Cape Town Street Circuit
Location
Green Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Current Local Time
Track Info
Cape Town Street Circuit - Cape Town, South Africa
Ultra-fast Formula E street circuit around Green Point - famous for its coastal setting, high-speed corners and spectacular Table Mountain backdrop
When was the track built?
The Cape Town Street Circuit was created specifically for Formula E. Plans were revealed in 2022, followed by road and safety upgrades around the Green Point area so the streets could support international racing.
Like other Formula E street circuits, most of the racing infrastructure was temporary. Barriers, fencing and grandstands were installed for the event, while improvements to the roads themselves remained after the race.
When was its first race?
The first Cape Town E-Prix took place on 25 February 2023. It was Formula E's first race in South Africa and the championship's first event in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sacha Fenestraz started from pole for Nissan, but António Félix da Costa produced a remarkable drive from 11th on the grid. He passed Jean-Éric Vergne late in the race and won by just 0.281 seconds.
What's the circuit like?
- Extremely fast: Cape Town was designed with fewer slow corners than a typical Formula E street circuit, allowing the Gen3 cars to maintain high average speeds.
- Bumpy braking zones: Because the circuit used public roads, drivers had to control the car over bumps while braking from high speed.
- Turns 4-6 chicane: A tight sequence interrupts the faster sections and rewards drivers who can change direction accurately without losing momentum.
- High-speed middle section: Some corners were taken with very little margin for error, with barriers close to the racing line and crashes carrying a heavy penalty.
Formula E benchmarks
- Race winner: António Félix da Costa won the inaugural Cape Town E-Prix for Porsche.
- Pole position: Sacha Fenestraz recorded a 1:07.848 to claim his first Formula E pole.
- Race fastest lap: Jean-Éric Vergne recorded a 1:09.740 during the race.
- Winning margin: Da Costa defeated Vergne by just 0.281 seconds after a late fight for the lead.
- Speed record: The race averaged 132.199 km/h, making it the fastest Formula E race in championship history at the time.
Why go?
Cape Town combined some of Formula E's fastest racing with one of its most dramatic settings. The circuit ran close to the Atlantic coast with Table Mountain and Signal Hill visible around the city.
The layout also produced an exciting first race. Fast corners rewarded commitment, heavy braking zones created overtaking opportunities and the narrow barriers meant even a small mistake could completely change the result.
Formula E has not returned to Cape Town since 2023. Plans for further events did not progress after financial and commercial negotiations between the championship, promoter and local stakeholders remained unresolved.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turns 4-6 chicane: A good place to watch drivers brake hard and rapidly change direction through one of the circuit's most technical sections.
- High-speed coastal section: Best for appreciating how quick the Cape Town layout really was, with the cars running close to the barriers at high speed.
- Final corner and start-finish area: A useful location for race starts, the finish and watching cars accelerate onto another lap.
These viewing suggestions refer to the former Formula E configuration; there is currently no Cape Town E-Prix.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Cape Town Street Circuit (South Africa)
The Cape Town Street Circuit was a temporary Formula E course around Green Point and DHL Stadium, close to the V&A Waterfront. Formula E no longer races here, but most of the former circuit area is easy to explore by MyCiTi bus, taxi or on foot.
Is the Cape Town Street Circuit still active?
The Green Point circuit is not currently an active Formula E venue. Cape Town hosted Formula E for the first time on 25 February 2023, but the championship did not return for subsequent seasons.
Because it was a temporary street circuit, the grandstands, safety barriers, pit lane and other race infrastructure were removed after the event. The roads are now back in normal everyday use.
Do not travel to Green Point expecting a permanent race circuit or Formula E visitor centre.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, MyCiTi bus, taxi or ride-hailing is the easiest way to reach the former circuit area. Green Point is immediately west of central Cape Town and beside the V&A Waterfront.
If you are staying around the Waterfront, Green Point or Sea Point, walking may also be practical. DHL Stadium is a useful central landmark for exploring the old course.
Tip: Search for DHL Stadium or Green Point Park rather than simply entering “Cape Town Street Circuit”, as there is no permanent track entrance.
Bus & public transport
MyCiTi is the most useful public transport system for visiting Green Point.
- Route 104: currently links the Civic Centre, V&A Waterfront, Granger, Mouille Point and Sea Point.
- Granger: a useful stop for the northern side of DHL Stadium and former circuit roads.
- Mouille Point: useful for Beach Road, which formed one of the fastest sections of the Formula E lap.
- From central Cape Town: connect through the Civic Centre or Waterfront depending on your starting point.
Use the current MyCiTi journey planner rather than old Formula E transport maps, which included special event arrangements.
Driving & parking
Driving is possible, although public transport or a taxi can be simpler if you are staying centrally.
- Navigation: DHL Stadium, Fritz Sonnenberg Road is a useful reference point.
- Parking: use normal legal public or commercial parking available around Green Point and the Waterfront.
