Travel at a leisurely pace as the day gently turns into night
City Sightseeing’s big, red, double-decker buses can be found in Cape Town and Johannesburg and are a safe and fun way to explore these two cities. Unlike the Sunset Bus, these buses are typically hop-on-hop-off. This means they follow a circular route with fixed stops through the city. You have unlimited travel (depending on the ticket you’ve purchased) with the freedom to disembark at any stop and reboard another bus to continue your journey.
The Sunset Bus, however, is not hop-on-hop-off. It starts at Stop 1 at the V&A Waterfront. It makes its way up to Signal Hill, where it stops for roughly 30 minutes before going to the V&A Waterfront again. While travelling on this bus, prepare for some of the most exquisite, uninterrupted, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Town’s city bowl.
A Sunset Picnic on Signal Hill
You can transform this outing into a memorable experience by having a picnic at the top of Signal Hill. Yes! You can bring along a picnic basket with your favourite eats and enjoy them while the bus stops at the top of Signal Hill. This outing is suitable as an unforgettable outing with your family or a fun way to spend time with your friends. You can even do this as a romantic adventure with someone special in your life.
Pack your sunglasses and also something warm to wear. Cape Town evenings can sometimes have a slight chill. Also, don’t forget your camera, as you’d want to capture the picture-perfect view from the top of this iconic part of Cape Town’s skyline.
Getting on the City Sightseeing Sunset Tour
This sunset bus is a popular tour, so get your tickets ahead to avoid disappointment. The most convenient way to buy your ticket(s) is on the City Sightseeing website. They usually also offer a discount when booking your ticket online. You choose the number of passengers, the date, and checkout, and you’re all set on the website. The bus departs from “Stop 1” at the V&A Waterfront (next to the Two Ocean’s Aquarium) between 17h30 and 18h00. Get there earlier rather than later so you can choose your ideal seat(s) – inside the bus or on top.
The entire tour duration is approximately three hours. After sunset, the bus will make its way back to the V&A Waterfront, driving through the city where you can see Cape Town showing off its lights. After getting off the bus, you can head home or take a stroll through the beautiful V&A Waterfront to end the night.
Some notes:
- Warm clothes. Even during the hotter summer months, Cape Town evenings can sometimes be chilly, especially at the top of Signal Hill or on a moving bus.
- Sunglasses. If you plan to sit at the top of the open-roof bus, you may feel more comfortable wearing sunglasses. This will protect your eyes from the late afternoon sun and slight wind from the moving bus.
- First come, first served seating. You can not choose your seat when booking the ticket, so show up a little earlier and grab the seat(s) that you prefer – inside the bus or on top.
- No hop-on-hop-off. This specific City Sightseeing Sunset Tour is not hop-on-hop-off; you start and end the tour at the V&A Waterfront.
- Get back on the bus. The bus stops at the top of Signal Hill, allowing passengers to get off and enjoy the sunset. The bus departs just after sunset, and you are responsible for ensuring you are back on board and don’t miss the bus.
- Delayed return time. Signal Hill’s traffic can sometimes be heavy, which may delay departure from Signal Hill and, as a result, delay the bus’ return to V&A Waterfront.
- Picnic at the top. Remember to bring a picnic basket as the bus stops at the top of Signal Hill while the sun goes down. This can be a lovely date night or a fun outing with friends or family.