Cape Town flights booked via SouthAfrica.TO qualify to earn our exclusive flight discount vouchers - simply email a write-up of any flight to cheapflights@southafrica.to and we'll send you vouchers. Easy. |
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For GPS lovers - coords of Cape Town Airport : (-33.964806 , 18.601667) |
Latest Cape Town Flight News:
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For the best views of Table Mountain as you come in to land sit on starboard side of plane in summer, and port in winter. |
Help with flight quotes - we're itching to show you the best CPT flight deals |
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The only airport in Cape Town with scheduled flights is Cape Town International Airport (CPT). |
Travellers generally put a lot of emphasis on finding cheap airfares, but not enough on securing reasonably pries accommodation. Click here to compare accommodation options in Cape Town. For its proximity to many attractions and views, we recommend staying at the Table Bay Hotel in the V&A Waterfront. If you'd like something closer to the airport try Hotel Verde, which is "110% green". |
Once you've booked your flight to Cape town, your car rental and your accommodation, the next step is to fill in your itinerary - here's a comprehensive list of things to do in Cape Town. |
Afrikaans : Kaapstad Vlugte |
Mango flights to Cape Town |
Fun in the City : Try Cape Town Paragliding |
Cheap Flights to Cape Town
Looking for an affordable flight to Cape Town? We've got you covered with cheap flights available through the comparison tool on the left.
You know you're on a flight to Cape Town, when you see a flat-topped mountain which looks as if its peak has been cut off. Cape Town, also referred to as the Mother City or Hipster Central, is one of South Africa's top tourist destinations and it is not hard to see why!
Cape Town International Airport is the second busiest in South Africa (after OR Tambo International Airport), with a plethora of airlines offering cheap flights into the Mother City. South African Airways, Mango, British Airways, Kulula, Emirates, KLM operates flights to Cape Town. Budget carriers, Mango Airlines and FlySafair, are the kings of Cape Town aviation - they offer flights more flight routes to CPT than any other airline.
Find out more about flights to Cape Town below.
LIFT Launches Cape Town - Johannesburg Flights
10 Dec 2020: New low-cost carrier LIFT airlines are launching flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg today.
FlySafair Launches Flights from Lanseria to Cape Town
23 June 2016: From 1 August 2016, FlySafair will operate daily flights between Lanseria, Johannesburg and Cape Town International. This will inevitably push down prices on the busy route and is a clear move from FlySafair to target more business travellers.
Reasons to Visit
1. Kirstenbosch Botantical Gardens opened the Bloomslang Aerial Walkway in mid-April 2014. There is no additional fee to go on it (just the usual entrance fee). It is situated just past the concert area, on top of the tree section.
2. The Two Oceans Aquarium was named as one of the best aquariums in the world by Trip Advisor recently. They are officially the 10th best aquarium in the world as judged by reviews on TripAdvisor. The beautiful views of Table Mountain and the great food at the Waterfront surely helped the aquariums cause!
3. Trendy areas in the Mother City like Woodstock and Bree Street has welcomed a plethora of new eateries and young entrepreneurs to open stores. What would Cape Town be without their hipsters drinking their flat whites?
4. Talking about flat whites, Cape Town is famous for their beans! Being voted the best coffee shop in the world for the second time in a row, Truth Roastery in Buitenkant Street claimed top honours in the Telegraphs highly anticipated list.
5. Cape Town is absoluately unparalled in its natural beauty! From sundowners on Cliffton, to a hike up Table Mountain or a bike ride in the beautiful winelands - they have it all!
What is your favourite reason to visit Cape Town? Below we've created a bucket list that can be printed and ticked off as you do some of the things on the list. Even Cape Town locals might find this list useful!
Stats
Latest On time statistics at CPT
Airlink |
BA |
Kulula |
FlySafair |
Mango |
SA Express |
FlyCemair |
FlyBlueCrane |
SAA |
|
June 2017 |
88% |
90% |
88% |
96% |
90% |
82% |
93% |
- |
89% |
January 2017 |
91% |
89% |
87% |
96% |
91% |
85% |
91% |
38% |
89% |
November 2016 |
93% |
77% |
79% |
93% |
90% |
87% |
88% |
38% |
84% |
October 2016 |
88% |
83% |
85% |
97% |
84% |
83% |
90% |
72% |
84% |
Aug 2016 |
88% |
88% |
88% |
97% |
90% |
83% |
100% |
63% |
90% |
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During June 2017 international flights increased by 24%, regional flights only increased by 1% and domestic flights increased by 5% bringing the total increase to 2%.
