How Do You Get from Cape Town Airport to Simon's Town?

Last reviewed: September 2026

The easiest way to get from Cape Town International Airport to Simon's Town is a pre-booked private transfer. A rental car is a good alternative if you plan to explore the Cape Peninsula independently, while ride-hailing can work well when availability and luggage space suit your party.

Which airport option should you choose?

• Pre-booked transfer: best for late or international arrivals, larger parties, child-seat requests and travellers who want a driver waiting with the details.
• Rental car: best if you plan to self-drive to Cape Point and explore the Peninsula on your own schedule. Aqua Terra has secure onsite parking.
• Ride-hailing: practical for one or two travellers with ordinary luggage, but less predictable for large vehicles, late pickups or special equipment.

Simon's Town lies on the False Bay side of the peninsula. The journey is usually straightforward, but traffic changes quickly around weekday commuter periods, so it is worth choosing your transport before you fly.

Use only authorised airport transport

Cape Town International Airport's current passenger guidance lists car hire, pre-booked shuttles, authorised taxis and app-based services as the practical ground-transport choices. The airport specifically tells arriving passengers not to accept rides from unsolicited drivers. Authorised taxi walk-in service is available from transport kiosks and the domestic arrivals desk, while pre-booked shuttle representatives meet passengers from the arrivals terminals.

Uber and Bolt are included on the airport's authorised transport list. If you use an app, follow the live pickup instructions shown after you request the ride, then check the registration, driver name and vehicle before boarding. Airport traffic management can change pickup points, so a screenshot from an old trip is not a reliable meeting plan.

Check Cape Town International Airport's official transport guidance before arrival, especially if your flight lands late or your party needs an accessible vehicle.

Match the vehicle to your party

A standard car may be fine for two travellers with compact suitcases, but the calculation changes quickly with four adults, hard-shell luggage, golf bags, surfboards, wheelchairs or a child seat. Count people and bags separately when requesting a quote. A larger pre-booked vehicle can cost more than a small car but prevents the stressful situation of discovering at the kerb that everything does not fit.

• Solo traveller or couple: a transfer, authorised taxi or app-based ride can all work.
• Family with children: reserve the correct child seat and confirm luggage capacity in writing.
• Three or more adults with full luggage: request an MPV or shuttle rather than assuming a standard car will be large enough.
• Mobility requirements: describe the wheelchair or walking aid, transfer assistance and luggage needs before booking.

Plan the whole arrival, not just the drive

Allow time after landing for immigration, baggage collection, customs, collecting a rental car or meeting a driver. Send the transport provider the flight number so delays can be monitored, and keep Aqua Terra's arrival instructions available offline. If an international flight arrives in the evening, a direct transfer to Simon's Town is normally more comfortable than adding groceries or sightseeing stops while tired.

Questions to confirm before you fly

• Where exactly will the driver or vehicle meet you?
• Is the fare fixed or metered, and are parking or waiting charges included?
• What happens if the flight is delayed?
• Will the requested child seat or accessible vehicle be confirmed in advance?
• Is there enough space for every large bag and piece of equipment?
• Who should you call if mobile data is not working on arrival?

Option 1: Pre-booked airport transfer

This is the least stressful choice after a long flight. Your driver knows your arrival time, has space allocated for your luggage and can take you directly to the guesthouse. It is especially useful for international arrivals, families, groups, late flights and anyone who prefers not to navigate an unfamiliar city immediately.

When arranging a transfer, provide your flight number, arrival date, landing time, number of passengers and the amount of luggage. The flight number allows the service provider to monitor delays rather than relying on a fixed collection time.

Option 2: Rental car

A rental car makes sense if Cape Point, Boulders Beach, the Constantia wine valley and the quieter False Bay beaches are part of your plans. It gives you freedom to change the day according to weather, which is useful in Cape Town.

South Africans drive on the left. If that is unfamiliar, collect the car in daylight where possible, use navigation and avoid building a complicated sightseeing route into your arrival day. Keep bags out of sight whenever the vehicle is unattended, and wait until you are settled before stopping for groceries or photographs.

Option 3: Ride-hailing

App-based transport is often available at the airport and can be convenient for one or two travellers with ordinary luggage. Follow the airport's current instructions for the designated collection area and confirm the vehicle registration and driver's name in the app before getting in.

This option becomes less predictable for a large group, oversized luggage, late arrivals or a request for child seats. In those cases, a booked transfer gives you more certainty. It also means your driver has the exact guesthouse address and arrival instructions before meeting you.

How long should you allow?

Travel time varies with traffic, weather and road works. In light traffic the trip can take around an hour, while weekday peak periods may add a substantial delay. Do not use the shortest map estimate as a promise, particularly when travelling back to the airport for a flight.

For your return journey, ask your host or driver to work backwards from the airline's recommended check-in time and add a traffic buffer. Early morning and late afternoon require particular care on weekdays.

Should you take the train?

There is no direct passenger rail connection from Cape Town International Airport to Simon's Town. Using rail would require additional transfers between the airport and the city network, which is inconvenient with luggage. For an airport journey, a direct road transfer is the practical option.

Useful arrival checklist

• Save the guesthouse address and contact number before leaving the terminal
• Keep your flight number available for the driver
• Tell the transport provider about surfboards, golf bags, wheelchairs or unusually large luggage
• Request child seats in advance
• Keep your phone charged so the driver or guesthouse can reach you
• Confirm the guesthouse intercom and check-in instructions before arrival

Arriving at Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse

Aqua Terra is positioned above False Bay in Simon's Town, close to the penguins at Boulders Beach and the route to Cape Point. Guests receive the exact arrival and intercom instructions before check-in. If you would like a shuttle, we can put you in touch with one of our trusted local service providers.

Check availability and book directly, or WhatsApp Garth with your flight details if you would like help arranging airport transport.