Cape Town International Airport:  Important information on Climate in Cape Town, Airport Security, Car Hire, Public Transport and Important Airport Numbers

If you’re a first-timer to the frequent traveller favourite of Cape Town, you’re likely to want to know the basics about what to expect at the airport, weather and logistics about getting around. Here is some handy information.

Security at the airport

Getting through security at Cape Town international is a courteous and efficient but strict process. Security standards at South African airports have long exceeded minimum standards followed by international airports in the post-9/11 era. The most important considerations are concerning hand luggage, as you do not want to be inconvenienced by having to leave behind your critical in-flight medication.

You will be searched if your bag shows up any sharp objects in the metal detector. Pocket knives and seemingly inconspicuous things such as hairpins and the like will not be allowed through security, so make sure to remove these.

As for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs), only containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each are allowed. Be sure to pack these containers in a resealable, see-through plastic bag. You may carry more than one liquid-containing vial but a single plastic bag may not contain more than 1 litre. In total, only one, one-litre plastic bag per passenger is allowed.

As you will need to hand these see-through bags to security for inspection, make sure your bag can open and is re-sealable.

Accessing public transport at the airport

There are a number of public transportation modes from the airport, including vehicle hire, taxi cab services, shuttles and the MyCiTi shuttle​. The MyCiti shuttle is part of the MyCiti mass rapid bus transport system. The shuttle will hook you up to the centre of town and drop you at Hertzhog Boulevard, near the Artscape theatre. From there, it is easy to get a cab to the hotels at the foreshore, Waterfront or city bowl.

Shuttle Services

Private shuttles run from the airport to Cape Town itself and various other destinations in the peninsula and province. Your shuttle representative will meet you at the arrivals terminus and transport you along the international inner lane.

Taxis and Cabs

The official authorised airport taxi service provider is Touch-Down Taxis. In reality many other uber-style metred taxi cabs can be hailed at the drop off and go area.​

Car Hire Companies Cape Town International Airport

There are numerous private vehicle rental agencies at the airport. In total, there are currently nine car hire companies at Cape Town International Airport.You will find all the car hire companies at Cape Town International Airport at the Transport Plaza and Central Terminal Building.

You can reach these via two pedestrian subways on each side of the terminal building. You cannot get lost, as there is only one terminal building housing international and local departures and arrivals. The subways allow access to the car hire companies at Cape Town International Airport vehicle rentals and the shaded parking areas. The car hire companies at Cape Town International Airport are include all the familiar international names such as Hertz and Avis, and generally the biggest market players locally.

If it’s your first car hire at Cape Town International Airport, it’s best to find out which vehicles are available before the time, especially in high season. Also, find out what the requirements are. For your first car hire at Cape Town International Airport, present your valid driver’s licence and a credit car. Currently, there are no cash-only vehicle hire facilities available at the airport. However, you do not need to be confined only to the companies at the airport simply because it’s your first car hire at Cape Town International Airport. There are no-deposit and no credit card local companies in operation who will gladly drop your car off at the airport.

The same is true of cheap car hire at Cape Town International airport. Some cheap car hire at Cape Town International airport options, if you contact them to drop off at the airport before the time are Betta Car Hire, Eco Car Hire and Rhino Car Hire Cape Town. The independent, privately owned companies offering cheap car hire at Cape Town International airport usually have one to 14-day contracts for under R200 a day, with free mileage options comparable to all the major car rental companies.

Cape Town Climate

Cape Town is subject to major climate change fluctuations and one of the consequences has been water scarcity. You are likely to see signs urging you to use water sparingly at the airport. The summers, from September to April are dry and moderate, with hot mid-30s celsius temperatures from January to March.

Expect cooler weather and traditional winters from April to August. Snow can be expected on several mountain peaks in the height of winter. Winters can be stormy and rainy but the impact of global warming has meant that winters are drier than before.

Important numbers to keep close

There are iHelp telephones stationed throughout the terminal buildings for passenger use. You may dial free of charge for assistance. The centrally located information kiosks are also very helpful. Here are some more numbers:

• The Security Control room: +27 (0)21 937 1288
• South African Police Service: +27 (0)21 927 2900
• Airports Company South Africa line for passengers requiring special assistance: +27 (0)21 935 3737
• To make enquiries about tax refunds: +27 (0)21 934 8675

Safety in Cape Town:

Cape Town is safe in general provided that you adhere to sensible rules such as locking your car doors, not venturing into informal settlements without tour guides, and not flashing your valuables. Do not climb Table Mountain alone as unfortunately, there have been a few rogue attacks on the mountain. Popular hiking trails, especially in groups, provide no safety risks and it would be sacrilege to leave Cape Town without having gone up the cable car.