Cape Town without a car? You don’t need a car to explore Cape Town from Century City. The MyCiTi Bus Rapid Transit system connects Century City directly to the city centre, V&A Waterfront, and beyond. Ride-hailing apps, cycling paths, and walkable canal-side routes make car-free travel practical, affordable, and genuinely enjoyable for both business and leisure visitors staying in the area.
Why Car-Free Travel Works Well from Century City
Century City is one of Cape Town’s most thoughtfully planned urban precincts. Situated approximately 10 km north of the Cape Town CBD, it was designed from the outset as a walkable, mixed-use environment — with pedestrian-friendly canal paths, secure cycling infrastructure, and direct public transport access built into its layout.
For conference delegates, bleisure travellers, and leisure tourists staying at properties like the Bridgewater Hotel or the Urban Square Hotel, getting around Cape Town without renting a vehicle is not just possible — it’s often the smarter choice. Parking in the CBD and at popular tourist sites can be costly and stressful, particularly during the busy summer season (November to February).
This guide covers every practical option available to you, with honest assessments of each mode.
The MyCiTi Bus: Your Primary Public Transport Link
The MyCiTi Bus is one of the most useful public transport options for visitors staying in Century City. The network connects Century City with other parts of Cape Town, including city centre, Table View, the West Coast and surrounding areas. Current routes and timetables can change, so it is best to use the official MyCiTi journey planner or app when planning your trip.
Century City is served by several MyCiTi routes. Current services include Route 261, linking Century City Rail with Omuramba, Salt River and Adderley; Route 262, connecting Summer Greens, Century City and Woodbridge Island; and Route 264, which was introduced in May 2026 to provide a more direct connection between Century City and Century City Rail. Other routes, including D08, T03 and T04, also serve the wider Century City area.
For visitors, this means you can use Century City as a base and connect into the wider MyCiTi network rather than relying on a rental car for every journey. Routes can also be connected at stations and stops, making it possible to reach destinations beyond Century City without driving.
Ride-Hailing: Uber, Bolt, and inDrive
For point-to-point convenience — particularly after dark or when carrying luggage — ride-hailing is the most flexible car-free option in Cape Town.
Uber has the deepest coverage across Cape Town and operates reliably from Century City at all hours. Bolt offers competitive pricing and is widely used across the metro. inDrive allows fare negotiation and has grown in popularity in Cape Town since 2023.
All three apps are available on iOS and Android. Pickup from Century City hotels is straightforward, and drivers are familiar with the precinct.
Typical fare estimates (approximate, subject to surge pricing):
| Destination | Uber (standard) | Bolt (standard) |
| Cape Town CBD | R80–R120 | R70–R110 |
| V&A Waterfront | R90–R130 | R80–R120 |
| Camps Bay | R160–R220 | R140–R200 |
| Bloubergstrand | R130–R180 | R120–R160 |
| Cape Town Airport | R150–R200 | R130–R180 |
Fares are indicative only and vary by time of day, demand, and route. Always confirm pricing in-app before booking.
Cycling: Canal Paths and Beyond
Century City’s internal cycling infrastructure is genuinely impressive. The Century City canal network features dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths that allow you to move around the precinct entirely on two wheels — linking hotels, the Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City Square, and the Conference Centre without touching a road.
For wider Cape Town cycling, the MyCiti Bicycle Lane network extends along parts of the Atlantic Seaboard and into the CBD. The Sea Point Promenade is one of Cape Town’s most scenic and safe cycling routes, stretching approximately 4 km along the ocean.
Bicycle hire is available through services like Up Cycles (based in the City Bowl) and select guesthouses. Check with the concierge at your Century City hotel about current rental options and delivery services.
Important note: While cycling is excellent within Century City and along the Seaboard, cycling on the N1 or N7 is unsafe and strongly discouraged. Plan routes using Google Maps’ cycling layer, which shows dedicated lanes and shared paths.
Walking: What’s Accessible on Foot from Century City
Century City is highly walkable within the precinct itself. Key destinations reachable on foot include:
- Canal Walk Shopping Centre — approximately 5–10 minutes’ walk from most hotels
- Century City Square — the precinct’s social hub, with restaurants, coffee shops, and event spaces
- Century City Conference Centre — directly connected to hotel properties, making it ideal for delegates who can conference in Cape Town and stay at Century City Hotels without a single car trip
For dining, the Century City restaurants and bars guide covers walkable options within the precinct — from casual canal-side spots to more formal dining venues.