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During December 2016 international fights increased by 29%, regional flights decreased by 1% and unscheduled arrivals decreased by 14%. In general passenger arrivals increased by 8%. FlySafair was also the most on-time airline scoring 96%.
- During November 2016 international fights increased by 17%, regional flights increased by 9% and unscheduled arrivals decreased by 68%. In general passenger arrivals decreased by 3%.
Older on time statistics at CPT |
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Airlink |
BA |
Kulula |
FlySafair |
Mango |
SA Express |
SAA |
|
May 2015 |
97% |
81% |
94% |
94% |
90% |
85% |
94% |
Apr 2015 |
93% |
84% |
86% |
94% |
90% |
89% |
92% |
Mar 2015 |
95% |
92% |
87% |
97% |
89% |
93% |
94% |
Feb 2015 |
96% |
95% |
94% |
98% |
91% |
92% |
95% |
Jan 2015 |
98% |
92% |
91% |
95% |
91% |
95% |
91% |
Dec 2014 |
95% |
92% |
85% |
86% |
89% |
93% |
90% |
Nov 2014 |
95% |
90% |
86% |
86% |
91% |
94% |
87% |
Oct 2014 |
94% |
92% |
90% |
85% |
88% |
96% |
88% |
2015 |
95% |
89% |
91% |
96% |
90% |
91% |
93% |
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There were 7% more passengers flying to CPT Airport in October 2016 than in October 2015, with International Travellers increasing by a whopping 21%!
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FlySafair was the most on-time airline offering flights to Cape Town in 2015, scoring a 95% average.
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Important 2015 stats if flying on-time plays a role for you: Following on from its winning form last year, FlySafair has been the most on-time airline for flights to Cape Town over the year to date. Airlink was the most on time airline in May 2015.
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FlySafair was the most on-time airline at Cape Town international for 2014.
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SA Airlink was the most on-time for flights to CPT in 2013, with the average performance being 95% on-time.
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Great news for travellers in South Africa. FlySafair have started flying from OR Tambo to Cape Town. The airline's first flight took off on the 16th of October 2014 and they are offering some amazing rates.
News:
12 October 2015 : Mango Airlines will stop flying on the Port Elizabeth - Cape Town route from the 15th of October 2015. Clients who have booked tickets after the 15th on this route will be put on SA Express flights.
3 November 2014 : Qatar Airways started flying directly from Doha to Cape Town on the 3rd of November 2014. Flights are scheduled to be operated 5 times a week on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. One of their new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which has 22 business class seats and 232 economy class seats will be used on this route. Flights will depart from Cape Town at 12h45 flying for 10 and a half hours before arriving in Doha at 23h30. The return flight will arrive in Cape Town at 10h15 after departing Doha at 01h25.
19 August 2014 : We all know that Cape Town is the crown jewel of the South African tourism industry but more recently it seems like it is also fast becoming the crown jewel of the African tourism industry. Two African airlines have recently expressed interest in flying directly to and from Cape Town International. Botswana based charter airline BlueSky Airways is looking at flying between Gaborone and CPT from the end of the year with a Boeing 737 aircraft. This route will be the airlines inaugural route. At the recent unveiling of Kenya Airways’ new Dreamliner aircraft, COO Mbuvi Ngunze said that the airline is hoping to expand their operations into South Africa by adding the Nairobi to Cape Town route to their JNB – Nairobi route. No date has been put on the launch of this new route but they are seriously looking at flying to Cape Town according to Ngunze. All of this is great news for the tourism industry in Cape Town which will hopefully keep growing at a steady pace.
25 July 2014: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) recently released the final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the realignment of Cape Town International Airport's runway. Along with the release of the report they have opened up a 21 day public comment period for residents to raise any concerns that they may have regarding the final report. The major concern that has already been raised by residents of the nearby areas is the increase in high noise levels that will come with the flight path changes for departing and approaching aircraft. All interested parties are requested to make their comments available before the 1st of August 2014. Any comments or requests must be sent to SRK Consulting in writing at: Postnet Suite #206, Private Bag X18, Rondebosch, 7701.
