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Getting to Robben Island | Directions, ferry terminal & transport options

Getting to Robben Island at a glance

Robben Island is located in Table Bay, around 7 km off the coast of Cape Town, and is accessible only by ferry. All visitors begin their journey at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where they check in before boarding the ferry to the island. The ferry crossing takes around 30 minutes each way, while the complete Robben Island experience usually lasts approximately 3.5–4 hours.

The easiest way to visit is by booking a guided experience that includes ferry transfers and museum entry, though independent travellers can also reach the departure point by taxi, ride-hailing services, public transport, or car.

Access point: Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
This is the departure terminal for all Robben Island ferries. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure for check-in and boarding.

Find on Google Maps: [Google Maps link]. Google Maps is recommended for live directions, traffic updates, and public transport information.

Departure points:

  • From Cape Town City Centre: ~2 km by road, around 10 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing service. The V&A Waterfront is also accessible by MyCiTi bus.
  • From Cape Town International Airport: ~21 km by road, around 25–35 minutes by taxi, private transfer, or rental car depending on traffic.
  • From Stellenbosch: ~45 km by road, around 45–60 minutes by car or private transfer.

Compare your travel options

Mode of transportTravel timeEst. costBest forGet directions

🚐 Guided tour with transfers

30 mins–1.5 hrs (including hotel pickup time)

$$$ (from approx. ZAR 1,500+ depending on inclusions)

Easiest option with ferry, tickets, and logistics handled

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🚕 Taxi or ride-hailing service

5–30 mins to the V&A Waterfront

$$ (approx. ZAR 50–200+ by ride-hail)

Direct access and flexibility from Cape Town hotels

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🚌 Public transport

15–45 mins to the V&A Waterfront

$ (approx. ZAR 15–30+)

Budget-friendly travel from central Cape Town

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🚗 Rental car

10–40 mins to the V&A Waterfront

$$ (fuel + parking costs)

Travellers combining Robben Island with a wider Cape Town itinerary

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Getting to Robben Island by guided tour

Guided tours are the easiest way to visit Robben Island, as they combine ferry access, museum entry, and the island experience in one booking. This is especially useful if you want to avoid coordinating ferry timings, ticket availability, and transport to the V&A Waterfront separately.

Popular guided options

Robben Island Guided Prison Tour with Museum Entry & Round-Trip Ferry Transfers

Ideal for visitors who want the core Robben Island experience, including ferry transfers, museum entry, and a guided tour of the former prison.

Robben Island & Table Mountain Full-Day Tour with Cable Car and Transfers

A good choice if you want to combine Robben Island with Table Mountain, with hotel pickup and a cable car ride included.

Robben Island Full-Day Guided Private Tour with Museum Entry & Long March to Freedom Exhibition

Suited to visitors looking for a private vehicle, dedicated guide, and a more flexible sightseeing day.

Robben Island, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony & Cape of Good Hope Full-Day Private Tour

Best for travellers who want to combine Robben Island with Cape Peninsula highlights, including penguins and coastal viewpoints.

Getting to Robben Island by public transport

  • Travel time: 15–45 mins from main hubs (Cape Town Civic Centre, Cape Town Station area, Sea Point).
  • Closest stop: Waterfront / Stadium MyCiTi stops (5–15 min walk to Nelson Mandela Gateway).
  • Timings: First services from around 5am; last services vary by route and day.
  • Lines or routes: MyCiTi bus routes connecting central Cape Town, the Civic Centre, and the V&A Waterfront area.
  • Fare: Single-ride fares vary by distance; myconnect fares apply. A day pass is useful if making multiple MyCiTi journeys in one day.
  • Accessibility: MyCiTi buses are designed with step-free boarding, wheelchair spaces, and priority seating.
  • Description: Take a MyCiTi bus towards the V&A Waterfront area, then follow signs to the Nelson Mandela Gateway ferry terminal. From Cape Town Station or Civic Centre, this is one of the easiest public transport options. From Sea Point, connect via routes heading towards the waterfront. Arrive early as Robben Island ferries have fixed departure times, so avoid relying on the last possible bus connection.

Getting to Robben Island by taxi / ride-hailing

  • Closest drop-off: Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, V&A Waterfront (near the Clock Tower precinct).
  • Travel time: 5–30 mins from central Cape Town areas.
  • Estimated fare: Approx. ZAR 50–200+ from central areas; fares may increase during peak hours or high demand.
  • Local taxis: Metered taxis can be booked through local operators or found at designated taxi ranks, including areas around the V&A Waterfront. Confirm the fare before departure where possible.
  • Ride-hailing apps:
    • Uber: Widely available across Cape Town and commonly used by visitors for waterfront transfers.
    • Bolt: Available in Cape Town and offers another ride-hailing option.
  • Airport pickup: Cape Town International Airport has designated pickup areas for ride-hailing services and taxis. Pickup locations may differ from regular street drop-offs.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles may be available through selected taxi operators; request accessibility requirements when booking in advance.
🚶 Walk through the V&A Waterfront

Walking to the Nelson Mandela Gateway is one of the easiest ways to reach the ferry if you are staying nearby. The route passes through the V&A Waterfront promenade, with pedestrian paths connecting hotels, shops, and waterfront areas. From the Clock Tower area, the ferry terminal is only a few minutes away on foot.

Cycling: Cycling is possible around the V&A Waterfront precinct, but dedicated bike-share options are limited.

Getting around once you've reached Robben Island

Robben Island has a set visitor route once you arrive. After the ferry docks, visitors join the island bus tour that connects the main visitor areas before continuing to the prison complex. Walking independently across the island is limited, so follow the scheduled tour route rather than relying on your own transport. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there is some walking between stops. The ferry terminal, museum areas, and return boarding point are all managed as part of the official visitor experience.

Other transport services

✈️ Airport transfers

Pre-booked airport transfers are useful for travellers arriving at Cape Town International Airport and heading directly to the V&A Waterfront ferry departure point or their accommodation. Private transfers offer a direct route without needing to arrange local transport after landing.

Best for: Visitors catching a same-day Robben Island ferry or travelling with luggage.

🚌 Hop-on hop-off buses

The Cape Town City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus is useful for travellers combining Robben Island with other Cape Town attractions. The closest stops are around the V&A Waterfront, allowing visitors to continue to the Nelson Mandela Gateway on foot.

Best for: Visitors planning a multi-attraction Cape Town sightseeing day.

🚐 Guided tours with transport included

Guided Robben Island tours can include hotel pickup, ferry tickets, museum entry, and additional Cape Town attractions. These options simplify logistics by combining transport and timed ferry access in one booking.

Best for: Visitors who want the ferry, transfers, and itinerary organised together.

Frequently Asked Questions about getting to Robben Island

The easiest way is a guided tour with transport included. It combines ferry access, tickets, and optional hotel pickup, avoiding the need to coordinate separate transport to the V&A Waterfront.