Cape Point Funicular to close for maintenance from 20 July 2026

If you're planning a visit to Cape Point this winter, be aware that the iconic Flying Dutchman Funicular will be out of service for six weeks.

The Motsamayi Tourism Group, which manages the visitor facilities at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, has confirmed that the Flying Dutchman Funicular will close from 20 July to 31 August 2026 for essential maintenance and upgrade work.

The Flying Dutchman Funicular connects the main Cape Point parking area with the scenic viewpoint below the historic lighthouse. The 585-metre track climbs 87 metres in elevation, carrying visitors from 127 metres above sea level to 214 metres. As Africa's first commercial funicular, it has become one of Cape Point's best-known attractions, with the short ride offering spectacular views across the dramatic Cape Peninsula

The temporary closure is intended to ensure the long-term reliability of Africa's only commercial funicular, which transports visitors from the main visitor area to the lighthouse precinct.

Shuttle service available

During the closure, visitors will still be able to reach the upper viewing area by shuttle bus. The shuttle will operate on a load-and-go basis, with departures approximately every 10 minutes.

The following fares apply:

• Adult return: R80
• Adult single: R70
• Scholar/Pensioner return: R40
• Scholar/Pensioner single: R35

Visitors should note that the shuttle is not wheelchair accessible.

Cape Point remains open

Apart from the funicular, Cape Point remains fully open. Visitors can still enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery, hiking trails, beaches, the historic lighthouse area, the Two Oceans Restaurant, food outlets and shops.

If you're reasonably fit, you can also walk up to the lighthouse via the well-maintained footpath, which offers excellent views along the way.

If your itinerary includes Cape Point between late July and the end of August, allow a little extra time for your visit and budget for the shuttle if you don't plan to make the walk.

 

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Cape Point’s Flying Dutchman Funicular temporarily closed for repairs

update 11 May 2026

Due to extreme winds at Cape Point, the Flying Dutchman Funicular and shuttle services are suspended today for safety. With the focus shifting from technical work to weather conditions, it appears essential maintenance is complete and the funicular is ready to resume service as soon as the winds subside. 

update 27 April 2026

The Flying Dutchman Funicular is still out of operation due to a stoppage during testing. According to the management,  technicians are on-site working to fix the issue.
Shuttle services are running and will continue to transport visitors to ensure you can still explore and enjoy your visit.

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The Motsamayi Tourism Group, which manages visitor facilities at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, has confirmed that the iconic Flying Dutchman Funicular is currently out of operation due to essential maintenance.

Visitors can use a shuttle service to reach the lighthouse area, designed to assist elderly guests and those who may find the climb challenging. Please note, however, that the shuttle is not wheelchair accessible.

The Flying Dutchman Funicular connects the Cape Point parking area to the scenic viewing point below the lighthouse. Its track spans 585 meters, ascending 87 meters from the lower station at 127 m above sea level to the upper station at 214 m a.s.l. Notably, this funicular was the first commercial funicular in Africa, offering breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula during the ride.

For visitors planning their trip, keep in mind the funicular’s temporary closure and plan extra time for the lighthouse visit.

 

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Cape Town: The Cape Point Furnicular is back in operation!

The Motsamayi Tourism Group, responsible for managing facilities at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, has announced the resumption of the Cape Point Funicular service as of 08 January 2025. The service had been under maintenance since 18 December 2024.

The Cape Point Furnicular, also known as the Flying Dutchman Funicular, runs between the Cape Point parking area and the viewing point below the lighthouse. The track is 585m long, and rises 87m from the lower station (at 127m  m a.s.l) to the upper station (at 214m m a.s.l). The Cape Point Furnicular was the first commercial funicular of its kind in Africa.

Cape Town: The Cape Point Furnicular is temporarily out of service for essential upgrades and maintenance! [update #2]

update (02 September 2024): The Cape Point Furnicular is back in operation. To celebrate "Tourism Month", kids aged 6 to 16 can ride the funicular for free on return tickets and pensioners aged 60 and over get 50% off their return funicular tickets throughout September 2024.

update (02 August 2024): The Cape Point Furnicular is still in the process of receiving an upgrade and is therefore not operational yet.

