While many visitors opt to use a rental car when navigating Cape Town, this is quite an unnecessary expense – not to mention the fact that the hunt for parking consistently proves a challenge in the busy city bowl. You’ll find that the MyCiti bus service is a reliable, easy and safe mode of Cape Town transport that allows you to explore the best that the city bowl and surrounds have to offer. Below are some of the best lines to use while you’re staying in this vibrant cosmopolitan hub.
The Airport
An easy way to beat the Uber surcharges is to use the MyCiti – taking for granted that you are staying in the city bowl of Cape Town. This route goes straight between the airport and the centre of town which is extremely convenient when you’re looking for a more affordable and anonymous means of travel. There are also baggage compartments in this bus which means you needn’t worry about the discomfort of squeezing your belongings next to your seat!
- Airport – Civic Centre
The Golden Mile – Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno
Lounge on the most exquisite beaches of Cape Town, with trendy eateries lining Camps Bay, access to four beaches at the pristine Clifton side and a small and intimate experience at Llandudno. Take along your surfboard or opt for a stroll for more breathtaking views of the Atlantic Seaboard around every corner.
- Route 108 – Yellow Line – Hangberg – Sea Point – Adderley
- Towards Camps Bay – Route 107 – Pink Line – Civic Centre – Camps Bay (anti-clockwise)
Hout Bay
All the way down the coast you’ll find Hout Bay, a charming harbour town with fresh fish, markets and the way towards Chapman’s Peak. This is about as far as you can go down the peninsula with MyCiti but there is plenty to do and there are many stops you can make on the way here – from wineries to vistas overlooking the valley below.
- Route 109 – Light Blue Line – Hout Bay – Imizamo Yethu – Sea Point – Adderley
V&A Waterfront Shopping Mall
The V&A Waterfront is no ordinary waterfront but rather a historical landmark as well as a designer boutique stop. Marvel at the different boats as they dock, see Cape Town from the big wheel or try out one of the award-winning restaurants that serve fresh seafood with breathtaking views. There is also Oranjezicht farmer’s market that takes place every Saturday along with other wonderful Cape Town markets.
- Route 104 – Dark Yellow Line – Sea Point – Waterfront – Civic Centre
- Route T01 – Red Line – Dunoon – Table View – Civic Centre – Waterfront
Kloof Street and Long Street
The best part about this mode of Cape Town transport is the fact that you can go out for an evening and not have to worry about driving back afterwards. Please note, however, that the service stops running at 22:30, extending until 23:00 during the festive season. Kloof Street and Long Street, lined with eclectic boutiques perfect for shopping during the day, come alive at night: both are prime spots in the evenings for bars and late-night eateries.
- Towards Kloof – Route 107 – Pink Line – Civic Centre – Camps Bay (anti-clockwise)
- Towards Long – Route 101 – Green Line – Vredehoek – Gardens – Civic Centre
Sea Point Promenade
The promenade is a popular spot for jogging and dog-walking close to the V&A Waterfront. While not one of Cape Town’s most popular beach locations, Sea Point still provides wonderful views of yachts on the water as well as lion’s head as a backdrop. Indulge in a coffee at one of the small bakeries that line the main road.
- Route 104 – Dark Yellow Line – Sea Point – Waterfront – Civic Centre
Table Mountain and Lions Head
These two mountains arguably offer the best trails in Cape Town for seeing the city bowl – they are also achievable for the average visitor. Alternatively, for a charge you can also make your way up Table Mountain by cable car, which allows you the same astounding views without the steep climb. To get from this MyCiti stop to Lion’s head, make your way towards Signal Hill – the start of the path up the mountain is only a short walk away.
- First bus to second bus – Route 107 – Pink Line – Civic Centre – Camps Bay (anti-clockwise)
- Second bus to Table Mountain – Route 110 – Turquoise Line – Table Mountain
Eden on the Bay
Some of the best photos of Table Mountain can be taken from Big Bay, an impressive beach popular with windsurfers. Make your way here not only for the photo but also the bars and small, secluded beaches that neighbour this area.
- First bus to Table View station (getting off at Table View) – Route T01 – Waterfront – Civic Centre – Table View – Dunoon
- Second bus to Big Bay (getting off at Big Bay) – Route 217 – Table View – Big Bay – Melkbosstrand
Melkbosstrand
A little further on from Big Bay lies Melkbosstrand. The drive between the two has magnificent ocean views and this sleepy coastal town is just far enough away from the bustle of Cape Town to really unwind. Take a walk along the beach and find a cosy spot at one of the seaside restaurants for the evening.
- First bus to Table View station (getting off at Table View) – Route T01 – Waterfront – Civic Centre – Table View – Dunoon
- Second bus to Big Bay – Route 217 – Table View – Big Bay – Melkbosstrand
Feel free to explore all of these wonderful destinations with ease, now that you have our guide to these popular MyCiti routes. All the above routes/lines leave from the Civic Centre station in the city bowl. To find out more about how the card system works as well as boarding and leaving the station, visit the MyCiti website.