17 July 2014 : Two hijacking incidents around Cape Town International have been reported to Authorities. These incidents involved an airport employee and a pilot over the last month. The pilot narrowly escaped being robbed and the airport employee was reportedly attacked and robbed along the N2 near the airport. ACSA stated that they are aware of the incidents and that they have put the required preventative measures in place. The Airports Authority of South Africa has asked travellers not to drive over any cardboard boxes or plastic bags on the road as these objects could be filled with cement or rocks which could cause serious damage to your car. If this happens you will then be forced to pull over which will put you at risk of a possible ambush alongside the road. Travellers are being asked to stay vigilant when travelling to and from the airport.
28 March 2014 : FlyCemair has been operating flights from CPT to Plettenberg Bay on Sundays & Fridays.
Cost of flying bicycles to Cape Town for the Argus Cycle Tour on the 9th March 2014 ( one sector): Mango R275, Kulula R300, South African Airways R285 & British Airways Comair R300 (same as for Kulula).
20 Feb 2014 : Congratulations to Cape Town International Airport on winning the 2013 ASQ Award for Best Airport in Africa.
Getting from the Airport
International travellers are often used to transitting via a train, so let's start off by saying that there are no trains operating from the airport.
Due to the poor state of public transport, most visitors opt to rent a car in Cape Town. The main car hire agencies are Avis, Budget, Europcar Cape Town, First Car Rental, Hertz, Tempest & Thrifty.
There are a number of companies offering CPT shuttle services. We usually use EZ Shuttle, and have found them to be reasonably priced (although not always cheapest) and reliable.
MyCiti operate regular bust trips from the airport to the Civic Centre, and then onward to the V&A Waterfront via Thibault Square, the Stadium and Granger Bay. The MyCiTi bus station is just outside the main terminal of the airport, and you can buy a myconnect card there.
Directions
To get to the V&A Waterfront, take the N2 towards Cape Town, travelling in a westerly direction. After passing past the harbour, turn right at the first traffic lights into Walter Sisulu Avenue, and follow signposts to the Waterfront.
International Flights
For international flights it's sometimes cheaper to fly to Johannesburg and then take a domestic low cost carrier from Johannesburg to Cape Town (or an intercity bus or train if you really want to save).
Subscribe to our mailing list to get notified when there are Cape Town flight specials on.
Finally, please read through our tips for booking cheap flights which contains a lot of more general techniques of keeping your airfares down (e.g. credit cards for bounty points, etc...)
Proudly Capetonian
Those flying to Cape Town are in for a treat of Cape Town culture. If you're an international visitor to South Africa you may not be aware of the subtle nuances of the relationship between proud Capetonians and the rest of the country - pictures speak louder than words!
Trains to Cape Town
Although there are no trains to Cape Town International Airport, the city has a fairly wide train network, include connections all the way up to Johannesburg.
Reviews
First Flight to Cape Town
23 October 2013 : "Since we got married, my husband of 32 years had never been on a plane. My brother was getting married in cape town and the entire family was going to fly down. On the day of departure he was quite nervous and excited. Some family members poked fun at him while others gave him sound advice, like "don’t worry when you in the air you can go for a walk outside, so relax nothing to worry about". "Dont use the loo as you might get flushed down", "Say your prayers just in case", and so on. On the tarmac seeing the plane so close for the first time he grabbed his camera and took loads of pictures of the plane. We proceeded to board and settled down in our seats. As the plane went to the runway my poor husband hit a sweat and held onto my hand as if he was holding on for dear life. Only when we were in the air I asked him to let go and relax. After being served a nice hot cup of tea and a snack he started enjoy ing himself. The next time he flew was almost 15 years later to Saudi and this time he was fine. Longer flight and more experienced. He he he" Fozia Ahmed
Routes in to Cape Town
Flights to CPT from within South Africa
There are BFN-CPT, DUR-CPT, ELS-CPT, GRJ-CPT, HDS-CPT, JNB-CPT, KIM-CPT, HLA-CPT, MQP-CPT, PLZ-CPT & UTN-CPT direct flights.
Flights to Cape Town from Africa (excluding SA)
International Flights to Cape Town from outside Africa
Aberdeen to Cape Town |
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The Cape Town city centre is usually a hub of activity.
Overland
If you don't want to fly, why not make a bus trip booking to Cape Town (bus is usually cheaper but takes longer):
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The Baz Bus is a favourite amongst backpackers, operating a hop-on hop-off bus service between many backpacking hostels in South Africa, and offers trips in each direction between Johannesburg/Pretoria and Cape Town via the Drakensberg, with stops along the coast including East London, Port Elizabeth, Plettenberg Bay and George.
