Cape Town International Airport receives direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US with major carriers, although many people still enter the country through the larger Johannesburg International Airport. The airport is about 15 miles (23km) east of Cape Town city centre and is well equipped with banks, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants and bars.

Public buses, shuttles and taxis provide access to the city centre and hotels from the airport and run from outside Arrivals. Although buses are safe and efficient, getting direct to your hotel from the airport via shuttle or taxi is the best way to go on arrival here. Car hire is available at the airport for those who wish to self-drive.

Those who need to get about in Cape Town have the choice of public buses, tour buses, taxis, and so-called rikki minibuses. Public buses offer the cheapest form of transport and run to all parts of the city during the day, while metered taxis are council controlled and therefore generally reliable and safe.

Rikki minibuses can be chartered or hailed from the street and are lots of fun. Those who hire cars should keep doors and windows locked at all times and never park on city streets at night.

The Cape Town Pass includes a free city tour on a topless bus on the Red Route, and a free tour on the Blue Route from the city to Kirstenbosch, Hout Bay, and Camps Bay.