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Home - City Guide - Cape Town - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport Cape Town can be a frustrating city to negotiate, simply because there is a huge big mountain right in the middle of it. Suburban trains (see the Rail section) only service the southern and northern suburbs, and not the Atlantic (western) seaboard. Public buses run regular services to all destinations in and around the city, and they are generally clean, safe and uncrowded, except at rush hour. Golden Arrow (tel: (080) 121 2111) has the monopoly. Their main terminus is in Strand Street, opposite the main railway station. Tickets cost R1 to R7, depending on the destination. Rickshaws Auto-rickshaws constantly circle the city looking for passengers, and will go to the destination of choice. They can also be prebooked from Rikki's Taxi (tel: (021) 423 4888, for central areas or 786 2136, for Simon's Town). Taxis Metered taxis can be ordered at any time of day or night, and can also be hired for day trips. Although the meters are generally accurate, visitors should ask the driver for an estimated price before setting out. A cross-city journey should cost about R15. There are taxi ranks at the main railway station and at the top of Adderley Street, just below Company Gardens, and unlike other cities, they will seldom stop if flagged down in the street. Operators include Marine Taxis (tel: (021) 434 0434); Unicab (tel: (021) 448 1720) and Magi Cabs (tel: (021) 448 9330). There are also ten- and 12-seater minibus taxis, the transport of choice of most working-class Capetonians, which are cheap, generally filthy and dangerous. Much of the city's drug dealing takes place in the back seats, and the minibus industry is controlled by a tightly knit community of gangsters. There are frequent gun battles between rival operators, although these almost never happen in the city. They should be avoided at all costs. Limousines Limousines are something of a novelty in Cape Town, and would certainly be stared at in the street. But for an indulgent day of sightseeing - especially wine tasting - a chauffeured limousine is ideal. Operators include Cape Limousine Service (tel: (021) 785 3100); Rent-a-Rolls (tel: (021) 531 1271) and Limousine Services (tel: (021) 439 3252). Rates are R1400-2000 per day. Driving in the City Cape Town driving is far less stressful than in most major cities, with excellent feeder highways, good signage and efficient traffic lights. The scenic routes and meandering country roads in particular are best explored in one's own vehicle. There are parking garages located all over the city, with central ones at Strand Street Parkade, City Park in Loop Street, and Pleinpark in Plein Street. Street parking meters utilise a smart card system, and cards can be purchased at most corner shops. Several city squares also have pay-as-you-go parking with attendants. Car Hire Service providers include: Avis (tel: (080) 002 1111, toll free); Hertz (tel: (080) 060 0136, toll free); Budget (tel: (086) 001 6622, toll free); Tempest Car Hire (tel: (021) 424 5000); and Cape Car Hire (tel: (021) 683 2441). Hotels can also arrange car hire on visitors' behalf and all the major car hire companies have booths at the airport. International Driving Permits are only needed if the driver's national licence is not printed in English. Rates begin at R80 per day for a budget vehicle, excluding mileage. Optional insurance is provided by the car hire agencies and is highly recommended, particularly against theft. Bicycle and Motorcycle/Scooter Hire Cycling in the city centre requires nerves of steel and is not recommended. However, country excursions can be incredibly rewarding, especially through the Winelands and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Day Trippers (tel: (021) 531 3274) run organised, fully catered rides, with rates ranging from R185 a day (Cape of Good Hope including lunch) to R485 (Winelands including wine tasting and lunch). The Adventure Village (tel: (021) 424 1580) runs a similar service. African Buzz (tel: (021) 423 0052) hires out Vespa and other scooters. Rates are R140-160 per day, depending on season. Thunder Bikes (tel: (021) 419 3839) hires out Harley Davidson motorcycles, both for individual use and as part of an organised day tour - or longer. Rates are R600-800 per day, depending on season and number of days hired. |