The Motsamayi Tourism Group, which manages the facilities at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, has announced that the Cape Point Furnicular service is temporarily suspended. The funicular is undergoing comprehensive upgrades to its communication systems, alongside scheduled maintenance tasks. The upgrade/maintenance will approximately be complete by 01 August 2024.
During this period, a shuttle service will be available. Please note, however, that this will have limited capacity and be subject to availability. The cost of this service will be available on site. Hiking trails will remain open and clearly signposted to ensure smooth and convenient access to the scenic viewpoint and attractions.

The Cape Point Furnicular, also known as the Flying Dutchman Funicular, runs between the Cape Point parking area and the viewing point below the lighthouse. The track is 585m long, and rises 87m from the lower station (at 127m  m a.s.l) to the upper station (at 214m m a.s.l). The Cape Point Furnicular was the first commercial funicular of its kind in Africa.

Cape Town: Flying Dutchman Funicular is currently non-operational! [update]

update (24 May 2024): Power has been restored and the Flying Dutchman Funicular is back up and running!

The Motsamayi Tourism Group, which manages the facilities at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, has announced that they are currently experiencing a power failure at Cape Point due to cable theft. This means that the Flying Dutchman Funicular is currently non-operational. We'll keep you posted!

The Flying Dutchman Funicular, also known as Cape Point Furnicular, runs between the Cape Point parking area and the viewing point below the lighthouse. The track is 585m long, and rises 87m from the lower station (at 127m  m a.s.l) to the upper station (at 214m m a.s.l). The Flying Dutchman Funicular was the first commercial funicular of its kind in Africa.

Cape Town: The Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point has re-opened!

The well-known Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point has re-opened to the public under the leadership of South African head chef Clinton Tanzer. Clinton, who previously worked at the Mount Nelson Hotel, Vergelegen wine estate and Lagoon Beach hotel, joins the restaurant's experienced team of chefs, hosts, waitrons and barmen. The Two Oceans Restaurant is located only an hour’s scenic drive from Cape Town at Cape Point, a promontory at the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula within the southern section of the Table Mountain National Park. The Two Oceans Restaurant was closed in early 2021 due to financial reasons following to Covid-19 pandemic. 

SANParks: Update on the opening times of several areas in Table Mountain National Park!

South African National Parks (SANPark) has released an update on the opening times of several areas in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park. This includes Cape Point, Boulders, Silvermine as well as Newlands Picnic Site, Oudekraal Picnic Site and Tokai. According to Table Mountain National Park's Park Manager Mr Frans van Rooyen, the National Park is slowly recovering from the pandemic and visitors are kindly requested to be patient with the Park's management especially with the gate opening times at Cape Point. This is not a permanent decision and things will get back to normal when it's safe to do so.

Gate opening times are as follows:

Cape Point:

• Open daily, 07:00 - 17:00
• The take-away Food Shop and the Funicular operates from Thursdays to Sundays.
• The Curio shop operates Fridays - Sundays
• All beaches at Cape Point do not have lifeguards on duty.
  

Boulders:

• Open daily, 08:00 - 17:00
• No lifeguards on duty.
• Please check the tides prior to arrival as there is limited space available on the beach.

Silvermine:

• Gate 1: Open daily, 07:00 - 18:00
• Gate 2: Open daily, 08:00 - 18:00
• Braaing is allowed at Silvermine since we're out of fire season. No gas equipment is allowed.
• Please exercise caution when swimming in the dam as it is as own risk and no life guards are on duty.

Newlands Picnic Site:

• From 01 November 2021 entry times at Newlands picnic site will be 08:00 - 16:00 from Monday to Sunday.
• Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and SANParks encourages guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
• No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.

Oudekraal Picnic Site:

• Opens only on weekends.
• From 01 November 2021 entry times at Oudekraal picnic site will be 08:00 - 16:00 from Monday to Sunday.
• Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and SANParks encourages guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
• No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.

