CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | GUIDE TO CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CPT)

Cape Town International Airport has direct flights to the other two main urban centers of South Africa, Johannesburg and Durban, and rural towns. On the international level, it connects to many places in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the United States. Interestingly, the air journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg was dubbed the ninth most active air route globally in 2011, with approximately 4.5 million passengers.

Cape Town International Airport has domestic and international terminals linked by a central terminal.

In 1954, Cape Town Airport was established shortly after Johannesburg's larger airport opened. It is currently South Africa's largest airport, located on the Witwatersrand, and was formerly named Jan Smuts before being renamed to O.R Tambo International Airport. The last name of Cape Town Airport was D.F Malan, named after the South African Prime Minister of that time. The current Cape Town International Airport replaced Wingfield airport, which previously handled all flights to and from the city. After the apartheid era ended in the early 1990s, the airport's management was taken over by the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the country's largest airport authority responsible for managing ten major airports, including those in Johannesburg and Durban.

Cape Town International Airport provides travelers with extra services and amenities. These include a chapel and prayer rooms for religious requirements, medical care, a pharmacy, and baby-changing facilities for parents with infants or toddlers. The airport also offers free wifi, mobile charging points, lockers for storage, and 24-hour snack bars. Passes for airport lounges, which have showers and pleasant seating, are available to purchase for economy class passengers.

Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT, ICAO: FACT) is the primary international airport serving Cape Town, South Africa, the second-busiest airport in the country and the fourth-busiest in Africa. It is located about 20 kilometers away from the city center of Cape Town.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Cape Town International Airport

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Transfer Services at Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town Airport has various transfer options, including private transfers, shuttle services, and ride-hailing services like Uber. Passengers can choose their pickup location, stop at attractions, and book transfers with SIXT rides. The MyCiti Airport Bus is an affordable and convenient public transport option that runs every 20 minutes to and from the city center.

Cape Town International Airport provides authorized and metered taxi services, such as Touch Down Taxis, Rikkis, Excite, Sport, and Kestrel. Pre-booking a taxi is recommended for convenience and cost savings. Passengers can board a taxi by standing at any taxi rank, although taxis will usually hoot at them if they are standing anywhere along the pavement.

Rental Car Services at Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport offers car rental services, from 1First Car Rental to GREEN MOTION. A rental vehicle from the airport is an excellent way to explore popular attractions such as Robben Island and Cape Point. It is important to ensure complete emptying of the vehicle and drop the keys and agreement in the drop-box near the counters. See and compare all rental car companies at Cape Town International Airport.

Taxi Services at Cape Town International Airport

Passengers arriving at Cape Town International Airport can choose from several taxi services. Calling +27 (0)21 919 4659 will connect you with Touch Down Taxis, the only licensed taxi service. Metered taxis charge between R150 and R220 to travel from the airport to the city's heart. Before leaving the airport, double-check the fare and luggage fees with the driver. Foreign visitors should know that minibus taxis are different from standard taxis. See more information about taxis at Cape Town International Airport.

Bus Services at Cape Town International Airport

The MyCiTi bus service provides transportation to and from Cape Town International Airport. During 5:00 AM and 9:30 PM daily, MyCiTi bus Route #A01 operates nonstop between the airport and the Civic Centre Bus Station in the city's heart. The bus service travels to many different city areas, from the northern fishing villages to the southern Hout Bay and the V&A Waterfront. More information about buses to and from Cape Town International Airport.

Cape Town International Airport and the airport bus station sell one-way bus tickets to the city for R50 per person. In addition, myconnect cards can be loaded with multi-day travel packages that allow you to take as many rides on as many routes as you like while visiting popular tourist attractions and recreational hotspots.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Certain Cape Town hotels provide free shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport. Guests at the Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport can use the hotel's free shuttle service to and from the airport and the V&A Waterfront, which is only 400 meters away.

Guests at the Taj Cape Town, located in the city's heart, can take advantage of a free shuttle to the airport (subject to availability). The Table Bay Hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, and the Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town are just a few of the hotels in the area that provide shuttle services. The hotel should be contacted in advance to inquire about shuttle service availability and schedule.

