Table Mountain Cable Car & Hiking Guide 2026 | Cape Town

By Emma · Updated 20 October 2026 · 2 min read

TL;DR

Go up on the first clear, calm day of your trip, as wind and cloud often close the cableway
Book cableway tickets online to skip the ticket queue
Platteklip Gorge is the most direct hike, taking about 2-3 hours up
Never hike alone, and carry water and a warm layer

Type: Nature
Where: Cape Town
Time needed: 2-3 hours by cableway, 4-6 hours hiking
Admission: cableway from about R450 return for adults (2026), hiking free, check before you go

Table Mountain dominates Cape Town, a flat-topped massif rising more than 1,000 metres directly above the city. It is part of Table Mountain National Park and is home to a remarkable range of plants from the Cape fynbos, many found nowhere else. On a clear day, the view takes in the city, Robben Island, the Atlantic coast and False Bay. It is the one sight nobody should miss in South Africa.

What you'll see

From the upper cableway station, easy paved paths loop around the western end of the plateau, with viewpoints over Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles, Lion's Head and the city. Look out for dassies (rock hyraxes), lizards and sunbirds among the fynbos. There is a café and a shop at the top.

Fit walkers can continue to Maclear's Beacon, the highest point at around 1,086m, a walk of about an hour and a half return across the plateau. When the famous "tablecloth" of cloud pours over the edge, the scene is dramatic, but the views disappear.

Tickets and tips

Cableway: the rotating cable car takes about five minutes to reach the top. Adult return tickets cost from about R450 (2026), with cheaper one-way tickets and reduced rates at some times of day. Check the official cableway website for current prices.
Weather: the cableway closes in strong wind or poor visibility, sometimes at short notice. Check its status on the day before you set off. It also closes for a period of annual maintenance, usually in winter.
Hiking: Platteklip Gorge is the most popular route, a steep stone staircase of around two to three hours up. India Venster is shorter but involves scrambling. Skeleton Gorge climbs from Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Safety: hike in a group, start early, carry plenty of water, sun protection and a warm, windproof layer. Weather on the mountain changes quickly.

Getting there

The lower cableway station is on Tafelberg Road, about 10 to 15 minutes by Uber from the city centre. The MyCiTi bus and the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses also stop there. Parking along Tafelberg Road fills up early in summer, so a ride-hailing app is easier.

Where is Table Mountain?

Open in OpenStreetMap · -33.95758, 18.40306

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to hike or take the cable car?

If you are fit and have half a day, hiking up and taking the cableway down is the best of both. The cable car is quick and suits most visitors, especially with children.

What is the best time to go up Table Mountain?

Early morning on a clear, still day, before the queues and the wind pick up. Sunset in summer is beautiful, but check the time of the last car down.

What happens if the cableway closes while I'm at the top?

Staff will bring visitors down when it is safe to run, so you will not be stranded. Keep an eye on announcements and do not set off on a long plateau walk if the wind is rising.

Written by

Emma City breaks & deals editor

Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.