Planning a trip to Cape Town, South Africa starts with finding the best flights to the Cape Town International Airport (CPT)—the gateway to the Mother City. Whether you’re traveling for adventure, business, or relocation, understanding flight options, airlines, and routes can help you save money and time.
Cape Town International is Africa’s third-busiest airport, serving millions of passengers annually. With direct connections to Europe, the Middle East, and across Africa, and convenient layover options for North America and Asia, it’s one of the most accessible destinations on the continent.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about flights to Cape Town, including airlines, routes, booking tips, and what to expect when you land.
1. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Overview
- Location: 20 km (12 miles) from Cape Town’s city center.
- Code: CPT
- Terminals: Domestic and International terminals connected by a central concourse.
- Awards: Consistently ranked among the best airports in Africa for efficiency and passenger experience.
👉 Tip: CPT is smaller and more traveler-friendly than Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International, making it a preferred entry point for many visitors.
2. Direct Flights to Cape Town
Cape Town offers direct international connections to major global cities, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Europe
- London Heathrow (LHR) – British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate direct flights year-round.
- Frankfurt (FRA) – Lufthansa offers nonstop flights.
- Amsterdam (AMS) – KLM connects Amsterdam and Cape Town daily.
- Paris (CDG) – Air France provides direct flights.
- Zurich (ZRH) – Swiss International Airlines offers seasonal service.
Middle East
- Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways connects Cape Town to Asia and North America via Doha.
- Dubai (DXB) – Emirates operates daily flights.
- Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines offers convenient Europe–Africa connections.
Africa
- Johannesburg (JNB) – Multiple daily domestic flights link Johannesburg to Cape Town.
- Nairobi (NBO) – Kenya Airways connects East Africa to Cape Town.
- Addis Ababa (ADD) – Ethiopian Airlines offers connections via its hub.
- Windhoek (WDH) – Namibia to Cape Town flights daily.
3. Flights from North America
Currently, there are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Cape Town. Most travelers connect via:
- Johannesburg (JNB) – Major gateway for North America arrivals. After landing in JNB, travelers take a 2-hour domestic flight to Cape Town.
- Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways provides a one-stop option from New York, Los Angeles, and other US cities.
- Dubai (DXB) – Emirates connects major US hubs to Cape Town with one layover.
- Europe – Common routing via London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris.
👉 Example: New York → Doha → Cape Town with Qatar Airways or Los Angeles → London → Cape Town with British Airways.
4. Flights from Asia & Australia
- Asia: Most travelers connect via Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
- India: Connections through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) or Middle Eastern hubs.
- Australia: Qantas and South African Airways offer routes via Johannesburg. Emirates via Dubai is another popular choice.
5. Major Airlines Serving Cape Town
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Lufthansa
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Air France
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- South African Airways (SAA)
- FlySafair & Airlink (domestic and regional connections)
6. Domestic Connections within South Africa
Even if your international flight doesn’t land in Cape Town, it’s easy to connect via Johannesburg or Durban.
- Johannesburg (JNB → CPT): Over 20 flights daily on airlines like FlySafair, Airlink, SAA, and British Airways Comair.
- Durban (DUR → CPT): 2-hour flight, multiple airlines daily.
- Smaller Cities: Port Elizabeth, East London, and George also connect frequently.
7. When to Book Flights to Cape Town
High Season (December – February)
- Summer in Cape Town. Demand is high, especially over Christmas and New Year.
- Book at least 4–6 months in advance.
Shoulder Season (March – May, September – November)
- Best time for deals and good weather.
- Flights are cheaper, and the city is less crowded.
Low Season (June – August)
- Winter in Cape Town. Rainier weather, but whale-watching season.
- Cheapest time to fly, with airfare sometimes 30–40% lower.
8. Tips for Booking Affordable Flights
- Use Comparison Tools: Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak help find deals.
- Flexible Dates: Flying midweek is often cheaper than weekends.
- Consider Layovers: Routes via Doha, Dubai, or Addis Ababa may be cheaper than direct European flights.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Airline newsletters and flight apps often highlight promotions.
👉 Insider Tip: Cape Town flights are often more expensive than Johannesburg. Some travelers book cheaper flights to Johannesburg and then take a budget domestic flight to CPT.
9. Airport Facilities at Cape Town International
- Wi-Fi: Free limited access with paid upgrades.
- Currency Exchange & ATMs: Available in arrivals.
- Restaurants & Cafés: From fast food to sit-down dining.
- Duty-Free Shopping: Souvenirs, wine, jewelry, and more.
- Car Rentals: All major companies located at the airport.
- Transport: MyCiTi Airport Shuttle, Uber/Bolt, and taxis.
10. Arrival Experience
As you approach Cape Town International, the first thing you’ll notice is the spectacular view of Table Mountain on a clear day—a breathtaking welcome to South Africa. Immigration is generally smooth, and within 30–40 minutes, you’ll be on your way into the city.
Final Thoughts
Flying into Cape Town International Airport is the beginning of an unforgettable journey. With direct connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, plus convenient one-stop flights from North America and Asia, getting to the Mother City is easier than ever.
By booking early, choosing the right airlines, and understanding your layover options, you’ll arrive ready to explore Cape Town’s beaches, mountains, wine estates, and vibrant neighborhoods.