Ridesharing Services at Cape Town International Airport

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft and traditional taxis are permitted at the airport's departure level at Cape Town International. There are no designated ridesharing areas, however. People needing rideshare or TNC can head to a designated area marked "Passenger Pickups."

Pick a vehicle that can accommodate everyone, plus their luggage, before you call for a ride. Passengers should inform their driver of their current location and any other details that may aid in the driver's search for them. There is also an R10.00 fee for airport pickup and dropoff.

Train Services at Cape Town International Airport

Unfortunately, there are no direct train services to Cape Town International Airport. However, the Western Cape commuter rail network serves the airport, which ends at Cape Town Railway Station.

Passengers can then take a taxi or a bus to the airport. In addition, Johannesburg's Gautrain suburban train service includes an airport line that connects O.R. Tambo International Airport with Sandton. Shosholoza Meyl trains are a popular and affordable option for long-distance travel in South Africa, connecting major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. More information about train services near Cape Town International Airport.

Parking Services at Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport has five car parks managed by Katanga Parking Services. Parkade P1 offers a free pickup-and-go area for users to collect friends and family with a 30-minute free time.

Long Stay Parking is available in the open parking area of Car Park P5 and Shade net 2, and 14 dedicated parking bays per floor are available for persons with disabilities. Payment can be made at conveniently located payment units, and all parking facilities have CCTV cameras. See more information about short and long term parking at Cape Town International Airport.

Other Services at Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport offers many amenities, including lounges like the Bidvest Premier Lounge and SLOW Lounge, free wifi, charging stations, and plenty of seating. Duty-free shopping is available in both the Landside and Airside terminals, with various retail outlets, ATMs, and currency exchange services.

The airport also has shower facilities, a medical center, a prayer room, and a smoking lounge. It is equipped with modern facilities and services to make passengers' traveling experience more comfortable and convenient, as well as security personnel and CCTV cameras.

Disabled Services at Cape Town International Airport

Passengers with disabilities can get extra assistance at Cape Town International Airport. Passengers who need help with a wheelchair can ask their airline for it. The airport also has a hotline that people with limited mobility can call to set up special access and the use of a wheelchair. Taxis for people in wheelchairs can also be booked ahead of time.

The dropoff and pickup area in front of the terminal makes it easier for people with disabilities to get to and from the airport. These facilities can also be used by people who are overweight or have trouble seeing.

People with special needs should call their airline ahead of time to set up help getting from the check-in desk to the plane and from the plane to the arrival halls. Also, it's essential to know that you can't get a wheelchair in a parking lot; you have to get one from an information desk. If someone gets hurt while using one of their wheelchairs, neither the airport nor the airline is responsible.

Wifi at Cape Town International Airport

The "Airports Free" network provides free wifi at Cape Town International Airport for up to 4 hours or 1GB, whichever comes first. The airport also offers free wifi, which requires registration and is limited to 30 minutes per session. Passengers must use the SSID Always On wifi and fill out a registration form to connect to the wifi. Look no further for the best vegan restaurant Sydney has to offer.

Baggage Claim at Cape Town International Airport

The baggage claim at Cape Town International Airport is in the arrivals hall. Carousels and conveyor belts transport luggage from planes to passengers in the baggage reclaim area. Passengers must present their baggage receipts to prevent theft.

International baggage reclaims are restricted after passport control but before customs. Connecting passengers may collect bags. The airport's baggage process's delivery time and capacity can be measured. Passengers with delayed luggage can contact the airline or airport customer service.

Information Desks at Cape Town International Airport

Friendly and knowledgeable airport staff are available to help passengers at these desks. Information desks can provide flight schedules, baggage allowances, transportation options, and airport facilities. Digital kiosks throughout the airport provide airport information in addition to information desks. The airport website has a FAQ section, terminal maps, and airport service contact information.

