Visiting the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway: A Helpful Guide for Travellers

Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most famous landmark, recognised as one of the New7Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of Cape Town’s Big Six attractions, six remarkable landmarks that define the city. Table Mountain is the only New7Wonder of Nature within a city, which makes it one of the most accessible natural landmarks in the world.

For nearly a century, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has been transporting visitors to the summit, providing an easy, safe, and spectacular way to view the city from above.

The ride is short, just four to five minutes, but it’s an experience you won’t forget. Each of the two cable cars carries up to 65 passengers, and the floor rotates slowly as you go up, so everyone gets a full 360-degree view of Cape Town, Table Bay, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.

The Table Mountain Cable Car Ride

The cableway is one of only three in the world with a rotating floor. Each car carries up to 65 passengers, travelling at up to 10 metres per second, and covers the distance from base to summit in under five minutes.

On the way up, you can see Cape Town’s city centre, Table Bay with Robben Island, and the surrounding peaks of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. By the time you step out at the Upper Station, you’re more than 1,000 metres above sea level.

Fact: Each cable car rests on a 3,000-litre water tank that supplies fresh water at the summit and helps stabilise the cabin in windy weather. The cars run on cables that stretch 1,200 metres, weigh 18 tons, and connect to counterweights of 134 tons.

Exploring the Summit of Table Mountain

Table Mountain’s flat plateau is criss-crossed with trails that are easy to follow and suitable for most visitors. These paths offer the chance to explore at your own pace, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in views that change with every step.

Agama Walk: This circular trail is short and clearly marked, taking around 30 minutes to complete. It offers uninterrupted views over Cape Town, Table Bay, and the Cape Peninsula. The mostly even terrain makes it great for families and relaxed walkers.

Dassie Walk: Named after the small rock hyraxes that live on the mountain, this trail is shorter than the Agama Walk but just as impressive. It leads to viewpoints looking north towards the city, south over the Cape Peninsula, and west across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a good option if you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of the summit’s scenery.
Maclear’s Beacon Trail: This moderate, well-marked path takes about 45 minutes each way, running across the mountain to Maclear’s Beacon, the summit at 1,086 metres. The walk follows a gradual incline, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended. Panoramic views stretch over False Bay and, on clear days, reach as far as Cape Point.
Nature and Wildlife: Table Mountain is part of the Cape Floristic Region — the richest floral kingdom in the world — and is home to more than 1,460 plant species. Many of these are unique to the mountain. You’re also likely to spot dassies warming themselves on the rocks, bright agama lizards, and a variety of birds, from sunbirds to raptors.

Tips for Walking the Trails

Wear good shoes: Even short walks are easier with comfortable, closed footwear. Some sections can be uneven or rocky.
Check the weather: Conditions on the mountain can change quickly. Bring a light jacket even on warm days, and avoid trails if visibility drops.
Carry water: While there are cafés at the summit station, you’ll want a bottle with you while exploring.
Stay on marked paths: It’s safer for you and better for the fragile vegetation.

Allow time: The cableway runs every 10–15 minutes, so you can plan a relaxed walk without worrying about missing your ride back down.

Food and Drink on Table Mountain

Exploring Table Mountain can take a few hours, so it’s useful to know what food and drink options are available both at the summit and the base. From sit-down meals to quick snacks and drinks with a view, here’s what you’ll find:

TEN67 Eatery is the main dining option at the summit. Breakfast is served daily from opening until 11:30. From 11:30 onwards, the menu includes pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. There are children’s options, as well as sweet treats. Meals are served in compostable packaging to reduce waste, and the eatery closes about 30 minutes before the last cable car departs.
Kloud Bar is on the Twelve Apostles Terrace just below TEN67 Eatery. It’s an outdoor bar serving a range of drinks, including beer (Corona Cero and others), Aperol on tap, liqueurs, spirits, wine, and soft drinks. Light snacks are also available, and seating comes with views over Camps Bay and the Atlantic.
VIEWS by De Grendel is a wine lounge that serves De Grendel wines alongside bagels, coffee, and snacks. It has indoor seating with charging stations and Wi-Fi, making it a convenient stop for travellers who want to rest or catch up on work. On cooler days, hot drinks are available, and on clear days, the panoramic views stretch across the city and ocean.
TAP Bar at the Lower Station is run in partnership with Newlands Brewery. It serves a full range of their beers, as well as wine, spirits, and simple local favourites such as mini BBQ steak gatsbys. TAP Bar is open from 11 am to 7 pm and welcomes both cableway passengers and the general public.