Walking beyond the precinct to other Cape Town neighbourhoods is generally not practical due to highway infrastructure separating Century City from surrounding areas. For those trips, MyCiTi or ride-hailing is recommended.
Step-by-Step: Planning a Car-Free Day Trip from Century City
Here’s how to structure a full day exploring Cape Town without a vehicle:
Step 1 — Morning: Take the MyCiTi to the V&A Waterfront
Board at Century City station (T01 route). Journey time: approximately 25–30 minutes. Explore the Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium, and the harbour-side market.
Step 2 — Midday: Walk or cycle the Sea Point Promenade
From the Waterfront, it’s a short Uber or Bolt ride to Sea Point (R40–R60). Hire a bicycle or walk the promenade to Bantry Bay. Stop for lunch at one of the promenade’s café spots.
Step 3 — Afternoon: Head to the City Bowl
Take a ride-hail to the Cape Town CBD. Visit the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood on foot, browse Greenmarket Square, or explore the Zeitz MOCAA museum at the V&A if you didn’t catch it in the morning.
Step 4 — Late Afternoon: MyCiTi back to Century City
Board from the Civic Centre or Adderley Street station. You’ll be back at Century City in under 30 minutes — in time to freshen up before dinner.
Step 5 — Evening: Dinner within the precinct
No transport needed. Century City’s restaurant and bar scene offers everything from casual to upscale dining, all walkable from your hotel room.
Practical Tips for Getting Around Cape Town Without a Car
- Load your myconnect card before you need it. Top up at the Century City MyCiTi station or at Canal Walk’s service counters.
- Use Google Maps for real-time MyCiTi schedules. The app integrates live MyCiTi departure data.
- Travel before 8:30am or after 9:00pm for shorter Uber wait times. Peak hours see higher demand and surge pricing.
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-lit, busy zones or use ride-hailing after dark.
- Book airport transfers in advance. The MyCiTi A01 Airport Express runs directly from Century City to Cape Town International — a cost-effective and reliable option.
For a full overview of transport options in and around the precinct, the Century City getting around guide is the most up-to-date local resource available.
Accommodation That Makes Car-Free Travel Easier
Where you stay significantly affects how easily you can travel without a car. Century City’s hotel and apartment properties are positioned directly adjacent to the MyCiTi station, Canal Walk, and the precinct’s cycling and walking paths.
Guests staying at the Axis Luxury Apartments benefit from self-catering facilities — reducing the need for daily grocery runs — while remaining within easy reach of all public transport links.
If you’re planning an extended stay or a conference visit, choosing accommodation within Century City effectively eliminates the need for a car entirely for most daily activities.
Ready to plan your car-free Cape Town stay? Browse the full range of Century City Hotels accommodation options and find the right property for your trip — whether you’re here for business, a conference, or a leisure break.
FAQ
Q1: Can I get from Century City to Cape Town Airport without a car?
Yes. The MyCiTi A01 Airport Express route connects Century City directly to Cape Town International Airport. The journey takes approximately 40–50 minutes and costs a fraction of a taxi fare. Alternatively, Uber and Bolt both service the airport route reliably.
Q2: Is the MyCiTi bus safe to use in Cape Town?
MyCiTi buses are generally considered safe. Vehicles are CCTV-monitored, stations are staffed, and the system operates within formal infrastructure. As with any public transport, remain aware of your belongings and avoid travelling alone on quieter routes late at night.
Q3: How far is Century City from the V&A Waterfront by public transport?
By MyCiTi bus (T01 route), the journey from Century City to the V&A Waterfront takes approximately 25–30 minutes. By ride-hail, expect 15–20 minutes outside peak traffic hours.
Q4: Can I cycle from Century City to the Cape Town CBD?
A direct cycling route from Century City to the CBD is not straightforward due to highway crossings. The most practical approach is to take MyCiTi to a city-centre station and hire a bicycle there for local exploration, or use Google Maps’ cycling layer to identify current shared-path routes.
Q5: Are there grocery stores within walking distance of Century City hotels?
Yes. Canal Walk Shopping Centre, a 5–10 minute walk from Century City hotels, contains multiple major supermarkets including Woolworths Food, Pick n Pay, and Checkers. This makes self-catering in the Axis Luxury Apartments highly convenient without needing a car.