A long layover in Cape Town is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Cape Town International Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 75 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave CPT:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for South Africa. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Cape Town takes about 75 minutes by MyCiTi Airport Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is ZAR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some ZAR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Cape Town
From CPT, the MyCiTi Airport Bus gets you to Cape Town in around 75 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 95 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the MyCiTi Airport Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What’s Worth Seeing in Cape Town
If you head into Cape Town, here are two things worth checking out:
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
V&A Waterfront (Quick Stroll) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at CPT, check out Bidvest Premier Lounge (Domestic/International) or Duty-Free and General Retail Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Cape Town: Tiger’s Milk (Century City) and La Parada (V&A Waterfront). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Mugg & Bean or News Cafe. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Cape Town:
Transport to the city and back runs about $7 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $14 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $31 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
You can store your luggage at Left luggage services are typically available in the International Arrivals Hall, operated by third-party providers like Bidvest.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around Cape Town as well.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and CPT is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Cape Town and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at CPT include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in South Africa also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Cape Town is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Cape Town.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.