Ways to travel in the Western Cape

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the region offers a variety of unique transportation options and ways to travel in the Western Cape. From traditional modes of transport to thrilling adventures, here are some interesting ways to get around.

Western Cape public transport

Navigating an unfamiliar town can be challenging, but Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus makes it easy. It’s affordable, comfortable, and clean, with user-friendly maps. The MyCiTi bus routes cover areas from the city centre to Atlantis in the north, including scenic routes along the Atlantic Seaboard.

For a more tourist-oriented experience, consider the Cape Town hop-on-hop-off bus. There are several options. The Red, Blue, Yellow, and Purple buses offer various routes, including city tours, wine routes, and historic landmark tours. The Golden Arrow bus is another affordable option for getting around Cape Town.

Tuk Tuk rides

For something flexible and convenient, look at Hakuna Matata Tuk Tuk adventures

Western Cape train routes

Cape Town’s Metro Rail transports thousands of locals to work daily and also offers scenic trips. The route from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town along False Bay is iconic, providing an inexpensive way to see the suburbs along the coast. The Atlantic Rail steam train offers a nostalgic experience pulled by a classic steam locomotive, with baristas serving coffee and a fully licensed bar on board.

For a longer journey, the Ceres Rail train takes passengers from Cape Town to Elgin, allowing them to enjoy the scenic views while dining comfortably. If you’re interested in steam engines but prefer not to travel, visit Ashton Main Square or Choo Choo Park to see these historical “iron ladies.”

Miniature Trains and Funiculars

Children will love the miniature train in Sea Point or the Winelands Light Railway. For a unique experience, try the funicular rail at Cape Point, which offers stunning views of the Cape Peninsula.

Cars and Motorbikes

For those who prefer wheels, you can rent cars from various services around the Western Cape. Choose from classic American cars for a chauffeured ride or a Cape Cobra sports car for a self-drive adventure. Alternatively, you can take a chauffeured sidecar trip from the V&A Waterfront to Noordhoek Village via the scenic Atlantic Seaboard and Chapman’s Peak Drive. Travel in the Western Cape in style

Motorbike enthusiasts can rent a Harley Davidson from Makani or Cape Bike Travel and explore some of the world’s most scenic drives.

If you are more interested in machines than travelling, there are some wonderful museums you can visit. Such as The Franschhoek Motor Museum. The Wijnland Auto Museum, the Matjiesfontein Transport Museum, Motorbike museum– Sedgefied cars or the Outeniqua transport museum– 

 

Bicycles and Scooters

For a slower, more active way to explore, consider renting a bicycle. Numerous places around the Western Cape offer bike rentals, including electric bikes (e-bikes). For those who need a little extra help. Scootours offers non-motorized scooters in areas like Table Mountain and the Winelands This  provides a unique way to experience the landscape.

Take the country road

For a more rural experience, try a tractor tour at Cape Dry Tractor, The wine tractor. Or you could travel in the Western Cape in the old-fashioned way, try a donkey cart ride in Gamkaskloof near Calitzdorp or in the Cederberg.  At Op die Berg, you can enjoy an elegant carriage ride drawn by beautiful horses. For beach lovers, horseback riding along Noordhoek Beach is an exhilarating experience.

Take to the sky

Take a helicopter trip over the Cape Peninsula for a bird’s-eye view of the Western Cape. For a slower pace, try a hot air balloon ride over the sea or the vineyards. How about a paragliding adventure for an adrenaline rush? Check City Pass for great deals.

Water-Based Activities

With much of the Western Cape being along the coast, boat charters are available in many locations. Dyer Island Cruises offers boat-based whale watching to see the Marine Big 5, while Circe Launch in Hout Bay takes you to Seal Island. For a quieter experience, take a boat ride from the V&A Waterfront.

Walking Tours

If you prefer to explore on foot, there are many guided hikes and city walking tours available. Discover the Western Cape’s natural beauty, historical buildings, and excellent eateries along the way.

Bo Kaap walking tour   Groot Brak walk  Gugulethu walking tour  

No matter how you choose to travel in the Western Cape, remember to take your time and enjoy all the region has to offer. The links lead to just a few of the many interesting ways to get around the Western Cape that you will find in the Colourdots directory

FAQs about travelling in the Western Cape

• What are some unusual ways to explore the Western Cape?
  You can travel by hot-air balloon, donkey cart, steam train, bicycle, motorbike, horseback, or even horse-drawn carriage.

• Where can I go hot-air ballooning in the Western Cape?
  Balloon flights operate mainly near Paarl and the Cape Winelands, offering early morning rides with scenic views.

• Are donkey rides still offered in the Western Cape?
  Yes. Certain rural towns and heritage areas still offer traditional donkey cart rides, especially for visitors interested in local culture.

• Can you still travel by steam train in the Western Cape?
  Yes. Heritage rail routes such as the Ceres Rail Company offer steam train trips from Cape Town to destinations like Elgin and Stellenbosch.

• Where can I hire bicycles for touring?
  Bicycle rentals are available in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and along popular coastal routes.

• Is motorbike hire available for exploring the region?
  Yes. Several Cape Town-based companies rent scooters and touring bikes for day or multi-day trips.

• Can I take horse-drawn carriage rides in the Western Cape?
  Yes. Carriage tours are available in some Winelands towns and at special events or estates.

• Are these alternative travel options suitable for families?
  Most are, but always check age restrictions for ballooning or horse riding before booking.

• Do I need special licences or experience for these activities?
  For motorbike hire, a valid motorcycle licence is required. Other options like cycling, horse riding, or ballooning need no prior experience.

• When is the best time of year to try these travel experiences?
  Spring and autumn offer ideal weather for outdoor travel — mild temperatures and clear skies.

•  What types of public transport are available in the Western Cape?
  You can travel by MyCiTi Bus, Golden Arrow Bus, Metrorail train, minibus taxi, or long-distance bus and shuttle services.

• Does Cape Town have a reliable bus service?
  Yes. The MyCiTi Bus service runs scheduled routes across Cape Town, including the airport, city centre, Table View, and Hout Bay.

• How do I pay for the MyCiTi Bus?
  You need a MyConnect card, available at MyCiTi stations and selected retailers. Load money onto the card to pay per trip.

• Are there train services in the Western Cape?
  Yes. Metrorail operates trains connecting Cape Town with towns such as Bellville, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Simon’s Town. Service reliability varies by line.

•  Is it safe to use minibus taxis?
  Minibus taxis are widely used and inexpensive but can vary in safety and comfort. Always choose marked taxis at official ranks.

• Can I use public transport to get to Cape Town International Airport?
  Yes. The MyCiTi Airport route runs directly between the airport and the Civic Centre in central Cape Town.

• Are buses and trains available late at night?
  Most MyCiTi and Metrorail services stop operating around 9–10 pm. Taxis and private rideshare options like Uber are available after hours.

• Do buses and trains allow bicycles?
  Bicycles are allowed on certain MyCiTi routes and some Metrorail trains, depending on space and time of day.

• Are public transport services accessible for people with disabilities?
  The MyCiTi Bus system is wheelchair-accessible, with low-floor buses and station lifts. Other systems may not be fully accessible.

• How can I check schedules or delays?
  Visit the MyCiTi or Golden Arrow websites, or use Google Maps’ public transport option for real-time route information.