South Africa has 50 international airlines flying between its major cities, and to some of its smaller ones, making around 230 000 aircraft landings and carrying about 33-million passengers a year with fares ranging from first-class to cut-price economy Taxis from the airport to central Cape Town are around 200 rand, about $30 at 6.89 rand to the dollar. Renting a car may be more efficient, and Cape Town is reasonably navigable to outsiders; but remember that South Africans drive on the left. Flights from Europe are generally overnight and just a sleep away - an aperitif, dinner, sound sleep, a good breakfast - and voila, you're in South Africa!

The direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg or Cape Town are about 15 hours Flights between London and Cape Town take about 12 hours.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) operates South Africa's 10 principal airports, including three international airports - O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg,
Cape Town International Airport and Durban International Airport. The other seven are domestic airports in Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, George, Kimberley, Upington and Pilanesberg.

Cape Town International airport in the Western Cape, which has 3.8-million passengers departing a year, has been voted Africa's leading airport at the World Travel Awards for
seven consecutive years. Seven major domestic airlines as well as a number of smaller charter airline companies operate in the Western Cape and throughout South Africa.
South African Airways, South Africa's national carrier, serves over 700 cities, including 20 destinations in Africa, and provides maintenance for many of the world's airlines.

South African Express and Airlink and fly between all the major cities and to some of the smaller ones. Kulula.com, 1time and Mango offer cut-price flights on the more popular routes, between Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and George.

South Africa has an extensive rail network - the 10th longest in the world - connecting with networks in the sub-Saharan region and destinations like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and
Swaziland.

The government has recently embarked on a project to improve rail safety and revive train travel as a viable public transport option for everyone.

Tourists and well-heeled passengers can travel on the Blue Train, one of the world's most famous luxury trains, while Shosholoza Meyl transports about four million passengers a year between the country's major cities.

Cape Town is a city that is fairly spread out in its geography, and you’ll probably need some form of transport other than your legs with which to get around. There are various options available to you.

Hiring your own car is a good option, as it allows you to discover the city at your own pace. With your own rented car, you’ll be able to explore Cape Town by day or go on a self-drive tour at your own pace.

Transfer companies can shuttle you to and from the airport, as well as driving you to destinations around the city during your stay. This option means less responsibility than hiring a car, and you won’t have to be concerned with navigating your way around the city.

Public transport in the Mother City is cheap, however, it is unreliable and we would only recommend it for the brave and adventurous. Minibus taxis - seating as many people as can be crammed in the vehicle at about R3 a lift - are the cheapest option. Rail links exist to major Cape Town destinations, although this is not the safest option, especially after dark.

Otherwise, you can catch a regular taxi. 'Rikki' taxis are popular, with Asian-style open vans, London-style black cabs and sedan cars providing transport in the City Bowl and nearby areas for a low price.

Cape Town competes with Alexandria for recognition as the most famous port in Africa and is certainly one of the most beautiful harbours in the world with its magnificent backdrop of Table Mountain framed by the mountainous Peninsular.

'The Fairest Cape' is a key destination for cruise ships, particularly those engaged in round the world cruising, and provides excellent direct airline connections to most parts of the world.

Many of the smaller and medium size passenger ships make use of the world famous V&A Waterfront with its added tourist attraction and ambience while larger ships go into the main harbour.