Arrival of Romanian aviators and officials at Cape Town Airport in 1935

Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport Visiting Guide: Tickets and Travel Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is South Africa’s premier gateway to the Western Cape, connecting millions of passengers annually to the heart of Cape Town and its storied surroundings. Recognized for its world-class facilities, rich history, and commitment to passenger satisfaction, CPT operates 24/7, offering a seamless experience for both domestic and international travelers. From its origins in the 1950s to its current status as a multi-terminal hub, CPT has continually evolved, reflecting the city’s growth and global appeal.

Located about 20 kilometers from the city center, CPT is the starting point for visitors heading to landmarks like Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront. Recent and ongoing investments—including a R1.6 billion upgrade for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and a R21.7 billion expansion—underscore its significance in supporting tourism, commerce, and regional development.

CPT’s dedication to quality is reflected in multiple accolades, such as the Skytrax World Airport Awards and World Travel Awards, recognizing its operational excellence and outstanding passenger service. This guide provides essential information for visitors, covering airport facilities, ticketing, transportation, accessibility, and travel tips, as well as insights into future developments and top nearby attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this resource will help you navigate CPT with confidence.

For official updates and comprehensive details, consult resources like Airports Company South Africa, Cape Town International Airport, and The Cape Town Blog.

Welcome to Cape Town International Airport: Your Gateway to Southern Africa
Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Transportation Options: Getting To and From the Airport
Historical Development of Cape Town International Airport
Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest
Photographic Spots and Special Events
Economic Impact and Regional Development
Resilience and Recovery Post-COVID-19
Cape Town International Airport Transportation: Visiting Hours, Ticket Info, and Travel Tips
Awards, Visitor Information, and Future Developments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to Cape Town International Airport: Your Gateway to Southern Africa

CPT is the crucial arrival and departure point for the Western Cape and beyond. With modern infrastructure and a strong focus on passenger comfort, it efficiently handles millions of travelers each year. Understanding the airport’s layout, services, and transport options ensures a smooth transition between the airport and your Cape Town adventure.

Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information

Operating Hours: CPT is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Terminal Access: While no ticket is required to enter the public areas, a valid boarding pass is necessary for access beyond security.
Check-in Recommendations: Arrive at least 3 hours prior to international flights and 2 hours before domestic departures to allow ample time for check-in, security, and customs procedures.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

CPT prioritizes inclusivity, providing:

Wheelchair-friendly ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Dedicated assistance services for passengers with disabilities (notify your airline in advance or inquire at information desks).
Free Wi-Fi, lounges, retail outlets, restaurants, currency exchange, and car rental desks.
Family-friendly zones and prayer rooms.

Transportation Options: Getting To and From the Airport

Travelers can choose from a variety of transport options:

Taxis: Authorised metered taxis are available 24/7 at official ranks. Fares to the city center range from ZAR 400–600 (approx. €20–€30).
Ride-Hailing: Uber and Bolt operate with designated pickup points. Prices are dynamic and comparable to taxis.
Shuttle Services: Shared and private shuttles serve major hotels and tourist destinations; advance booking is recommended.
Car Rentals: Major agencies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar have on-site desks.
Public Transport: As of June 2025, there is no direct bus or train service from the airport to the city center. The MyCiTi Airport Bus remains suspended (Welcome Pickups).

Travel tip: The N2 highway is the main route to downtown Cape Town, typically a 20–30 minute drive. Exercise caution around the Borcherds Quarry Road off-ramp due to higher crime risk (Cape Town Travel).

Historical Development of Cape Town International Airport

Origins: Opened in 1954 as D.F. Malan Airport, replacing Wingfield Airport to meet growing demand.
Growth: Expanded from a modest terminal to a modern, multi-terminal complex.
Modernization: Major upgrades for the 2010 FIFA World Cup included a new central terminal and improved facilities.
Current and Future Expansions: Ongoing projects aim to realign the runway, expand terminals, and enhance passenger amenities as part of a R21.7 billion investment (Moneyweb).

Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest

Upon arrival or prior to departure, explore:

Table Mountain: Iconic flat-topped mountain offering hiking trails and a cableway with panoramic views.
V&A Waterfront: Shopping, dining, and entertainment hub close to the city center.
Robben Island: Historic prison site accessible by ferry from the V&A Waterfront.

For more on local sites: Cape Town Historical Attractions.

Photographic Spots and Special Events

Observation Deck: Offers panoramic runway and landscape views—ideal for aviation enthusiasts and photographers.
Events: The airport is the gateway for numerous international events and festivals held across Cape Town.

