South Africa Tourist Information: Getting Around

Foreign visitors require an international driving license (or a valid driving licence, with photograph, printed in English or with an official translation).

Driving is done on the left side of the road and seat belts are compulsory for both drivers and passengers.

Speed limits (unless road signs indicate otherwise):

Urban areas: 60km per hour
Rural areas: 100km per hour
Freeways: 120km per hour

A local commuter service links Cape Town city with the Southern Peninsula and other areas in the Western Cape. Timetables are available from Cape Town Station.

Spoornet provides national rail services between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein.

Spoornet Shosholoza Meyl: +27 (0)86 000 8888

The Blue Train is a luxury rail service travelling to Pretoria and Port Elizabeth via the Garden Route. +27 (0)21 449 2672

Rovos Rail, “The Pride of Africa”, offers 5-star trips from Cape Town to Pretoria. +27 (0)21 421 4020

Rail travel information: +27 (0)800 656 463

Chartered train for private hire; +27 (0)21 449 4185

Cape Town International Airport Information:
+27 (0)21 937 1200
Flight Information: +27 (0)86 727 7888

For international and domestic airlines, consult local telephone directories (dial 1023).

Cape Town International Airport Shuttle Services

City Hopper: +27 (0)21 934 4440
Magic Bus: +27 (0)21 505 6300
Or call Cape Town Tourism for a list of service providers: +27 (0)21 487 6800

Petrol (gasoline) is available 24 hours a day in most areas.
It is best to have cash as payment as international petrol cards or credit cards are not accepted.
The average petrol price is ± R14 per litre.

Many coach tour services and car rental companies are available (call Cape Town Tourism for details). +27 (0)21 487 6800

Daily intercity bus services:

Greyhound: +27 (0)21 505 6363
Intercape: +27 (0)21 380 4400
Translux / Intercity: +27 (0)861 589 282
SA Roadlink: +27 (0)21 425 0203

Metered taxis are available outside most hotels and attractions, or by telephone.

Minibus taxis are found on the main roads of most suburbs and offer a cheap transport option. The rate is ± R4.

There are currently two toll roads in the Western Cape:

The Huguenot Tunnel Toll Route between Paarl and Worcester. +27 (0)21 862 4400 / +27 (0)83 630 6286

Chapman’s Peak Drive Toll Route. +27 (0)21 791 8222 (for the current status of the road). www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za

More toll routes are planned for the future.