Smoking at Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport allows smoking only outside terminals and after security. Domestic and international travelers have smoking areas. As of December 2022, international travelers can smoke after passport control, opposite Icons restaurant, and before the stairs to B gates. The smoking lounge reopened in April 2022 after being closed in February 2020 for renovation. The Bidvest lounge has a paid smoking area. South African airports and railway stations prohibit smoking.

Lost and Found at Cape Town International Airport

If you have misplaced an item at Cape Town International Airport, you can ask about it through the lost and found property department. You can reach the airport's phone center by dialing +27 (021) 937 1200 or 086 72 77 888, or you can find the contact details for the lost and found service on the airport's website.

Restrooms at Cape Town International Airport

There are restrooms available at Cape Town International Airport. They are located throughout the airport in both domestic and international terminals.

ATMs and Currency Exchange at Cape Town International Airport

The Cape Town International Airport has several ATMs, including Capitec, FNB Bank, Nedbank, Standard Bank, ABSA, American Express, and Bidvest ATMs. ATMs, most of which accept foreign debit and credit cards, may be found throughout the airport.

ABSA, Bidvest Banks, Rennies Bank, and Master Currency all provide currency exchange services at the airport. The South African rand (ZAR) is South Africa's currency, and you can convert foreign currency at banks or foreign exchange offices.

Shops and Restaurants at Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport offers travelers a range of food and drink options, including restaurants, bars, fast food outlets, coffee shops, and confectionery stores. These options are available both before and after the security checks.

Terminal maps and contact information for all outlets are available online. Some popular food outlets and restaurants at the airport include Mugg & Bean, Ocean Basket, Primi Cafe, KFC, Soaring Hawk Spur Steak Ranch, Barcelos, Debonairs Pizza, and Steers.

History of Cape Town International Airport

In 1954, Cape Town International Airport was established to take the place of Wingfield Aerodrome, which had been the city's airport. It was first known as D.F. Malan Airport, named after the former South African Prime Minister. After the apartheid ended, airport control was given to Airports Corporation South Africa, renamed Cape Town International Airport, which is politically neutral.

The airport has undergone many changes to prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including building a Central Terminal Building. Proponents have renamed it Nelson Mandela International Airport, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Airport, or Krotoa Airport, but no official name change has occurred.

About Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is South Africa's second-most populous city, recognized for its gorgeous surroundings and friendly people. With a population of 3.7 million, Cape Town offers a diverse culture and vibrant atmosphere. Cape Town's climate is typically mild all year round, drawing tourists from around the globe.

Cape Town has many tourist attractions, such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and more. It is also home to some of South Africa's best beaches. The language used in Cape Town is mainly English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa.

The people of Cape Town are known for their hospitality and friendliness, which makes it a great place to visit or live in. Many jobs are available for those looking to work in the city, including tourism-related jobs such as tour guides or restaurant workers and IT jobs, which are becoming increasingly popular with locals and foreigners alike.

The weather in Cape Town is mild throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The ideal time to visit Cape Town is during its summer season when temperatures are warm, and attractions are open throughout the year.

Useful Contact Information

In an emergency in Cape Town, acting quickly and following established procedures is important. If you detect an emergency, immediately sound the alarm and call emergency services at 10177 or 10111.

Hospital

Groote Schuur Hospital

Address: Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa

Phone: +27 21 404 9111

Police

Cape Town Central Police Station

Address: 101 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

Phone: +27 21 467 8000

Cape Town International Airport Contacts

Address: Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa

Information: +27 (0)21 937 1200

Cargo Customer Service: +27 21 937 1275

Lost and Found: +27 21 935 3737

Customer Assistance: +27 21 935 8512

Website: http://www.airports.co.za/

Local Information

Drive on: Left

Electricity: 230V/50GHz

Plug Type: C, D, M, N

Time at Airport: GMT +1

Currency: South African Rand

Language: Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa

Wifi At the Airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) offers free wifi services to passengers. This service is provided by Airports Company South Africa and can be accessed by registering using your device. However, the free wifi sessions are limited to 30 minutes only.