An estimated R1 billion has been spent on a long-overdue rehaul of Cape Town International Airport (011 921 6262/www.acsa.co.za) in time for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.
This includes the addition of a huge car park, a shopping mall and, most importantly, a brand spanking new terminal building.
The airport is about 22km (14 miles) from Cape Town’s city centre and the N2 highway is the fastest and most direct route between the two. Excluding any unexpected delays, it should take you about 30 minutes to drive into the centre outside peak hours (7-9am and 4.30-6pm); otherwise it can easily take up to an hour.
Reputable airport car rental companies include Avis (www.avis.co.za), Hertz (www.hertz.co.za) and Budget (www.budget.co.za).
If you are not driving, you can make your way to the city with one of the airport’s shuttle services like Way2Go (0861 929 246), Magic Bus (021 505 6300) and City Hopper (021 934 4440) or organise a Rikkis shuttle (0861 745547/www.rikkis.co.za).
Hail a cab from the airport-authorised Touch Down Taxis (021 919 4659). Depending on which company you use the journey to the centre should cost R180-R280.
Besides the national carrier, South African Airways (www.flysaa.com), other international airlines with daily direct flights to Cape Town include Air Malaysia (www.malaysiaairlines.co.za), KLM (www.klm.com), Air Namibia (www.airnamibia.com), Qatar (www.qatarairways.com) and Air Mauritius (www.airmauritius.com).
SA Airlink (www.saairlink.co.za).
British Airways (www.ba.co.za).
There are always flight specials on offer at the various carriers, so it’s a good idea to keep checking their websites. The Airports Company of South Africa (021 937 1200/086 727 7888/www.airports.co.za) has three budget domestic airlines, namely Kulula.com (www.kulula.com), 1Time (www.1time.co.za) and Mango Air (www.flymango.com).
Getting around Cape Town
When to go to Cape Town
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