Cape Point: Flying Dutchman Funicular closed again for maintenance

The Flying Dutchman Funicular at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, is closed again from 26 October 2026 for essential maintenance and repairs to its track sensors. 

The latest closure comes shortly after the funicular reopened in early October, following a previous period of maintenance. Visitors planning a trip to Cape Point should be aware of the renewed disruption. 

A shuttle service will be available during the closure for visitors who wish to use it to reach the scenic viewpoint below the historic Cape Point lighthouse.

The funicular connects the main Cape Point parking area with the viewpoint, covering a 585-metre track and climbing 87 metres in elevation, from 127 to 214 metres above sea level. The short journey offers panoramic views of the Cape Peninsula.

The Flying Dutchman has become one of Cape Point's best-known attractions and is described as Africa's first commercial funicular. Visitors planning a trip should check for updates on the reopening before travelling.

 

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Cape Point Funicular to close for maintenance from 20 July 2026

update (02 October 2026): The Flying Dutchman Funicular is back in operation! 

update (24 September 2026): The Flying Dutchman Funicular remains closed for maintenance. 

update (10 September 2026): The Flying Dutchman Funicular is expected to reopen mid-September 2026. 

update 09 September 2026: The Flying Dutchman Funicular is still not operating. The scheduled maintenance has been extended. While the funicular is closed, a shuttle service is available to transport visitors up to the lighthouse. Please note that this temporary shuttle is not wheelchair friendly. 

update 07 September 2026: The Cape Point management said in a facebook comment last week Thursdays that the Flying Dutchman Funicular might reopen this week ("We are pushing for next week").

update 01 September 2026: The Flying Dutchman Funicular remains closed as it is still undergoing maintenance. We'll keep you updated! 

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.

Table Mountain National Park: Tap water unsafe to drink at several locations in the Cape of Good Hope section! [update]

update (25 September 2023): It seems that SANParks has removed its post regarding the tap water in the Cape of Good Hope Section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town from social media. Whatever that means...

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public not to consume tap water at the several sites in the Cape of Good Hope Section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town until further notice. This includes the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, the Buffels Bay picnic site and the Bordjiesdrif picnic site. This is due to groundwater seeping into the main water supply at these locations which is making the tap water unsafe to drink. According to SANParks, the City of Cape Town and SANParks are trying to resolve the issue. We'll keep you posted!

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 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!

Cape Point: The shop at the Buffelsfontein visitor centre has been closed!

The shop at the Buffelsfontein visitor centre in the Cape Point section of Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park has been closed on 01 November 2017. South African National Parks (SANParks) requests all visitors to utilise the Two Oceans Restaurant and/or the take away at Cape Point for refreshments. The visitor information centre and toilets at Buffelsfontein remain fully operational.

Cape Town: The Flying Dutchman Funicular at Cape Point to close for upgrades!

update (24 Aug 2017): The Flying Dutchman Funicular is still undergoing maintenance and will reopen on 26 August 2017.

update (23 Aug 2017): The re-opening of the Flying Dutchman Funicular has been postponed to 24 August 2017.

update (21 Aug 2017): The Flying Dutchman Funicular will only be operational from Tuesday 22 August 2017.

The Flying Dutchman Funicular, located at Cape Point near the Cape of Good Hope, will be closed for upgrades from 07 - 20 August 2017. During this time, a shuttle will take visitors to and from the top station if they prefer not to hike. The Cape Point Winter special* is suspended during this time.

Shuttle rates are:

• R50 for adult return tickets
• R40 for adult single tickets
• R20 each for scholar/pensioner return tickets
• R15 for scholar/pensioner single tickets

*Two children ride free on the funicular with every adult return ticket purchased for R65. One child eats free at the Two Oceans Restaurant with every adult main meal ordered.

Cape Town: Free Guided Walks at Cape Point

Enthusiastic volunteers are offering free guided walks at Cape Point in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park.
The meeting point for all hikes is just inside the Cape Point main gate on the 2nd Sunday of each month (May to December 2011). Walkers are advised to wear strong boots and have hat, sun block, raingear, water and a snack. You only need to pay the admission/ conservation fee at the gate; the guided walk is for free.
Please see SANParks' website for more info on the walks, the routes etc..


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Cape Point can be reached by car via the M4, Simon’s Town and Miller’s Point, on the M64 and 65 via Ou Kaapse Weg, Sun Valley, Kommetjie and Scarborough.
The M6 via Chapman’s Peak is currently open but it is sometimes temporarily closed for repairs after heavy rains. There is signage on the road some distance before Chapman’s Peak, which tells you whether it is open or closed.

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