Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Arriving passengers proceed through border control, baggage reclaim, and customs before entering the public arrival hall in the Central Terminal Building.

• Follow the overhead signs for International Arrivals upon disembarking.
• Present your passport and travel documentation to the Department of Home Affairs immigration officers.
• Collect your checked luggage from the carousels in the international baggage reclaim area.
• Select the appropriate customs channel: Green for nothing to declare, or Red if carrying goods exceeding duty-free allowances.
• Exit into the public arrivals hall where ground transport, currency exchange, and visitor information are located.

• Ride-hailing

  App-based rideshare

  Services such as Uber operate from a designated pickup area in the airport parkade.

  Time:

  Typically 20-30 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Approximately ZAR 200 - ZAR 350

• Taxi

  Official airport taxi

  Authorised metered taxis are available at the taxi rank directly outside the arrivals exit.

  Time:

  Typically 20-35 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Approximately ZAR 300 - ZAR 450

• Bus

  Private shuttle

  Pre-booked door-to-door transfer services meet passengers in the arrivals hall.

  Time:

  Typically 25-40 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Approximately ZAR 250 - ZAR 500

• Car rental

  Car rental

  Major rental company desks are located in the dedicated car rental centre opposite the terminal.

  Time:

  Typically 20-30 minutes to city centre

  Typical cost:

  Varies by vehicle type and rental duration

Connecting between international and domestic flights is straightforward as all gates are housed within the same contiguous building structure.

• International arriving passengers connecting to domestic flights must clear immigration and customs first.
• Collect all checked baggage after border control and proceed to the domestic check-in area in the Central Terminal Building.
• Pass through domestic security screening before proceeding to your domestic departure gate.
• Allow at least 90 minutes to 2 hours to clear immigration, reclaim baggage, and complete re-check procedures.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal complex.

• Select the official airport network from your device's Wi-Fi settings.
• A brief registration page requires basic contact information or social media login to connect.
• Free access is provided for a limited duration or data allocation, after which additional access can be purchased online.
• Coverage is available across both arrival and departure halls.

Banking and foreign exchange facilities are available in both arrival and departure areas.

• ATMs accepting international bank cards are located in the main arrivals hall.
• Official currency exchange counters operate in the international arrival area.
• Electronic payments and contactless credit or debit cards are widely accepted across Cape Town.
• The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).

A range of food, beverage, and dining options is available both landside and airside.

• Coffee shops and quick-service food outlets operate in the public arrivals area.
• A larger food court with sit-down restaurants is located on the upper level of the Central Terminal Building.
• Additional cafes and snack bars are available airside after security checkpoints.

Airline and independent lounge facilities are available in the international and domestic departure sections.

• Airline lounges serve premium-cabin passengers and eligible frequent flyer members.
• Independent pay-per-use lounges offer access to all passengers for a fixed fee, subject to capacity.
• Lounges provide shower facilities, quiet seating, refreshments, and business amenities.

Hotel options are located directly on the airport precinct, with extensive options available in the wider city area.

• An on-site hotel is situated within walking distance of the main terminal building.
• Nearby airport hotels offer complimentary or paid shuttle connections to and from the terminal.
• Hotel reservation assistance is available at tourist information desks in the arrivals hall.

Standard baggage services including storage and protective wrapping are available inside the terminal.

• Luggage wrapping services are located near the check-in counters in the main terminal.
• Left-luggage and secure storage facilities operate in the public terminal area.
• Inquiries regarding lost or delayed checked bags must be directed to your airline's baggage handling desk in the reclaim hall.

The terminal is equipped with essential facilities for passengers travelling with children.

• Baby changing amenities are integrated into major restroom facilities throughout the terminal.
• Lifts and ramps provide step-free access across all floors and operational levels.
• Prams and strollers are permitted up to the aircraft door, subject to individual airline policies.

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
• Currency exchange counters
• Car rental centre
• Left luggage storage
• Baggage wrapping service
• Information desks
• Medical clinic

Local emergency number: 112 from mobile phones, 10111 for Police, 10177 for Ambulance.

• For medical emergencies within the terminal, notify any airport security officer or visit the terminal medical clinic.
• The South African Police Service (SAPS) maintains a station on the airport precinct for reporting loss or crime.
• In the event of a lost passport, contact your country's embassy or consulate located in South Africa.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Airports Company South Africa - Cape Town International AirportOfficial airport source
• Department of Home Affairs - Immigration ServicesGovernment source
• South African Revenue Service - Customs and Traveller InformationGovernment source
• City of Cape Town - Transport and ServicesOfficial transit source
• South African Police Service - Official PortalGovernment source