Table Mountain Cable Car: The Ultimate Guide
Cable Car Weather Line: 021 424 818
Cable Car General Info: 021 424 0015
Intro
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a must-see for any visitor to Cape Town. This iconic cable car transportation system offers a swift, scenic five-minute ride to the top of Table Mountain. Each year, approximately one million people take advantage of the Cableway, making it one of Cape Town’s most popular tourist attractions.
UNPARALLELED VIEWS AND AMENITIES
The upper cable station is perched on the westernmost end of the Table Mountain plateau, reaching an elevation of 1,067 metres (3,501 ft). From this vantage point, the station offers breathtaking views over Cape Town, Table Bay, and Robben Island to the north, along with the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south.
Aside from the stunning scenery, visitors will find an array of amenities at the upper station. Take advantage of free guided walking tours or an immersive audio tour to deepen your understanding of the mountain’s rich history and biodiversity. The upper station is also home to a café where you can refuel with a meal, and a Wi-Fi lounge where you can unwind and share your mountain-top memories online.
TICKETS AND TIMING
The Table Mountain Cable car can get extremely busy in peak times and you might find yourself in a queue to find parking before you get into a queue for the cable car. Arrive early or go on a week day to help beat the crowds. Its never a problem when you get on top though as it is a huge expanse up there to explore.
Adult return tickets cost R380 from 8.30am – 1pm, and R300 from 1pm until close. Children return tickets are priced at R190 from 8.30am – 1pm, and R150 from 1pm until close. We recommend allocating two hours to fully enjoy the cableway ride and explore the top of Table Mountain.
A Historic Journey
The idea of a transportation system to the top of Table Mountain first came into discussion as early as the 1870s. Despite several halts in plans due to wars and initial cost concerns, the city’s population strongly supported the project. In 1926, a Norwegian engineer, Trygve Stromsoe, presented plans for the cableway, and construction began shortly after. With the formation of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC), the cableway was completed in 1929 and has been upgraded three times since.
Modern Upgrades
The most recent upgrade in 1997 saw the introduction of the “Rotair” cableway, a design inspired by the Titlis Rotair cableway in Engelberg, Switzerland. Each cable car can carry 65 passengers and runs on a double cable, making the cars more stable in high winds. The journey to the summit now takes only 4-5 minutes. Adding to the spectacle, the floors of the cars rotate 360 degrees during the ascent or descent, giving passengers a panoramic view.
Additional Tips
For the most seamless experience, consider purchasing your Table Mountain Cableway ticket from the driver before reaching the mountain and skip the queue at the Cableway ticket office.
Contact them at info@tablemountain.net or +27 21 424 0015.
Your journey to the top of Table Mountain promises to be an adventure unlike any other. So, step aboard the Cableway and prepare to be captivated by the panoramic views and natural beauty that await you.