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Citiliner bus is a semi-luxury coach offering bus trip bookings to Cape Town from departures in South Africa and Zimbabwe (Bulawayo, Cape Town, Durban, Harare, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria and Umtata)
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The Greyhound bus operates a traditional bus service through the main centres of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe (Bloemfontein, Bulawayo, Butterworth, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Empangeni, Harare, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Nelspruit, Newcastle, Maputo, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Queenstown, Swinburne and Umtata)
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The Intercape bus operates a traditional bus service to Cape Town from its vast network within South Africa and from some of its neighbouring countries.
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SA Roadlink offers bus trips across South Africa; from Polokwane to Johannesburg to Cape Town to Durban.
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The Translux bus is part of the Unitrans group, offering bookings for luxury bus trips to Cape Town from over 100 destinations in South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia.
The Shosholoza Meyl offers economy and tourist class train trips from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. For something more luxurious try the Premier Classe, and for ultimate luxury enjoy the Blue Train.
About Cape Town
Weather
Want to know what the weather in Cape Town is like before you get there? Check out Cape Town Webcam. Generally speaking Cape Town has hot dry windy summers (December, January and February) and cold rainy winters (June, July and August).
When to visit Cape Town
To book cheap flights to Cape Town, time your visit to avoid the peak tourist season (December, January), school holidays, public holidays and other major events.
Cape Town has a temperate climate, with warmer, dryer and windy summers; and wetter, colder and slightly less windy winters. The spring and autumn seasons have less wind, in between temperatures and a mix of rainy and sunny days.
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If you're looking for beach fun, then summer is the time to come - December & January represents the height of the tourist season.
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If you're looking to party until the early hours in packed nightclubs, then December is the time to come, or in particular from Christmas to New Year, when Cape Town's tourist season is going full throttle.
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If you want to escape the tourist rush and not have as much windy weather, then Autumn and Spring are perfect.
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The southern right whales visit Cape Town from July to October.
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Spring flowers bloom in the spring :)
To get a bit of everything, October is a great month to visit Cape Town - see the southern right whales, enjoy the Spring flowers, not so windy, not too cold, not too hot. There are also cheaper flights to Cape Town in October, as it's before tourists start flocking in, in large numbers.
Don't forget to climb Table Mountain - and take spectacular photos like this one taken by Justin Lee.
Cape Cuisine
Whilst in the Cape, sample some of the Kaapsekos (local Cape cuisine):
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Gatsbies are hollowed out chunks of bread with chips and other foodstuffs in them (a heart attack in a roll!). Get your Gatsby at Ottery Farm Stall (0217042211) or Golden Dish at Gateville Centre in Ryland (021 6383796).
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Pop round to Mzoli's in Gugulethu to experience the township vibe, kwaito music and lots of meat.
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Smoorsnoek
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Samoosas
Top Blog
Linda made a trip to Cape Town for her birthday. After flying in from Windhoek, she enjoyed "walking along the beach and sea front, eating French food (the first for nine months!), drinking good wine and enjoying several varieties of cheese (cheese is too expensive to be bought regularly in Namibia)...The boat ride over (to Robben Island) was so bumpy that several passengers threw up along the way and had to be laid down on the quay upon arrival for ten minutes to recover... Alex had booked a table at Baya restaurant, which overlooked the water and the lights of Cape Town. The service was impeccable ("Excellent choice, Madam"), the wine wonderful and the food amazing."
Bit of fun - space shuttle landing
Views as you Land
Your visit to Cape Town begins whilst still in the air - do not miss one of the best opportunities to take in the splendour of Cape Town. Here's some of what you might see.
Flying in from Johannesburg, one sometimes passes over the Gydo Pass, in the photo you can see the R303 running between Citrusdal & Prince Alfred's Hamlet. 
Robben Island played a pivotal role in the history of South Africa.
The Caltex Oil Refinery & its storage tanks, with the suburb of Bothasig to the left.
Before we sign out on this webpage, a little reminder that we'd be delighted to receive any writeups of CPT lights to publish, and in return we'll give you travel vouchers. Merely email cheapflights@southafrica.to (and remember to use the flight bookings tool on the top left of this page to identify cheap flights to Cape Town - we don't want any of our clients paying too much).