Shopping on Table Mountain

You’ll find several shops at both the summit and the base of the cableway, so it’s easy to pick up a souvenir or replace something you left behind. Most items come from local suppliers, and many are exclusive to Table Mountain.

The Shop at the Top: The heritage stone building at the summit houses the largest store on the mountain. Browse through Table Mountain-branded T-shirts, jackets, hats, mugs, water bottles, and cuddly dassie toys. If you want a keepsake that reflects your visit, this is the place to get it.
Little Shop at the Top: You’ll find this smaller shop inside the Upper Cable Station. Stock up on essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and hats, or choose from a wide selection of caps and lightweight gear. It’s perfect for covering the basics before heading out on the trails.
Exit Shop: As you step off the cable car at the Lower Station, you’ll walk past the Exit Shop. Take a few minutes to pick up last-minute souvenirs or small gifts before you leave. The shop opens with the first car up and stays open until the last car down.
Visitor Centre: Drop by the Visitor Centre at the Lower Station, just below TAP Bar. Staff answer questions, hand out maps, and give advice on hiking routes, weather, and safety. You can also browse a small range of merchandise while you’re there.

History of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

The idea of reaching the top of Table Mountain by rail or cable first came up in the late 1800s. In 1870, engineers proposed a rack railway line, but the project stalled when the Anglo-Boer War broke out. A few decades later, in 1912, the city council commissioned further studies, but World War I once again put plans on hold.

By 1926, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company submitted fresh designs, and work finally began. Builders had to transport workers and materials up the mountain using a temporary ropeway with open box carts. Despite the difficult and dangerous conditions, no injuries or deaths occurred during the two-year construction.

On 4 October 1929, the first cable car carried passengers to the summit. This early car was made of wood and steel, carried just 19 people, and took several minutes to complete the journey.

Since then, the cableway has undergone several upgrades:

1958: A new car carried 23 passengers, powered by an auxiliary diesel engine for emergencies. It ran for 16 years without a single accident.
1974: A second upgrade introduced larger cars that carried 28 people, with improved safety systems.
1997: The cableway underwent a major redesign. New “Rotair” cars with revolving floors entered service, each carrying 65 people and offering uninterrupted 360-degree views.

Today, the cableway can transport more than 800 passengers per hour, with each car carrying up to 5,200 kilograms. To date, it has safely carried over 27 million visitors to the summit of Table Mountain.

Fun fact: You can still see one of the old 1958 cable cars on display opposite the main station — a reminder of how far the system has come since its early days.

Practical Travel Information

Planning ahead makes your visit to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Tickets

Buy online: Purchase tickets in advance on the official website to avoid standing in line at the Lower Station.
Fast Track option: During peak season, you can buy a Fast Track ticket to skip the queue. This saves time when the cableway gets busy.
Children: Kids under four years old and shorter than one metre travel free.

Getting There

Private Transfers with Oyster Collection: If you’re staying at one of The Oyster Collection’s Cape Town properties, transfers to the Cableway can be pre-arranged with the concierge. It’s an easy, comfortable option — you’ll be picked up at your door and dropped right at the Lower Station.
City Sightseeing Bus: The red hop-on, hop-off bus stops at the Cableway every 20 minutes. It’s a convenient option if you’re already exploring Cape Town’s major attractions.
Public Transport: Take the MyCiTi bus (routes 106 or 107) to Kloof Nek. From there, a free shuttle runs to the Cableway entrance.
Taxi or Uber: Both services drop passengers directly at the Lower Station.
By Car: Park on Lower Tafelberg Road for free and take the shuttle to the entrance. This park-and-ride system reduces congestion on the mountain road.

