Table Mountain Cable Car
Ascend to the top of Cape Town's iconic flat-topped mountain via a rotating cable car for unparalleled city and ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid long queues
Table Mountain Cable Car
Best Time
Avoid long queues
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to the top of Cape Town's iconic flat-topped mountain via a rotating cable car for unparalleled city and ocean views.
"The wait and cost is worth it due to the stunning view from the top of the city, the Ocean, and the Lion's Head mountain."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your cable car tickets in advance online.
💨 Check Weather Before You Go
Wind can close the cable car. Always check visibility and wind conditions before heading up.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 3,774 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Table Mountain Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Cape Town, the ocean, and surrounding mountains.
Rotating Cable Car Ride
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
A unique five-minute ascent with ever-changing perspectives of the landscape below.
Summit Hiking Trails
Table Mountain Summit
Easy walking paths offering diverse viewpoints and a chance to explore the mountaintop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the View
Weather is Key: Flexibility is Your Friend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Table mountain, Capetown must do’s in 5 days and restaurants.
Hello!! I just noticed it says the cable car for table mountain will be closed Aug 1-5 when we are in capetown. So I guess this means we can’t see it? A local Capetown friend recommended we take the cable car. She said it was the safest way to go. Any other safe alternatives to…
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your cable car tickets in advance online.
💨 Check Weather Before You Go
Wind can close the cable car. Always check visibility and wind conditions before heading up.
From what time do people start queuing to go up the cable car?
Planning going up Saturday morning. I hate queues, but fortunately I'm a morning person so I don't mind getting up early to avoid it. Question is how early to avoid the death queues?
Go up table mountain. Is it even possible?
Hey everyone. Probably a stupid question. Me and a friend want to visit table mountain. But we are finding some conflicting information. The [Facebook of the…
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want to explore the summit, so comfortable footwear is a must for walking the trails.
💰 Food & Drinks Are Pricey
Pack your own snacks and water as on-site options are expensive.
Does anybody know if there's an ATM at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway visitor center?
We're planning to go early tomorrow morning and need to know if we should make a detour first. Thanks!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your cable car tickets in advance online.
💨 Check Weather Before You Go
Wind can close the cable car. Always check visibility and wind conditions before heading up.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want to explore the summit, so comfortable footwear is a must for walking the trails.
💰 Food & Drinks Are Pricey
Pack your own snacks and water as on-site options are expensive.
⏰ Arrive Early for No Queues
To skip the lines, aim to arrive before 8 AM, or even earlier on busy days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views from Table Mountain, calling the cable car ride a unique experience. While the cost and potential for long queues are noted drawbacks, the spectacular scenery and accessible summit trails make it an unforgettable highlight of any Cape Town trip. Many emphasize the importance of checking weather conditions for optimal visibility.
"The rotating floor aerial cablecar that takes you to the summit, of Table Mountain takes approximately five-minute to the top and it is an experience by itself. The ticket to the top is fairly inexpensive for what it offers. Sometimes there are long lines to get the tickets. The wait and cost is worth it due to the stunning view from the top of the city, the Ocean, and the Lion's Head mountain. Sometimes the top can be cover by low hanging clouds blocking the view, even so, as the clouds clear the views are stunning. On the top there are a couple of nice easy trails allowing you to see down from both sides of the mountain. Table Mountain is recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature."
Philippe Jacques Kradolfer
"The most beautiful view ive ever seen. Its Mountains, its a city and Ocean. It was busy but so worth the wait. The food and drinks are very expensive unfortunately up there. But wow what a view. What a experience. We walk for about 2 hours and couldn't see everything because we were tired. But so worth it to go up."
Jevonné Mendonça
"The entrance lines were insane, so buy online in advance and buy fast track. The fast track entrance is next to the ticket office, indicated with a yellow sign. When you leave don't go through gift shop, there's a sign to the right side of it for fast track. They offer free wifi and there's a restaurant, although it was small, packed and hard to find seating. If you can go on a clear day I'm sure the views are amazing. I tried on two separate days and only got a glimpse unfortunately."
Heather S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cable car station is located at the end of Tafelberg Road. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-sharing service. The City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus also stops here, making it a convenient option for tourists.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the lower cable car station. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive.
Yes, there are several hiking trails that lead to the summit of Table Mountain, such as the Platteklip Gorge trail. These hikes are challenging and require good fitness levels.
For convenience, many visitors opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service. The City Sightseeing bus is also a popular choice, offering a guided experience and easy access.
While direct public buses are limited, the MyCiTi bus network can get you close to the base, and then a short taxi or ride-share will complete the journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but they are generally considered inexpensive for the experience. It's best to check the official Table Mountain Aerial Cableway website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Absolutely! Buying tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues at the ticket office. Some reviews suggest fast-track options are also available.
Operating hours vary seasonally and are weather-dependent. Always check the official website for the most current operating times before your visit.
Policies can vary, but typically if the cable car is closed due to weather, you should be able to get a refund or reschedule your visit. Contact customer service for specifics.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or South African residents. Check the official website or inquire directly for any applicable promotions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views, walk along easy trails, visit the restaurant and shop, and learn about the mountain's unique flora and fauna.
Most visitors spend 1-3 hours at the summit, depending on how much they want to walk and explore. Some people spend longer if they enjoy hiking.
The summit area is largely accessible, with paved paths and viewing platforms. The cable car itself is also accessible.
Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the summit. A windbreaker is also advisable.
Yes, from the summit, you get incredible 360-degree views encompassing the city, the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, and the surrounding mountains like Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, but can be challenging with cable car hours. Mid-morning to late afternoon on a clear day provides excellent light for general photography.
You can capture stunning landscapes, cityscapes, ocean views, and unique fynbos flora. The rotating cable car also offers unique photographic opportunities during the ascent and descent.
The main viewing platforms offer excellent wide-angle shots. Exploring the various trails on the summit can lead to more secluded and unique photographic perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the city or distant features. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sky and water.
Yes, clouds can create dramatic and moody shots, especially if they are low-hanging and swirling around the summit. It offers a different, ethereal photographic experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit