Cheap flights to Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town Travel Guide

Cape Town may the oldest city in South Africa, but its beauty reigns on. Travelers book flights to Cape Town for a trendy South African experience and wind up captivated by the majestic landscape of beaches, mountains, and miles of coastline. Cape Town is famed as one of the best destinations in South Africa. There’s as much culture in Cape Town as there is throughout South Africa, but unlike the rest of the country, this city has a pretty laid-back atmosphere.

Many Cape Town flights are filled with travelers heading to one of the city’s charming vineyards. Award-winning wine and South African architecture grace the vineyards, making them a must-see tourist spot for anyone aboard flights to Cape Town. After a relaxing day at the vineyards, a drive into Cape Town’s bustling city provides tourists with a glimpse of South African nightlife at its best. The city center features retail stores, vendors and street markets selling everything from African souvenirs and clothes to accessories. Or, find cheap flights to Cape Town and spend your days lazy on the beach.

Keep your trip to Cape Town flexible. Regardless of what you choose to see and do, you’ll likely board your Cape Town flight wishing for more time to explore this South African city.

Book a flight to Cape Town, and return with a new sense of wonder.

What’s the weather like in Cape Town?

Sandwiched between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Cape Town catches sea breezes from both sides making flights to Cape Town ideal for those looking to vacation in a moderate climate. Its peninsular location leaves it experiencing mild-mannered winters and comfortable summers with temperatures spiking no higher than 80 degrees.

 When is the best time to fly to Cape Town?

Whether you’re hiking to the top of Table Mountain or heading downtown for a Ladysmith Black Mambazo show, there’s no wrong time to book your flight to Cape Town.

Peak Season:

Cape Town benefits from a mild climate year-round so with some flexibility and planning in advance you can find some cheap flights to Cape Town. November until January are the busiest times of the year making flights to Cape Town more expensive. Flying to Cape Town during school holidays causes higher prices and a lot more crowds, especially in December and January (this is the South African summer holiday period). Cheap flights to Cape Town can be found around Easter if you book in advance, although it is a popular time of year. There is a historic Second New Year Parade at the beginning of January which features thousands of people dressed in luminous multicolored suits. Flights to Cape Town are more expensive during the weeks leading up to the parade so book in advance to save some money. Also in January is South Africa’s most renowned outdoor sporting occasion at Kenilworth Racecourse. It’s a blend of equestrian expertise and high fashion.

Off-Peak Season: 

The best time to book a cheap flight to Cape Town is during the transitional seasons of autumn and spring.  Because of the mild variation in seasons, Cape Town in the fall or spring experiences balmy weather and wind-free days. Plus, there are less crowds! Several concerts and festivals are scheduled to draw visitors to Cape Town throughout the year.

 When is the best time to book a flight to Cape Town?

If you book your flights to Cape Town in advance, you can grab bargains in June and July. You can also find great deals on your flight tickets in November, and during the winter months. Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to finding cheap flights to Cape Town, however if you want to travel during January you will need to book as early as you can due to the festivals and events that take place. Don’t worry too much about which side of the plane to sit on when booking your flights to Cape Town, as both sides offer spectacular views of the city as you approach.

How long is the flight to Cape Town?

Boasting beautiful beaches, a rich nightlife scene and everything in between, Cape Town is a unique vacation destination that’s well worth the flight. Leaving from Boston gets you there in just under 16 hours, and flying from Los Angeles takes a little over 20 hours. From both Dallas and Minneapolis, the flight time is around 18 hours. If you’re coming from the United States, keep in mind you’re likely to make a connection elsewhere before arriving at Cape Town International Airport.

Which airlines fly to Cape Town?

As the third busiest airport in Africa, Cape Town International Airport receives plenty of direct flights from major air traffic hubs in Africa, Europe and Asia. Major international airlines servicing the airport include British Airways, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines and South Africa Airways, among others. You can also fly in on a domestic airline such as Mango Airlines or Kulula.

What should you pack for a flight to Cape Town?

