Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

CPTSouth AfricaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town, South Africa

Drop-off

Cape Town CBD (Civic Centre)

Pin before customs

Fastest

MyCiTi A01 Airport – Civic Centre

bus · 20-30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: MyCiTi A01 Airport – Civic Centre
Headway: 20-30

Note

This former BRT service linked Cape Town International Airport with Civic Centre station in the CBD in about 30 minutes, but it has been officially suspended since 1 December 2022 and remains unavailable as of 2025; no direct public bus currently operates between the airport and city centre.

Budget focus

Cape Town: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likecape town airport busandcpt to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: MyCiTi A01 Airport – Civic Centre
Mode: bus
Freq: 20-30m
Note: This former BRT service linked Cape Town International Airport with Civic Centre station in the CBD in about 30 minutes, but it has been officially suspended since 1 December 2022 and remains unavailable as of 2025; no direct public bus currently operates between the airport and city centre.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: MyCiTi A01 Airport – Civic Centre
Mode: bus
Freq: 20-30m
Note: This former BRT service linked Cape Town International Airport with Civic Centre station in the CBD in about 30 minutes, but it has been officially suspended since 1 December 2022 and remains unavailable as of 2025; no direct public bus currently operates between the airport and city centre.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.