There are many different ways to travel in Cape Town and you will probably use them all! The best way to travel is by walking. Many of us walked to the University of Cape Town for classes, and to Main Road in Rondebosch or Mowbray to go grocery shopping. If you’re going into downtown Cape Town, the best way to get there is by minibus taxi, the white or sometimes brightly painted vans that travel along the main roads, usually blasting music. Trains are very reliable and frequent, and are useful for traveling towards Muizenberg (a beach area). The bus system (Golden Arrow buses) in Cape Town is safe and inexpensive, but runs very slowly and makes a lot of stops. When traveling at night, it is best to take a metered taxi/cab. The more people traveling with you, the less expensive the ride will be. There are many cab companies in the area, you can get a list from Marita, Vernon or one of the RAs. New way to travel as of 2015: Uber
Minibus Taxis (MBT but referred to simply as "taxis" by locals):
• Minibus Taxis run on various routes to different destinations. The end destination will be displayed in front window of the taxi. Many of the taxis have both drivers and callers, men who will lean out the side window of the MBT, yell the end destination and recruit passengers.
• Unless there have been rate increases since April 2011, a MBT from Rondebosch to Cape Town (usually referred to as “town”) costs R7, while a MBT from Mowbray to town costs R5. Always have change with you when you ride the MBTs, because the drivers are usually unable to break bills larger than R10 or R20.
• For those living in Loch Road, the closest minibus taxi stop is by the 7-11. For those living in Malleson, the taxi rank is located one street behind the house. From Malleson, to get into town, it is possible to grab a taxi walking up towards Main Road during the week. On the weekends, you must actually be on Main Road to get one.
• The general rule is not to be the only passenger on the MBT and not to travel using a MBT after dark.
• Once you get in the MBT, tell the caller (or the driver if there is no caller) where you are headed, and pass your money forward. The fee is usually between R4 and R7 and varies depending on where you were picked up and how far you are going. After asking a few times, you will grow accustomed to how much you will need to pay for different destinations. Do not be worried about getting ripped off if you have to ask.
• You will notice that the minibus will often be filled to capacity and beyond! This might initially seem strange to you, but that will quickly fade because it seems so normal to everyone else.
• If you are approaching your stop and it looks like the driver has forgotten about it, you can repeat the name of your destination, or simply say, “Thank you, Driver!” This is the driver’s cue to stop and let you off.
• MBTs can be intimidating at first because they look so different from any of the forms of transportation we are used to seeing in the United States. However, they are safe and convenient, so do not be afraid to ride them! Taking them gives you a better feel for how Capetonians travel everyday and you get to hear some really cool conversations and meet some very interesting people
• Note: Please be a careful pedestrian! The cars travel on the opposite side of the road as in the USA, and “Pedestrians have the right of way” is not an international concept. Because MBT drivers make money based on how many people they pick up and how much ground they cover, they tend to be particularly aggressive drivers. Be aware of this and be cautious when crossing the street.
Trains:
• Trains are divided into 1st class and 3rd class (Metro Plus and Metro). The 1st class cars will either be the first three or final three cars of the train. 1st class tickets cost a bit more than 3rd class, but allow for you to sit wherever you wish on the train. There are often security guards in 1st class cars.
• The general guideline is to purchase a 1st class ticket, and then sit in whichever one of the cars has a moderate amount of people in it. As with the MBT, make sure that you are not the only person in a train car.
• Trains are convenient and usually run on time. From the Rondebosch or Mowbray stations, it is possible to travel either to Muizenburg, or into Cape Town. The Cape Town station is large and is a central hub for lots of other connecting train lines.
• During peak hours, the train becomes very crowded, so it is important to make your way to the door well before your stop.
• Train schedules can be found at: capemetrorail.co.za
Buses:
• The Golden Arrow is safe, but very slow. It's also a lot more expensive than MBTs and can tend to run late, so if you are comfortable with the MBTs, they are probably the more efficient choice.
• The Intercape bus is a possibility for travel outside of Cape Town, as is hiring a private van, or investigating other bus services that run in the area.
Private Hire Cabs:
• These are the taxis that we are most accustomed to – like the yellow cabs in New York City. We used them primarily to travel at night, when MBTs are not as safe and accessible.
• If you are at one of the houses, it will be necessary to call for a cab to come and get you.
• We primarily used Elite Taxis and Cabs on Call, which are reputable metered cab companies. Ben will be able to get you both of their numbers. (Elite: 021 447-9003)
• Make sure to tell the company how many people will be traveling with you. Some cabs seat 4 comfortably, others 7 or 8.
• If you are in Cape Town (i.e. Long Street) in the evening, it is relatively easy to catch a cab on the side of the road and get home. Use your discretion and try to choose a legitimate taxi service. It is possible to bargain for a flat rate or take a metered cab. If it is not metered by certain to ask before you get in what they will charge. Pay attention the first couple of times that you are taken home so that you know if a driver is taking you the long way!
• Occasionally, the cab will either be late or not come, and sometimes it comes earlier than you were expecting. Try to be patient, as the cab company will learn your name and your house because undoubtedly you will be using them a lot (it’s really the only way to get around after dark), so they will also know what kind of customer you are and treat you accordingly. Don’t forget to tip the driver!
Uber:
• These have only been in Cape Town since 2014. If you're not familiar with Uber, you can read about them at https://www.uber.com/cities/cape-town.
• You must be connected to wifi to access them but they are less expensive than cabs, you know exactly when they are going to arrive, and students had great Uber drivers.
• You must be connected to wifi to access them but they are less expensive than cabs, you know exactly when they are going to arrive, and students had great Uber drivers.
Rental Cars:
• If you have friends or relatives visiting you while you are in Cape Town, you may want to have them rent a car to travel.
• Keep in mind you usually need to be 23 or older to rent a car and most of the rental cars are standard, though it is possible to get an automatic (but they are much more expensive).