 No matter when you fly into Cape Town, you can look forward to pleasant weather with average temperatures around 80 F in February and 62 F in July. Pack appropriately with light long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, capris and dresses for strolling around town. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and cover-up for enjoying the city’s white-sand beaches, and pack a few jackets and other layering options for cooler nights and early mornings.

 Getting to and around the city of Cape Town

The best way to get downtown after your Cape Town flight is by hailing a taxi or boarding a bus at the airport. In the city’s center, the cheapest option to get around is Cape Town’s public bus system. Save some money by buying your bus tickets ahead of time and in bulk—books of 10 tickets are sold. But be careful if you’re on a tight schedule. Posted drop-off and pick-up times are just estimates, and you don’t want to get stranded. If you’d rather take a taxi, you’ll be spending more money, but saving time. If you have time to do the research, the tourism center offers shuttle buses to popular tourist attractions like the Table Mountain Cableway.

 What are some things to do in Cape Town?

Once your plane lands in Cape Town, make your way to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to grab something to eat and take a catamaran cruise, or head over to Boulders Beach to enjoy crystal-clear waters and a sandy shore home to thousands of penguins. To soak in more of Cape Town’s natural wonders, hike through the hilly terrain and local flora of Kirstenboch Gardens just outside the city. You can also take a cable car up to the summit of Table Mountain. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of wine at the cafe while you enjoy the view.

Experience the cultural side of the city at Neighborhoods Market, a sprawling weekend market where you find ostrich burgers and other exotic eats. Be sure to visit the Bo-Kaap neighborhood to snap photos of the row houses painted in vivid colors, and check out the beach communities of Clifton and Camps Bay for a scenic afternoon stroll. When night falls, check out Long Street to enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene, including cheap beer and plenty of live music.

Whenever you fly in, there’s always something interesting happening in Cape Town. Check to see if a music festival is taking place during your trip, or enjoy the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival in which people dance their way through the city in costume. The city is also home to AfrikaBurn, an exciting event in the style of Burning Man.

Tips for your stay in Cape Town

• Visitors hailing from every corner of the globe are booking cheap flights to Cape Town to visit Table Mountain, one of South Africa’s most majestic attractions. Hiking enthusiasts of all expertise levels can enjoy a lengthy climb up the slopes, though the weather at Table Mountain has been known to be somewhat mercurial and challenging to those seeking breathtaking views at the top.
• Greenmarket Squareis a favorite locale for people watching and shopping in Cape Town. Once the site of slave markets, Greenmarket Square is now home to the best flea markets in the city. Shopaholics – be ready to splurge! Fabrics, jewelry and other handmade wares are available in the marketplace. Several quaint cafes have sprung up around the square, so if your wallet is weary have a seat and watch the flurry of flea market activity for an afternoon.
• Looking for a place that will wow the kids? Head straight to the South African Museum and Planetarium. The museum hosts numerous exhibits showcasing tribal art, including a rock art display on extricated cave walls. The planetarium next door to the museum has a full schedule of shows offering incredible insight into the southern constellations of the South African skies.
• If you need some fresh air, head for the sea after your Cape Town flight and get out of the city for a thought-provoking day trip. Robben Island, just 7 miles from Cape Town and smack in the middle of Table Bay, is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices South African freedom fighters made to end Apartheid. The island served as a prison for everyone from political prisoners and criminals to lepers, including the most famous of the political prisoners—Nelson Mandela. Tours of the island are conducted by former prisoners, and the museum at Robben Island pays tribute to the will power of those who endured for liberation.

Finding Flights from Cape Town

When you’re ready to leave Cape Town, explore a host of options for cheap flights. You can book a direct flight to  Johannesburg and Durban as well as other destinations in Africa, Asia and Europe. If you’re headed to the United States, you can reach your destination through a connecting flight in another city. Some of the airlines leaving from Cape Town International Airport include Virgin Atlantic, Air Berlin and British Airways.

Getting to the airport takes around 20 minutes by car or taxi via the N2 freeway and Airport Approach Road. Once there, you can find short and long-term parking for a fee. You can also take the MyCiti rapid transit system from Civic Centre Station in the central business district. Be sure to arrive at least two hours early to pass through check-in and security before reaching your gate.