- No race parking: Formula E spectator car parks and temporary road closures from 2023 are no longer relevant.
- Large events: football, rugby, concerts and other events at DHL Stadium can introduce temporary road restrictions.
Cape Town airport
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT): approximately 22 km by road from Green Point.
- Easiest option: taxi, ride-hailing service, private transfer or rental car.
- Driving time: around 20–25 minutes in light traffic, but significantly longer during busy periods.
- MyCiTi airport bus: the dedicated airport service is currently suspended, so do not rely on older guides recommending the A01.
About the former circuit
Cape Town produced one of Formula E's fastest and most spectacular street circuits, combining wide roads with views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Length: 2.921 km.
- Corners: 12.
- Type: temporary street circuit.
- Setting: Green Point, DHL Stadium and Mouille Point.
- Formula E race: 25 February 2023.
Visiting the area today
A good starting point is DHL Stadium. The old lap began on Vlei Road before turning onto Helen Suzman Boulevard, Granger Bay Boulevard and Beach Road, then returning via Fritz Sonnenberg Road.
Much of the route can still be recognised because the race used normal public streets. However, these roads carry everyday traffic, so do not attempt to walk the complete racing line as one continuous lap.
Green Point Park and the Sea Point Promenade make good pedestrian alternatives if you want to explore the scenery around the former circuit safely.
Accessibility
The Green Point and Waterfront areas include paved pedestrian routes, while MyCiTi is designed for accessible boarding. If you have specific mobility requirements, check current transport information and access arrangements at the particular attractions you plan to visit.
Cape Town Street Circuit is not currently an active Formula E venue. MyCiTi services, parking, stadium events, road restrictions and pedestrian access can change, so check current Cape Town transport information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Cape Town Street Circuit (Cape Town, South Africa)
Cape Town’s former Formula E circuit wrapped around Green Point with Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop. Formula E no longer races here, but the old circuit area remains ideal for waterfront walks, family attractions, museums and some of Cape Town’s most famous sights.
Family-friendly highlights around Green Point
- Green Point Urban Park: Right beside the former circuit, this spacious park has lawns, walking paths, play areas and a biodiversity garden. It is an easy stop with younger children.
- Two Oceans Aquarium: See sharks, penguins, turtles, rays and colourful marine life from the waters around southern Africa at the nearby V&A Waterfront.
- V&A Waterfront: Shops, restaurants, harbour cruises and family attractions make this one of the easiest places to spend a few hours without much planning.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Zeitz MOCAA: Explore contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora inside a dramatically converted grain silo at the V&A Waterfront.
- Bo-Kaap: This historic neighbourhood is known for colourful houses, cobbled streets and Cape Malay culture. The small Bo-Kaap Museum provides more background.
- V&A Waterfront: Museums, shops and covered attractions make the harbour area particularly useful when the weather changes.
Eat & drink away from the old circuit
- V&A Waterfront: The widest nearby choice, ranging from quick cafés and food stalls to seafood and longer sit-down meals beside the harbour.
- Green Point & Sea Point: Both neighbourhoods have plenty of cafés, restaurants and relaxed evening options within easy reach of the circuit area.
- Try Cape flavours: Look for Cape Malay curry, bobotie or a koesister if you want an approachable introduction to local food traditions.
Explore the Atlantic waterfront
- Sea Point Promenade: Follow the paved seafront for an easy walk or run with Atlantic Ocean views and plenty of places to stop.
- Mouille Point: Part of the former Formula E route followed Beach Road here, so a waterfront walk gives you a good feel for the old circuit setting.
- Green Point Urban Park: Combine the park with Cape Town Stadium and the promenade for a simple walking loop around the former race area.
Cape Town can be windy even on sunny days, so bring an extra layer if you plan to spend a long time beside the ocean.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Table Mountain: Take the cableway or hike to the top for famous views across the city, Atlantic coast and Table Bay. Check conditions before travelling.
- Robben Island: Ferries leave from the V&A Waterfront for this UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison where Nelson Mandela was held.
- Boulders Beach: Head around the peninsula to see the African penguin colony near Simon’s Town.
- Cape Winelands: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer vineyards, mountain scenery and historic towns if you have a full day available.
Good to know when visiting the old circuit
- There is no permanent race track: Formula E used public streets through Green Point and along the waterfront, so today you will see normal roads rather than a preserved circuit.
- Formula E has moved on: Cape Town has not hosted another E-Prix since 2023 and is not currently on the championship calendar.
- Prepare for strong sun: Water, sunscreen and a hat are useful for long walks around Green Point and the exposed waterfront.
- Check mountain conditions: Table Mountain’s weather can differ from conditions below, and cableway operations can be affected by weather or maintenance.
Formula E no longer races at Cape Town Street Circuit. Attraction hours, ferry services, cableway operations and local events can change - check current information before travelling.