Planning a trip to Table Mountain? Get the latest 2025/2026 Table Mountain entrance fees, cableway ticket prices, hiking costs, and tips on how to visit for free.
Table Mountain Entrance Fee & Ticket Prices (2025/2026)
Table Mountain is South Africa’s most iconic landmark and a New 7 Wonder of Nature. However, because it is a protected National Park with a private cableway operation, “entrance fees” can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Whether you are looking to summit via the Aerial Cableway or explore the National Park hiking trails, this guide provides the most accurate, up-to-date pricing for the current season.
At a Glance: How Much Does it Cost?
- Hiking Table Mountain: Free (most routes).
- Cableway Return (Adult): R450 – R490 (depending on time and booking method).
- Cape Point/Boulders Beach: R110 – R515 (conservation fees apply).
1. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Ticket Prices
The Cableway is the most popular way to reach the summit. Prices are tiered based on whether you book online or at the ticket office. Pro Tip: Always book online to save money and avoid the ticket office queue.
2025/2026 Price List
| Ticket Type | Online (Return) | Ticket Office (Return) | One Way |
| Adult (18+) | R450 | R490 | R295 |
| Child (4–17) | R225 | R250 | R160 |
| SA Senior Citizen | R130 | R130 | R70 |
| Student (Local/Int) | — | R300 | R180 |
Note: Children under 4 years of age travel for free. Students and Seniors must present valid ID or student cards.
2. Table Mountain National Park (SANParks) Fees
While the mountain itself doesn’t have a “gate,” specific sections managed by SANParks require a daily conservation fee. If you are visiting the southern sections of the park, these are the current rates:
- Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point): R110 (SA Citizens) / R515 (Standard).
- Boulders Beach (Penguins): R55 (SA Citizens) / R245 (Standard).
- Silvermine: R44 (SA Citizens) / R176 (Standard).
3. Can You Hike Table Mountain for Free?
Yes! Most hiking trails on Table Mountain are free of charge. You do not need a permit or a ticket to hike popular routes such as:
- Platteklip Gorge (The direct route to the summit).
- Lion’s Head (The famous sunset hike).
- India Venster (For experienced hikers).
Important: If you hike up and want to take the cableway down, you must purchase a One-Way Ticket (R295) at the top or online.
4. Special Discounts and South African Resident Deals
South African residents can take advantage of several cost-saving initiatives:
- The Birthday Special: SA Citizens (with ID) get one free return ticket during their birth month.
- Cable Card: For R950 per year, you get one return trip per day for 365 days—perfect for locals.
- Wild Card: Members of the SANParks Wild Card program get free entry to Cape Point, Boulders, and Silvermine.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a gate fee for Table Mountain?
No, there is no general gate fee to enter the Table Mountain National Park for hiking. Fees only apply if you use the Aerial Cableway or visit specific sites like Cape Point.
Should I buy Table Mountain tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets bought online at the official website are cheaper than at the ticket office. Additionally, having a pre-bought ticket allows you to skip the initial ticket-buying queue.
Is the Table Mountain Cableway open today?
The cableway is weather-dependent. It closes during high winds or thick cloud cover (“The Tablecloth”). Always check the official website or their social media pages before heading to the station.
How long is a Table Mountain ticket valid for?
Tickets are generally valid for 7 days from your selected visit date. This provides flexibility if the weather is poor on your planned day.
Can I use a Wild Card for the Cableway?
No. The Aerial Cableway is a private concession. The SANParks Wild Card only covers conservation fees for the park’s land-based sections (like Cape Point).
Summary for Visitors
To enjoy Table Mountain on a budget, choose to hike up via Platteklip Gorge (free) and walk down, or buy a Morning/Afternoon online ticket for the cableway to secure the best rate. Always bring a valid South African ID to claim local resident discounts.