Tokai:

• Entry times at the pay point gate/picnic site will open from 07:00 to 18:00.
• Please ensure that if carrying out your activity in the park such as cycling, dog walking and horse riding that you have the requisite permit to do so. The Office in Tokai is open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:00 to 15:45 for your queries: (021 712 7471).
• Last-minute accommodation queries please book online at sanparks.org/bookings/ or call central reservations on 012 428 9111. Should you notice a fire anywhere on the mountain please call the TMNP emergency number at 086 110 6417 or 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone. Do not attempt to fight the fire on your own.

When out walking, hiking and trail running:

• Table Mountain National Park recommends that you carry out your activity in groups of four (4) or more. Please ensure that you know the route you are taking. If this is the first visit please go with someone who does know the route or hire a guide.
• Please prepare for all-weather temperatures, pack a hat, a weatherproof jacket and lots of water.
• Please ensure you have a map with you.
• Please load SANParks emergency number into your phone before setting off 0861 106 417 or 107 or 021 480 7700 and let someone know which route you will follow and when to expect you to return home.

Table Mountain National Park: New operating hours for the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point Section

South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced that the operating hours for the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point Section in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park have been amended. The new operating hours are as follows:

• Gates open at 07:00 and close at 17:00, with the last vehicles to exit the park by 18:00.

There are three operating lanes at the entry point, with numerous Covid-19 screening and operational staff to ensure that the entry to the Cape of Goodhope/Cape Point Section runs smoothly and quickly.  

Covid-19 protocols remain in place.

• Maintain social distancing of at least 1.5m
• Wear your masks at all times. No mask, no entry!
• Users are encouraged to sanitize their hands at all times.

Cape Town: The Cape Point visitor facilities are set to reopen!

The Thebe Tourism Group, which manages the facilities at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), has announced that the Flying Dutchman funicular, the Food Shop and the three Curio Shops (Cape Point Logo Shop, Cape Point Parks Shop & Lighthouse Five) are set to reopen on 18 September 2020. The sit-down Two Oceans Restaurant will remain closed. The Thebe Tourism Group has implemented Covid-19 health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Some of the measures include:

• Eight people, including the operator, will be allowed per funicular ride to ensure physical distancing.
• The sit-down Two Oceans Restaurant will not be operating.
• The Food Shop will offer takeaway options with limited outside seating.
• Visitors are not permitted into the Flying Dutchman funicular or shops without a mask
• The facilities, including the Flying Dutchman funicular, will undergo a deep clean every day and will be sanitised after each trip.
• Floor guides will be present to guide visitors when queuing
• Online bookings and ticket purchases of Flying Dutchman funicular tickets are encouraged
• Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the facility.

The Flying Dutchman funicular, the Food Shop and the three Curio Shops (Cape Point Logo Shop, Cape Point Parks Shop & Lighthouse Five) will be open on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and public holidays from 09:00 to 16:00. The the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park is open to visitors daily from 08:00 to 16:00.

Cape Town: SANParks has reopened Cape Point for self-drive excursions for day visitors!

South Africa National Parks (SANParks) has announced that self-drive excursions for day visitors are permitted again since 08 July 2020 in the Cape of Good Hope section, or Cape Point as it is commonly known, of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in Cape Town. SANParks ensures that the opening of the section of the National Park for self-drive excursions is done under the strictest health protocols to safeguard both its staff and guests. SANParks is requesting guests to adhere to all official alert level 3 regulations when inside the parks including wearing masks, keeping social distance, and following transport capacity directives.

