Getting around

Travel at UCT starts with the Jammie Shuttle, but doesn't need to end there. Students can explore beyond campus with a range of public and private transport options, to suit their style, pocket and schedule.

Jammie

The Jammie Shuttle is the easiest way to get from point A to B on campus. This free shuttle service for students and staff is available on weekdays, weekends, and holidays, and includes a late-night service. Check the Jammie timetables and route maps.

Bus

There are two main bus services in Cape Town. Golden Arrow buses are easily accessible from nearby Jammie Shuttle stops, particularly in Claremont and Mowbray. MyCiTi, a form of bus rapid transit, doesn't extend as far as the university but integrates with the Jammie Shuttle at the Gardens station in Buitenkant Street (from which point you can ride into Vredehoek, Oranjezicht and the city centre). More information at gabs.co.za and myciti.org.za.

Minibus taxi

These privately operated and publicly available taxis pick up and drop off passengers along virtually every main route in the city. As with the Golden Arrow buses, the Mowbray and Claremont Jammie Shuttle stops are a few steps away from minibus taxi hubs, while there are multiple stops near to some UCT residences. Make sure you have the exact change ready for your trip.

Private taxi

For a more personalised service available 24/7, metred taxis (using cars and small vans) are a phone call or text message away. While options abound, it's possible to save some money sharing a ride, which is where a service like Rikkis comes in. Keep an eye out for tuk-tuks, or motorised rickshaws, the little three-wheelers seen zipping passengers around town, for a more quirky experience.

Train

Find timetables at a Metrorail station and online. Their Southern Line Rail Route – which stretches from Cape Town city centre to Simon's Town – has a great option if you're keen to explore the False Bay coast: R30 buys you a hop-on, hop-off ticket valid for the whole day.

Carpooling

If you stay off campus, there's a way for you to beat the parking hassles, save money, make a friend and do your bit for the environment, before you even arrive at university in the morning. Register with ridelink.findalift.co.za to find UCT students or staff in your area with matching schedules. Cars arriving on campus with three or more people have a dedicated parking lot on upper campus.

Board

Skateboarding's taken off in a big way in Cape Town – especially now that the Sea Point Promenade is open to bicyclists, boarders and bladers (and the subsequent opening of spaces like the Gardens Skate Park). You'll find office workers using boards to scoot between meetings during the day, as well as enthusiasts gathering every Monday evening on the Sea Point Promenade for a collective skate.

Walk

There's nothing like a refreshing walk, and parts of Cape Town are incredibly accessible on foot – especially campus. When walking on campus after dark, it's best to go in a group and to stick to the blue foot route (where there are emergency bollards where you can immediately notify Campus Protection if something's wrong). If you're alone at night and are concerned for your safety, call 021 650 2222.

Bicycle

Instead of putting pedal to the metal, why not just stick to the pedal? You can rent a 21-speed UCT Jammie Bike for the whole year for R1800 (R800 of which is returnable at year-end). You can find cyclefriendly routes around campus, as well as more information online. If you'd like to ride around the rest of Cape Town, find the best route at capetownbicyclemap.co.za (printed copies of which are available in bookshops and travel stores). While the city has aspirations towards being truly bike-friendly, it's best to be careful on your commute: wear a helmet, keep left (and in single file). If you're not ready to commute by bike but are keen to get in the saddle more, look out for #MoonlightMass, when cyclists from around the city (some dressed in silly hats and fairy lights) gather at Green Point Circle the night of the full moon and ride a set route around the city.