How to Beat the Crowds at Table Mountain
A return ticket on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway costs R475 for adults (R230 for children). The first car goes up at 8 am. Buy online for a faster queue, and check the cableway's app on the day, as it closes in strong wind or cloud. Go at 8 am on a clear day, as queues build by mid-morning and the famous "tablecloth" cloud often rolls in later.
- Return
- R475 adults, R230 children 4-17
- One way
- R300 adults
- First car up
- 8 am
- Last car up
- Varies, about 6-7 pm
- Closures
- Strong wind and bad weather
- Best time
- 8 am on a clear, calm day
- Time to allow
- 2-3 hours
How busy is Table Mountain?
On clear summer days (December to February), the cableway queue can take an hour or more, as everyone rushes up when the mountain is open. When the cableway reopens after wind, there's a rush too.
Before you go, check how busy Table Mountain is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for South African holidays, cruise arrivals and weather.
Check today’s crowds at Table Mountain National Park →Best (and worst) times to go
- 8 am: short queues and clear views.
- Late afternoon: sunset views, with crowds in summer.
- Worst: mid-morning on clear summer weekends.
Our hourly forecast for Table Mountain shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.
Check today’s crowds at Table Mountain National Park →