How to Get to Boulders Beach & Parking
Navigate the scenic 40 km coastal route from central Cape Town with confidence.
Guided Day Trips with Direct Hotel Pickup
Skip renting cars or searching for scarce weekend parking spots in Simon's Town.
Skip The Line
Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town
Skip The Line
Half Day Boulders Penguins and Cape Point Small Group Tour
Skip The Line
Cape Town Private Tour: Cape of Good hope & Boulders Penguins
Transportation Quick Reference
Transportation Methods Comparison from Cape Town
| Guided Small Group Tour | $45 – $65 USD per person | 8 to 9 Hours (Full Day) | Includes hotel pickup, guide, Cape Point & tickets | Fixed itinerary schedule |
| Rental Car (M3 / M4 Route) | R400 – R700 ZAR per day | 45 – 60 Mins each way | Maximum flexibility & stopping along False Bay | Summer weekend parking shortage |
| Rideshare (Uber / Bolt) | R700 – R900 ZAR round trip | 50 Mins each way | No driving stress; dropped at turnstile | Difficult getting return Uber in late evening |
| City Sightseeing Hop-On Bus | ~$35 USD per person | Flexible day tour | Scenic double-decker open top views | Requires connecting taxi from Fish Hoek |
Driving Directions: Scenic Coastal Routes
Driving from Cape Town City Bowl or V&A Waterfront to Boulders Beach takes approximately 50 minutes along two distinct scenic routes:
Route 1: M3 Highway via Muizenberg & False Bay (Fastest)
Head south out of Cape Town on the M3 highway toward suburban Tokai. At the end of the M3, follow signposts onto the Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass (M64) or continue through Muizenberg along Main Road (M4). The M4 skirts the False Bay coastline, passing charming seaside villages of St James, Kalk Bay, and Fish Hoek before entering Simon's Town.
Route 2: M6 via Chapman's Peak Drive (Most Scenic)
For one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives, head along the Atlantic Seaboard through Camps Bay and Hout Bay. Pass through the famous Chapman's Peak Drive toll gate (R61 ZAR toll fee payable by card or cash), descend into Noordhoek, and cross over to Simon's Town via Kommetjie Road (M65). This route adds 20 minutes to your travel time but rewards drivers with towering cliffside ocean vistas.
Where to Park in Simon's Town: Official & Overflow Lots
Parking near Boulders Beach fills up rapidly on summer weekends, school holidays, and sunny afternoons. Here are the three primary parking zones:
- 1. Seaforth Beach Main Car Park (Recommended): Located at the end of Seaforth Road. This large paved parking lot sits directly outside the Seaforth Restaurant and visitor info center. Local municipal car marshals wearing high-visibility vests assist drivers and guard vehicles (a customary tip of R10–R20 ZAR is appreciated upon departure).
- 2. Kleintuin Road Car Park: Located closer to the Foxy Beach wooden boardwalk turnstile. This smaller parking area offers direct access to the main nesting viewing platform but fills completely by 09:30 AM during peak season.
- 3. Bellevue Road Overflow: If both lower lots are full, reverse up Bellevue Road to park along designated street bays, then follow paved pedestrian footpaths down to the beach turnstiles.
Interactive Route & Parking Map
Pinpointing Seaforth Car Park, Kleintuin Road, and turnstile gates.
Coastal Weather Check
Real-time weather conditions in Simon's Town for driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transport & Parking
Historically, the Metrorail Southern Line ran from Cape Town Station to Simon's Town. However, service south of Fish Hoek has been subject to maintenance delays and sand dune encroachment. Taking a guided tour, rental car, or Uber is currently the most reliable choice.
Street and lot parking in Simon's Town is generally free of fixed meter charges. However, registered community car marshals assist with parking security. Tipping marshals R10 to R20 ZAR (~$0.50–$1 USD) when returning to your car is customary and widely appreciated.
Ubers operate regularly in Simon's Town during daylight hours. However, wait times can reach 15–25 minutes late in the afternoon as drivers travel out from Fish Hoek or Muizenberg.
