Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
Fiji
Mountain · Cidade do Cabo, Cabo Ocidental
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Cable car with a rotating cabin that ascends Table Mountain, the flat‑topped mountain that dominates Cape Town, to viewpoints over a thousand metres up.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Table Mountain is the flat‑topped mountain that closes Cape Town to the south. The highest point, Maclear's Beacon, is about 1,085 metres, and the plateau stretches roughly 3 km, with sandstone cliffs facing the city. It is part of Table Mountain National Park and was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
The most common way up is the cable car, which departs the lower station on Tafelberg Road, at about 300 metres altitude, and reaches the upper station at about 1,067 metres in some 5 minutes. The cabin floor rotates during the ascent, so everyone gets views of the city and the mountain from all angles.
On the summit, short paths lead to viewpoints over the centre, Table Bay, Robben Island, Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles coastline on the Atlantic side. There are short guided walks on the plateau leaving from the upper station that explain the fynbos and the animals living there, such as the dassie, a small mammal that basks on the rocks.
Those who prefer to hike ascend on the Platteklip Gorge trail, the most direct route, taking about 2 to 3 hours of steep climbing. The cable car stops in wind or fog, and the cloud that covers the top, called the tablecloth, can appear suddenly.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours to go up, visit the viewpoints and descend.
Best time
Early morning, when the wind is usually weaker and queues are smaller. On days with a strong southeast wind, common in summer, the cable car can stop; check the website before you go. Late afternoon in summer has beautiful light, but the descent queue grows.
How to get there
The lower station is on Tafelberg Road, about 4 km from the centre. The MyCiTi bus goes to Kloof Nek, from where a shuttle line runs to the cable car. There are ride‑hailing apps and parking along the road, which fills up in summer.
Tip
Buy tickets online to skip the ticket queue and bring warm clothing: it's much colder on top than in the city. Hikers should start early, carry water and not ascend in closed or bad weather.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
How long does the Table Mountain cableway take?
Around 5 minutes to ascend, with the cabin rotating during the journey.
Does the Table Mountain cableway operate every day?
It runs year‑round but closes when winds are strong or fog covers the summit. Check the website on the day of your visit.
Can you hike up Table Mountain?
Yes. The most used route is Platteklip Gorge, taking about 2 to 3 hours for a steep ascent. Start early and don’t hike in poor weather.
Is it cold on top of Table Mountain?
It is usually much colder than in the city, with wind. Bring a jacket even in summer.