Safe Driving Routes in Cape Town & the Peninsula: Your Guide to Getting Around
- Wolfgang Muller
- Oct 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 14, 2024
Are you visiting Cape Town and wondering how best to get around? There are several great options depending on where you're headed. For getting around the city, ride-hailing apps like Uber and local buses are convenient choices. However, if you're planning to explore the stunning Peninsula, consider joining a tour or renting a car. Not all routes are equally safe—some should be avoided, and others are best traveled only during the day. Below, you'll find a list of recommended routes with directions, along with helpful tips and traffic insights to ensure a smooth and safe trip.
Public Transport
MyCiti Buses: Getting around Cape Town’s city centre is easy with MyCiti buses. You’ll need to buy a MyConnect card and load it with credit at one of the official locations. Here’s where to get started: Top up your MyConnect card.
Metro Rail: The Southern Line train from Muizenberg to Simon's Town offers a scenic, family-friendly way to explore the Southern Suburbs. Hugging the coast, it glides past beaches and rocky shores, making it one of the world’s most picturesque railway journeys and a fun day out with kids. Schedule your train trip.
Ride-Hailing
Prefer the convenience of ride-hailing? Services like Uber and Bolt are widely available and a great option for zipping around the peninsula.
Renting a Car
Self-driving is another excellent way to explore Cape Town. The main roads and highways are generally safe and well-maintained, though you might encounter the occasional pothole or out-of-service traffic light.
Safe and Scenic Routes
When driving in Cape Town, it’s important to stick to certain routes for safety. Here’s a quick guide:
General Tip: Stick close to the mountains and avoid the Cape Flats when possible. The highways you can safely use anytime are the N1, N2, R27, M6, and M3.
M5: Use this road during the day only.
M7: Safe between the N1 and N2 but avoid it south of the N2.
R310: Great for traveling from the Southern Peninsula to Stellenbosch or Somerset West—just avoid it at night, and don’t stop anywhere along this coastal route.
Navigating from the Airport
To Cape Town City Centre: The most direct and safest route is via the N2 highway, which gets you to the heart of the city in about 15 minutes. Look out for Table Mountain in the distance to confirm you’re heading in the right direction.
To Kalk Bay (Southern Suburbs): Take the N2 and then merge onto the M3 for a scenic and secure drive.
To Hout Bay:
To Bloubergstrand (Northern Suburbs):Stick to the N2, M5, or R27. Avoid the M12.
Other Popular Routes
Cape Town to Southern Suburbs: Take the M3 highway. At the end of the highway, you have options: take Boyes Drive, the Main Road (M4), or the scenic Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) through the mountains.
Cape Town to Southern Suburbs (via Twelve Apostles & Chapman's Peak): Probably the most breathtaking drive in Cape Town! The famous Chapman’s Peak Drive is an absolute must for visitors, offering unrivalled coastal views.
Cape Town to Northern Suburbs: Travel via the N1 or the R27, both of which are reliable and safe.
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General Safety Tips
Plan your route before setting off and use a navigation app to guide you.
Always lock your doors and avoid rolling your windows down too far.
Keep valuables out of sight—don’t leave phones or wallets visible.
Double-check the license plate of your Uber or Bolt before getting in.
In the rare event of a smash-and-grab, do not resist. Your safety comes first.
Avoid entering townships unless with a trusted local or tour guide. If you take a wrong turn, stay calm, make a U-turn, and exit.
Areas to Avoid (Unless with a Trusted Local): Elsies River, Langa, Manenberg, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Mitchell's Plain, Philippi, Grassy Park, Delft, Blue Downs, Khayelitsha, Hangberg.
Traffic Laws
Driving Side: Left-hand side of the road.
Speed Limits:
60 km/h (37 mph) in towns and suburbs.
80-100 km/h (50-62 mph) on main roads.
120 km/h (75 mph) on highways.
Be aware, stay vigilant, and enjoy your Cape Town adventure!
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