Cheap Flights from the UK to South Africa: Johannesburg and Cape Town
Johannesburg and Cape Town are two of the best-connected cities in Africa from the UK. Here's how to choose between non-stop and connecting flights and when to book for the best price.
Non-Stop Flights from the UK to South Africa
Johannesburg (JNB): British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly non-stop from London Heathrow to O.R. Tambo International. The overnight flight takes about 11 hours, and the time difference is small (1 to 2 hours depending on the time of year), so jet lag is minimal.
Cape Town (CPT): British Airways flies non-stop from Heathrow, and Virgin Atlantic has operated seasonal non-stop flights during the southern summer (roughly October to April). The flight takes about 11.5 to 12 hours.
Connecting Flights
Connections via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Amsterdam (KLM), Frankfurt (Lufthansa) and Zurich (Swiss) are often cheaper than non-stop flights and are available from regional UK airports. You can also connect from Johannesburg to smaller cities in South Africa and to neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
The Cheapest Time to Fly to South Africa
- Usually cheapest: May to August (the southern winter). Johannesburg is dry and sunny; Cape Town can be cool and wet.
- Shoulder season: September to November and February to April. Great weather and better prices than peak.
- Peak: mid-December to mid-January, when it's summer in South Africa and UK families travel for Christmas.
Combining Johannesburg and Cape Town
Many travellers fly into one city and out of the other, using a short domestic flight in between. This "open-jaw" ticket often costs little more than a simple return and saves backtracking. It's a great way to combine a safari in Kruger with Cape Town and the Garden Route.
Entry Requirements
British passport holders don't usually need a visa for short tourist visits to South Africa, but strict passport rules apply, including having enough blank pages and validity. Rules for children travelling can also be specific. Always check GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice for South Africa before you book.
See our Johannesburg and Cape Town flight pages for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Johannesburg?
About 11 hours non-stop.
Is there a direct flight from London to Cape Town?
Yes. British Airways flies non-stop from Heathrow, and Virgin Atlantic has operated seasonal non-stop flights in the southern summer.
When is the cheapest time to fly to South Africa?
Usually May to August, during the southern winter.
Can I fly into Johannesburg and home from Cape Town?
Yes. Open-jaw tickets are common and often cost little more than a standard return.
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