in Cape Town. Be aware that during peak periods, many drivers will cancel your ride if a more interesting option arises for them in the meantime.
Otherwise, for a more expensive alternative, you still have classic taxis, such as Excite Taxi, Unicab or Intercab whose reputation is well established.
Important:
Never take a taxi just by flagging down a car in Cape Town.
Railway in Cape Town
Though a tramway existed at the beginning of the 20th century, the two available lines stopped service just before the Second World War. There has never been an underground or metro service in Cape Town. Trains do exist, but it is not a recommended mode of transportation for foreigners: trains are not reliable in terms of schedules and can be very dangerous: various attacks and crimes are committed regularly.
Buses in Cape Town
The bus is one of the only means of public transportation in this city. Commissioned for the 2010 World Cup, MyCity now enables more than 60,000 people a day to travel - around 21 million people a year - using around 40 routes all over the city centre, north of Cape Town, and even to some Townships. Buses are very modern and depart from stops every five to twenty minutes, depending on the traffic. You must subscribe to a monthly subscription card (35 rands) to be able to use it (you can not buy a ticket on the bus). You can then recharge the subscription according to your needs. These lines are considered globally safe and reliable, though there are regular strikes which can be debilitating for users.
The fleet of Golden Arrow cars is a popular option, especially for the Black community. This is the oldest bus company in Cape Town and serves a much wider area than the routes of My City, covering a much larger area. Although the vehicles are often a little rundown, more than 51 million people use these lines every year. Cheaper than My City, tickets and passes are similarly purchased before your trip. They are relatively safe, but unreliable in terms of schedules, and it's certainly best not to be in a hurry!
Minivans in Cape Town
Taxi Quantum - white mini-vans of about 10-15 seats - shout out their destinations on the roadside, and have no precise route but stop at the request of customers who decide to clamber aboard. Prices are attractive, and it is estimated that there are around 7,000 in the city of Cape Town. Comparable to the Tuk-Tuks of Thailand or Jeepneys in the Philippines, these taxis are known to offer a slightly crazy ride, rushing red lights. Some are armed, and dramas arrive once or twice a year between rival taxis. It is not uncommon to be threatened and robbed if you have a phone or a little money on you. In short, we do not recommend the experience.
Walking around Cape Town
Finally, it's important to remember the simple solution of walking is not a viable one in Cape Town. Unless you live in the city centre (and even then, one does not walk at night!) walking should not be considered other than for short trips. For the rest, the distances are far too great and the risks of being assaulted - mainly at night - but sometimes also during the day, are relatively high.
If you have the means, and you plan to settle in Cape Town for at least two years, a personal vehicle or motorcycle are the two most logical options for getting around. If your stay is shorter, car rental, taxis and the bus system may prove the best solution.
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