Reopening infos for visitors to Cape Point:

• The daily quota of a maximum of 250 vehicles per day will be allowed based on the seasonal average of 30%, however, no more than 75 vehicles are allowed in at any given time. The daily quota could be revised in terms of compliance with the lockdown regulations.
• Daily operating hours are between 08h00 am to 16h00 pm.
• A COVID-19 health-related questionnaire to be completed upon arrival at the gates, as well as mandatory temperature screenings, will be done by SANParks staff. Visitors with a temperature screening of 37.4degrees Celsius and above will not be allowed access. The wearing of face masks is compulsory. No mask, no entry.
• Permitted activities include self-drive vehicles limited to 3 persons per vehicle of the same household and motorbikes limited to one person per bike only. Prohibited activities such as surfing, cycling, fishing, hiking/walking, trail running, launching of vessels, braaing and picnicking are not permitted as per COVID-19 alert level 3 regulations.
• Please note that Olifantsbos Road and Bordjiesrif Road; Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre; restaurant/shops, the funicular and accommodation facilities within Cape of Good Hope section currently remains closed.
• SANParks encourages its guest to adhere to the speed limits within the park and only stop to take pictures from your vehicle, in designated areas provided.

SANParks closed all its National Parks in South Africa on 25 March 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and reopened all National Parks that cater for self-drives, with the exception of Namaqua National Park as well as Boulders Beach and Cape Point in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), on 08 June 2020.

Cape Town: Maintenance work to be done around the Lighthouse precinct at Cape Point!

South African National Parks (SANParks) just announced that maintenance work will be done around the Lighthouse precinct at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park over the next five evenings (10 - 14 October 2019). Work will commence from 16:00 and finish at sunset. This is essential maintenance work which consists of painting the historic lighthouse and the removal of graffiti. The work has been scheduled to impact visitors as little as possible, therefore SANParks ask visitors to adhere to all safety signage during this period.

Cape Town: Cape Point's "Flying Dutchman Funicular" is currently non-operational! [update]

update (06 September 2019): The Flying Dutchman Funicular is back in operation!

update (04 September 2019): The Flying Dutchman Funicular remains non-operational until further notice. Shuttles will continue to run.  

The Flying Dutchman Funicular, located at Cape Point near the Cape of Good Hope, is currently non-operational until further notice. A shuttle service has been made available.
The Flying Dutchman Funicular, also known as Cape Point Furnicular, runs between the Cape Point parking area and the viewing point below the lighthouse. The track is 585m long, and rises 87m from the lower station (at 127m  m a.s.l) to the upper station (at 214m m a.s.l). The Flying Dutchman Funicular was the first commercial funicular of its kind in Africa.

Cape Point: Appeal to visitors to use water sparingly! [update]

update (26 July 2019): The water main has been fixed!

The water supply to the Cape Point area in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park ist currently limited due to a burst water main within the Cape of Good Hope section. The City of Cape Town is already working on it and will fix it as soon as possible. Cape Point has a backup water supply in place which can accommodate the area for the next two days and therefore appeal to all visitors to use water sparingly during this time. We'll keep you posted!

New gate technology for Table Mountain National Park & West Coast National Park temporarily delayed!

According to a press release by South African National Parks (SANParks), the implementation of the new online gate ticket booking system for Table Mountain National Park and West Coast National Park has been temporarily delayed. The new gate technology enables visitors to buy digital tickets on-line prior to their arrival at the National Parks; these digital tickets will then be scanned at the entrance gates for quick access. SANParks is currently in the process of ensuring that the new system functions optimally and without glitches before opening the system to the public.
Pleast note that differential tariffs at Cape Point and Boulders Penguin Colony Gates in Table Mountain National Park will still be implemented on 01 November 2018.

Cape Town: The "Cape Town Big 6" released a new image video!

The Cape Town Big 6, the official marketing collaboration of six iconic tourism destinations in and around Cape Town, has released a new image video. The short video highlights the Big 6, namely the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Point, Groot Constantia, Table Mountain Cableway, V&A Waterfront and Robben Island, and invites the viewer to experience Cape Town and its surroundings. Enjoy!

South Africa: New gate technology for Table Mountain National Park & West Coast National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) is set to introduce a new gate access technology at Table Mountain National Park and West Coast National Park on 01 November 2018. The new gate technology enables visitors to buy digital tickets on-line prior to their arrival at the National Parks; these digital tickets will then be scanned at the entrance gates for quick access.