Best Time to Visit

Afternoons: Queues are usually shorter after 1 pm. A late-afternoon ticket also gives you the chance to see the sunset from the summit.
Weather: The cableway depends on clear, calm conditions. Strong winds or low cloud can close the service at short notice, so always check the weatherline (+27 (0)21 424 8181) before you go.
Annual closure: The cableway usually closes for two weeks between late July and early August for annual maintenance.

What to Bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the summit trails.
Bring a light jacket. Even on sunny days, the temperature at the top can be cooler than in the city.
Carry water and sunscreen. You’ll find food, drinks, and additional supplies at the summit, but it helps to have the basics with you.

Responsible Travel Tips

Table Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Cape Floristic Region, the world’s richest floral kingdom. Protecting it means every visitor has a role to play. Here’s how you can enjoy your trip while helping to preserve the mountain for the future:

Take your waste with you: Bring a reusable water bottle and pack snacks in containers you can carry back down. Even something as harmless as a banana peel can take weeks to decompose and can harm wildlife. You can also choose to eat and drink at the summit cafés, where staff dispose of waste responsibly.
Don’t feed the animals: Dassies and other wildlife may look tame, but feeding them disrupts their natural behaviour and can make them sick. Watch them from a distance instead.
Stick to the trails: Always walk on marked paths. This keeps you safe, prevents damage to fragile plants, and reduces the risk of erosion. Going off-trail can also increase the chance of encountering snakes or getting lost.
Use the free Park and Ride shuttle: Park your car on Lower Tafelberg Road and take the shuttle to the Cableway entrance. This reduces congestion, lowers carbon emissions, and helps keep the mountain road less busy.
Support sustainable tourism: Buy souvenirs from the cableway’s shops, which stock mostly locally made goods, and support tour operators who respect conservation. Choosing local helps protect the environment and strengthens the Cape Town community.

Staying Close to Table Mountain

Visiting the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is even easier when you stay with the Oyster Collection in Cape Town.

POD Camps Bay is just minutes from the Cableway, with quick access to the mountain and the beach. Guests can enjoy a morning ride up to the summit and still be back in time to relax by the pool or head down to the Camps Bay strip.

Blackheath Lodge in Sea Point offers the same convenience. From here, it’s a short drive or taxi ride to the Cableway, the V&A Waterfront, and the city centre. Guests often combine a morning on the mountain with an afternoon exploring Cape Town’s restaurants, markets, or Atlantic seaboard.

Both properties offer a comfortable base close to everything Cape Town has to offer, with Table Mountain right on your doorstep.

Final Word

Every Cape Town visitor should experience the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The ride is quick, memorable, and offers views you’ll remember long after your trip. Staying at POD Camps Bay or Blackheath Lodge makes it even easier, with both properties close to the Cableway, the beaches, and the rest of the city.

At the Oyster Collection, we enjoy sharing the unique character of our destinations and their communities. From the moment you arrive, our goal is to help you feel at home: relaxed, cared for, and free to enjoy Cape Town your way.

Guests often tell us it’s the people who make the difference. One recent visitor from the UK put it best: “What makes this hotel is the staff. Every single team member was genuinely happy, helpful and totally focused on giving the guests a great experience.”

Our goal is simple: to create a stay you’ll remember fondly, with small details, warm service, and a genuine welcome.

Experience the Oyster Collection and let us help make your Cape Town visit unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Table Mountain cable car ride?
Around 4–5 minutes each way.

What are the operating hours?
Times vary by season. The first car is 8:00–8:30 am, with the last trip down between 6:30 pm and 10:00 pm. Always confirm on the day.

How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary by season. The most accurate information is available online.

Is the cableway safe?
Yes. The system has been running since 1929 and is regularly updated and maintained.

Can I hike instead of taking the cable car?
Yes. Platteklip Gorge is the most popular route, and many hikers combine a walk up with a cable car trip down.

This post was created with our Cape-based digital marketing partner and shaped by insights from Megan Leenstra, Oyster Collection’s Marketing Manager.