Cape Town Airport

As more and more visitors will come here and use the airport in Cape Town during the next months, here are some FAQs I get frequently asked by ExpatCapeTown readers:

CapeTown Airport FAQs

You can call the Flight Information Hotline at Tel: 0027-86-7277888 or click onto this link and get directed straight to the live information of CapeTown Airport.

Cape Town Airport: Live Flight Information

How much time do I have to be at the Airport before my flight?

The Airports company advised that you should be at the check-in at least 90 mins before your domestic departure and 2.5 hrs before an international flight. The new offramp of the N2 highway connecting the airport with Cape Town City center is almost finished and travelling to and from the International Airport Cape Town is easy to manage now.

Which facilities can I find at CapeTown Airport?

Here are just some of the facilities you will find at the new International Airport in Cape Town:

• Departure Hall for Domestic and International Flights on the Second Floor • Woolworths Supermarket on Ground Floor • Various Shops on Ground Floor: Gifts, Designer Shops, Bookseller • Several Coffeeshops and Restaurants on Second Floor • Vat Refund Office at the Ground Floor • Foreign Exchange Services on the Ground Floor • Tourist Information Desk on the Ground Floor

What do I have to consider when checking in my baggage at the Cape Town Airport?

Remember also that your hand luggage can usually only be up to 7kg. Laptops have to be shown for screening and liquids/creams etc. are only allowed in a separate transparent carry bag (20cmx20cm) with up to 100ml per bottle. Maximum one bag per traveler. Include in this plastic bag all your eye drops, cosmetics, nose sprays you need for traveling and do not want to put in your checked-in luggage. No drinks bottles filled even when filled with 100ml are allowed even for small kids.

Use the services of getting your suitcase wrapped in foil. This will not only protect your suitcase from scratches but also from being manipulated with. There are currently two Baggage Wrapping Machines at the airport. One of the Wrap it! Machines is located at the upper main entrance of the Central Terminal Building and the other in outside in the older part of the Terminal building on the lower level. The costs are: R40 per suitcase.

What are my CapeTown Airport Transport Options?

Taxi and Shuttle Services: There are many excellent private taxi and shuttle services as well as chauffeur services available. If you want to book your Taxi Service in advance I can recommend these to Taxi companies, which I always use when travelling to and from CapeTown Airport.

• ATS Shuttle Service: Ismail Robinson: Tel: 021-6973568

• Randy’s Airport Transfers: Tel: 021 706 0166

The taxi stands are well sign posted and easy to follow from the Central terminal building of Cape Town International Airport.

CapeTown Airport Shuttle Service: A new shuttle system will be implemented during the next weeks in Cape Town. The new BRT Lines will serve the public to get into Cape Town by a dedicated Bus Shuttle Service on the new BRT Lane along the N2 Highway.

Driving your Own Car: There are the new multi-storey parkades 1 and 2, the shaded parking bays, valet parking and lock-up garages.

Read my Driving Tips for Safe Driving in Cape Town here.

Where are the paystations for the parkades located? Pay stations are located next to the lifts/elevators. Should you just need to drop somebody off or need to pick up somebody, use the well marked drop off-Zones at the Airport. The parking fee at the multi-storey parking arcade is R16 for the first hour (May 2010). This fee applies from the minute you enter the garage!

Is there any assistance for Special Needs Passengers?

Please contact the Airport at Tel: 021 935 3737 for assistance and request assistance from your airline when booking your ticket for mobility restricted passengers.

How safe is Cape Town Airport?

Cape Town Airport is currently one of the best guarded and safe airports around the world. There is plenty of security personell visible and they are really helpful should you have some concerns or questions.

But remember you have to stick to some safety rules when travelling and so when coming to South Africa, so be sure to have your lugguage next to you always and never leave it out of your eyes. Only use the official taxis and be careful at the parking when you load your car, never leave your luggage and children unattended.

Read my Cape Town Safety Tips here.

Where can I find hotel accommodation close by the Airport?

There is a 90-room Road Lodge adjacent to Cape Town Airport next to the BP service station. More info.

How long does an Airport Transfer from the Airport to the Cape Town Waterfront Hotels take?

If you take a taxi you will reach the V&A Waterfront in roughly 25 minutes, depending on the traffic along the N2. During the morning rush hour you might have to plan in more than one hour though.

Can I get wireless Internet Access at CapeTown Airport?

If you do not have access to the Airline Lounges, you still can access the wireless internet at WiFi hotspots after check-in and having passed the security checkpoints.

Read more about the changes at Cape Town Airport - update May 2010

As we travel frequently to Johannesburg or overseas via Cape Town Airport, please let me know if you miss some info, then we try to add your question and our answer here. Please contact me here

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