The new system also caters for tour operators who in the past had to purchase group tickets from SANParks offices. They too will have access to an online portal through which they can purchase digital tickets according to their respective group sizes.

South Africa's most visited tourist attractions in 2017!

According to South Africa Tourism's 2017 Annual Tourism Report, the top five of South Africa's Top 20 most-visited attractions or landmarks are located in and around Cape Town. The V&A Waterfront was the country's most-visited attraction or landmark with 1 162 000 tourists in 2017, followed by Cape Town's Central City with 1 080 000 tourists, Cape Point on the Cape Peninsula with 943 000 tourists, Table Mountain Cableway with 799 000 tourists and the suburb of Camp's Bay with 779 000 tourists.

The 20 most-visited attractions or landmarks in South Africa 2017:

1. V&A Waterfront - 1 162 000 tourists
2. Cape Town Central City - 1 080 000 tourists
3. Cape Point - 943 000 tourists
4. Table Mountain Cableway - 799 000 tourists
5. Camp's Bay - 779 000 visitors
6. The Winelands - 730 000 visitors
7. Sandton City / Mandela Square - 688 000 tourists
8. Table Mountain  - 494 000 tourists
   (not cableway)
   
9. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - 490 000 tourists
10. The Garden Route - 478 000 tourists
11. Clifton Beach - 418 000 tourists
12. Kruger National Park - 391 000 tourists
    (via Skukuza, Numbi, Malelane, Crocodile Bridge)
    
13. Robben Island - 331 000 tourists
14. Apartheid Museum - 301 000 tourists
15. Tsitsikamma National Park - 296 000 tourists
16. Mandela House (Soweto) - 234 000 tourists
17. Eastgate Mall (Johannesburg) - 219 000 tourists
18. Tour of Soweto - 217 000 tourists
19. Addo Elephant National Park - 217 000 tourists
20. Blyde River Canyon / God's Window - 194 000 tourists

The Love Cape Town Neighbourhood series Ep. 12 - Simon's Town & Cape Point

Cape Town Tourism has released a new episode of the "The Love Cape Town Neighbourhood series" featuring the historic town of Simon's Town, located on the shores of the False Bay, as well as an trip down to the famous Cape Point, a promontory at the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula. Previous episodes of the "The Love Cape Town Neighbourhood series" include Kalk Bay, Cape Town CBD, Woodstock, Constantia, Somerset West, Langa, Khayelitsha, Durbanville, Blouberg, the Bo-Kaap and Mitchell's Plain.



"The Love Cape Town Neighbourhood series" was launched by Cape Town Tourism in 2015 to promote and highlight Cape Town's diverse suburbs. The first three episodes were released in September 2015, another three in March 2016, the seventh episode on 15 January 2017, the eigth episode on 07 March 2017, the ninth episode on 04 May 2017, the tenth episode on 16 August 2017, the 11th episode on 16 May 2018 and the the 12th episode on 12 June 2018.

Cape Town: Cape Point's "Flying Dutchman Funicular" is down!

update (03 June 2018): The funicular is up and running.

update (29 May 2018): The Flying Dutchman Funicular is still down.

The Flying Dutchman Funicular, located at Cape Point near the Cape of Good Hope, will be down for (at least) the rest of the week. No further information were made available by the management. We'll keep you posted!



The Flying Dutchman Funicular, also known as Cape Point Furnicular, runs between the Cape Point parking area and the viewing point below the lighthouse. The track is 585m long, and rises 87m from the lower station (at 127m  m a.s.l) to the upper station (at 214m m a.s.l). The Flying Dutchman Funicular was the first commercial funicular of its kind in Africa.

Table Mountain National Park: Power outage to affect Boulders & Cape Point!

Due to an area wide power outage in and around Simon's Town and Fish Hoek on 07 April 2018 and 08 April 2018, Table Mountain National Park's accommodation facilities at Boulders Beach and Cape Point as well as the Flying Dutchman funicular and the Two Oceans Restaurant will have no electricity. The management of the Table Mountain National Park ensures that gas and rechargeable lamps are 100% and available and that all other backup systems are fully operational.