Planning a trip to Cape Town? Finding the cheapest flights means you’ve got more money left to spend when you get to this South African city, so it’s well worth shopping around. There are around 5,272 weekly flights from London to Cape Town International (CPT), which gives you some idea of the level of choice.
If you want a direct flight, you’ll be flying from London Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways. But it’s worth checking indirect flights with other airlines, and you’ve also got the option of flying from other London airports, including Gatwick (LGW).
High season in Cape Town is from around January to April, with February often being the most expensive time for flights. This is when visitors come to enjoy the summer weather, so accommodation costs can be high around this time, too. By contrast, July is often a cheaper time to buy tickets as it’s winter in Cape Town – also known as ‘the green season’ due to the rain.
Last-minute deals can be cheaper, but it's risky as often the best-priced flights can disappear. It's best to book flights to Cape Town in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly if you’ve got your heart set on certain dates.
The shortest flight time on this route is about 10 hours and 30 minutes, but that can vary quite a bit. The good news is, there’s only a one-hour time difference from the UK – or two hours during daylight saving – which means you won’t have to worry about jet lag.
FAQs about flights from London to Cape Town
Which airlines fly from London to Cape Town?
British Airways operate direct flights to Cape Town from London Heathrow. You can also get an indirect flight from both here and London Gatwick with airlines including Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Emirates, SWISS and Kenya Airways.
Which airlines have the cheapest flights to Cape Town?
You’ll often find cheap deals with Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways.
Can I fly direct from London to Cape Town?
Yes, you can fly direct to Cape Town from London Heathrow with British Airways.
Which London airport offers the cheapest direct flight to Cape Town?
London Heathrow is currently the only airport from where you can take a direct flight to Cape Town.
How long is the flight from London to Cape Town?
The shortest flight time is around 10 hours and 30 minutes.
How do I get into Cape Town from Cape Town International Airport?
If you’re in a group, an airport shuttle can be a good option. There are desks in the airport terminal or you can pre-book, and expect to pay around R270 plus R30 for every extra passenger for the journey into the city. If you’re travelling solo, the MyCiti Airport Shuttle works out cheaper and drops you at the Civic Centre in town. Journey time is around 30 minutes and buses depart every 20 minutes from the bus station just outside the main terminal. You’re looking at a return fare of about R90, but you’ll need to pay for another bus or a taxi to get to your hotel once you reach the bus station.
What are the top things to do in Cape Town?
Two words are usually top of the list when it comes to things to do in Cape Town: Table Mountain. Hike, climb or bike up this flat-topped mountain for epic views of the city below, or take the aerial cableway. Then explore the vast botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch, spot African penguins on Boulders Beach and take an eye-opening tour of Robben Island. This World Heritage site is where Nelson Mandela was held during the apartheid, and it will leave a lasting impression.
Do I need a visa to travel to Cape Town?
British citizens visiting South Africa for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days don’t need a visa to visit Cape Town.
