Hout Bay is about 20 kilometres south of Cape Town's city centre, most easily reached by car or taxi via the M63. The drive takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic, which on the winding mountain roads can slow significantly at peak times. Uber operates from Cape Town to Hout Bay reliably.
There is no direct train or metro link. Minibus taxis run from Cape Town to Hout Bay but routes can be indirect. The scenic alternative is to come via Chapman's Peak Drive from Noordhoek if you're already on that side of the peninsula, or via the M3 through Constantia.