LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTATION

Getting to Cape of Good Hope & Parking Rules

Essential directions, rental car routes, toll road info, parking lot rules, and critical warnings about rideshare return trips.

View Driving Itinerary → Check Gate Fees

Key Transit & Distance Metrics

Distance from Cape Town CBD 65–70 km (Approx. 1h 30m to 1h 45m drive)

Primary Highway Routes M6 Atlantic (via Chapman's Peak) | M4 False Bay (via Simon's Town)

Chapman's Peak Toll Fee ~R61 per light motor vehicle

Parking Fee Included in SANParks entrance gate ticket

Rideshare Safety Warning DO NOT take 1-way Uber/Bolt (No signal inside park to return!)

GPS Navigation Search Route to 'Cape Point Main Gate (SANParks)' on M65

LOCAL EXPERT INSIGHTS

Crucial Driving & Transit Advice

Driving from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope is one of the world's premier coastal scenic drives. The total distance from Cape Town CBD to the main SANParks gate is roughly 65 to 70 kilometers, depending on whether you take the Atlantic ocean route via Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak or the False Bay route through Muizenberg and Simon's Town.

CRITICAL RIDESHARE WARNING: While you can easily book an Uber or Bolt from Cape Town to Cape Point (costing ~R500–R750 one way), you cannot get an Uber back. Cellular coverage completely drops across the southern 12 kilometers of the peninsula inside Table Mountain National Park. Furthermore, rideshare drivers will not wait inside the park due to the R515 entry fee. If you do not have a rental car, book a guided day tour from Cape Town or pre-arrange a private driver charter with a guaranteed return journey.

View Full Day Driving Itinerary →

PARKING FACILITIES IN THE RESERVE

Where to Park inside Cape of Good Hope Reserve

🅿️

Cape Point Lower Station Lot

Primary paved parking facility (~320 vehicles) with park ranger security, restrooms, food shop, and funicular lower station.

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📸

Cape of Good Hope Sign Lot

Unpaved coastline parking (~45 spots) adjacent to the iconic wooden marker sign. Keep car windows closed due to baboons!

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🧺

Buffels Bay Picnic Area Lot

Coastal lot (~60 spots) with braai bays, tidal pool access, and scenic coastal grass lawns.

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🥾

Olifantsbos Parking Lot

Wilderness parking lot serving as trailhead for the SS Thomas T. Tucker Shipwreck walk and Sirkelsvlei circuit.

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TRANSPORT-INCLUDED TOURS

Don't Want to Drive? Book Direct Transport Tours

Includes door-to-door hotel pickup and return transfer across Metropolitan Cape Town.

Bestseller

Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town

⏱️ 4 ★ 4.9 (3498)

Nature Lovers

Private Tour: Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point from Cape Town

⏱️ 8 ★ 4.9 (772)

Adventure Seekers

Supersaver: Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Day Tour from Cape Town

⏱️ 8 ★ 4.9 (421)

Transit & Logistics FAQ

The distance from Cape Town city centre to the Cape of Good Hope main gate is approximately 65 to 70 km (40 to 43 miles). Driving time is typically 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and route choice.

No, vehicle parking at Cape Point main lot, the Cape of Good Hope sign lot, and Buffels Bay is fully included in your SANParks entrance conservation ticket. Customary car guard tipping (R10-R20) upon departure is appreciated.

Metrorail trains run from Cape Town to Simon's Town. However, there is no public bus or train service operating the remaining 21 km from Simon's Town into Table Mountain National Park. You must connect via private shuttle, taxi charter, or join the Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Point Explorer bus.

The ultimate circular route: Drive south from Cape Town along the Atlantic Coast via Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Chapman's Peak Drive (M6/M65) to Cape Point, then return north along the False Bay coast (M4) via Simon's Town and Boulders Beach.

Written by Alex Vance

Expat travel writer and ocean explorer living in Cape Town. Specializing in coastal reserves, marine wildlife, and local South African travel guides.