Navigating Public Transport in Cape Town

Cape Town’s public transport is fragmented, so use the MyCiTi bus system for primary transit and ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt for safety and convenience after dark. Avoid local minibus taxis unless you are familiar with the routes and local hand signals.

1. Purchase a myconnect card. You cannot pay with cash on MyCiTi buses. Buy a 'myconnect' card for R35 at a MyCiTi station kiosk, major Spar supermarkets, or participating retailers. Load money onto it immediately.
2. Download the transport apps. Download 'Moovit' or 'Citymapper' to track MyCiTi bus times in real-time. Do not rely on Google Maps alone, as it often fails to account for live delays in Cape Town.
3. Use ride-hailing for safety. For late-night travel or areas not well-covered by the bus, use Uber or Bolt. They are significantly safer than public transit at night and provide GPS tracking for your journey.
4. Understand the minibus taxi etiquette. Minibus taxis are the fastest way to get around but have no fixed schedule. If you use them, pay with exact change, be prepared for aggressive driving, and ask locals at the rank which taxi goes to your destination before boarding.

Is public transport safe at night?

It is not recommended. Stick to registered Uber or Bolt vehicles after sunset.

Can I use the train system?

Metrorail is currently unreliable and often unsafe for tourists due to infrastructure challenges. Avoid the trains.

Are there student discounts on MyCiTi buses?

Yes, but you need a valid local student ID to register your card for a concession fare.