Economic Impact and Regional Development

CPT plays a vital economic role:

Welcomed over 600,000 foreign passengers in 2022, contributing R24.3 billion to the regional economy.
Supports over 43,000 jobs and is a key hub for air cargo, particularly in perishables and high-value goods.

Resilience and Recovery Post-COVID-19

Despite significant challenges during the pandemic, CPT has rebounded, with international arrivals approaching pre-pandemic levels by early 2023. Infrastructure and service upgrades continue to support operational resilience (HTXT).

Cape Town International Airport Transportation: Visiting Hours, Ticket Info, and Travel Tips

Location and Accessibility

Distance: 20 kilometers from Cape Town city center; travel time is typically 20–30 minutes.
Connections: The N2 highway provides direct access to central Cape Town and surrounding suburbs (The Cape Town Blog; Welcome Pickups).

Current Public Transport Status

No direct public bus or rail service as of June 2025. The MyCiTi Airport Bus remains suspended and the nearest train station is Cape Town Railway Station, 21 kilometers away (Airport Transfer).

Taxi, Shuttle, and Ride-Hailing Options

Authorised Taxis: Bookable at transport kiosks or arrivals desk; metered fares ZAR 400–600.
Private Transfers: Pre-booked, fixed-rate options with meet & greet service.
Shuttles: Shared/private shuttles to hotels and attractions; rates R5–R9/km.
Ride-Hailing: Uber and Bolt available; use designated pickup zones.

Car Rental

Major providers onsite. Book in advance for best rates. Driving is on the left.

Safety and Travel Tips

Use only authorised transport.
Be vigilant at night and keep valuables secure.
Consider the Namola Safety App for emergency assistance (Cape Town Travel).

Accessibility

Most transport providers can accommodate mobility needs if requested ahead of time.
Hotels such as Hotel Verde offer shuttle services (Cape Town Airport).

Summary Table: Transport Options at a Glance

Option	Estimated Cost	Travel Time	Booking Method	Notes
Authorised Taxi	ZAR 400–600 (€20–30)	20–30 min	On arrival/advance	Metered, safest option
Private Transfer	From €19	20–30 min	Advance	Fixed fare, meet & greet
Shuttle Service	R5–R9/km	20–40 min	Advance/on arrival	Shared/private, covers hotels/tourist destinations
Ride-Hailing (Uber)	Similar to taxis	20–30 min	App-based	Dynamic pricing, official pickup zones
Car Rental	Varies	N/A	Advance/on arrival	Major agencies onsite
Public Bus/Train	Not available	N/A	N/A	MyCiTi suspended, no direct rail link

Awards, Visitor Information, and Future Developments

Awards and Recognition

Skytrax World Airport Awards: Best Airport, Best Staff Service, Cleanest Airport in Africa (Airports Company South Africa).
World Travel Awards: Africa’s Leading Airport for seven consecutive years (The South African).
Additional accolades include ACI Airport Service Quality, South African Civil Aviation Authority, and OAG On-Time Performance awards.

Visitor Information

Operating Hours: 24/7.
Tickets: Required only for boarding; no general entry ticket.
Accessibility: Wheelchair assistance, accessible facilities, and designated parking are available.

Future Developments

R21.7 Billion Expansion: Includes a new runway, expanded terminals, and improved amenities (Moneyweb).
Cape Winelands Airport: Scheduled to open in 2027, reducing congestion and improving regional access (TopAuto).
Sustainability: Emphasis on environmentally responsible operations and community engagement (Cape Town Tourism).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the airport’s operating hours?
A: CPT operates 24/7.

Q: Do I need a ticket to enter the terminal?
A: No, but only ticketed passengers can access security-controlled areas.

Q: What transport options are available at CPT?
A: Authorised taxis, ride-hailing, shuttle services, private transfers, and car rentals.

Q: Is CPT accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistance services available.

Q: What are top nearby attractions?
A: Table Mountain, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, and the Castle of Good Hope.

Visual Aids

Conclusion and Final Travel Tips

Cape Town International Airport is a world-class hub that blends historical significance with modern amenities and award-winning service. Despite limited direct public transport, a range of safe and convenient transfer options ensures easy access to Cape Town and beyond. The airport’s ongoing expansions and future developments will further enhance the travel experience.

Plan ahead by booking transport and tickets in advance, use official providers, and leverage technology such as the Audiala app for real-time updates. With CPT as your starting point, Cape Town’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty await.

For official updates and further details, visit the Airports Company South Africa, Cape Town International Airport, and related resources.