Cheap Flights from UK to Cape Town, South Africa | World Travel & Tours
Why Fly to Cape Town?
Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, Boulders Beach penguins, the Garden Route and some of the best food in Africa: Cape Town is one of the world's great city breaks and a favourite winter-sun escape from the UK. With only a small time difference from the UK, it's an easy long-haul trip with very little jet lag.
Flights from the UK to Cape Town
Flights arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), around 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre.
- Non-stop: British Airways flies from London Heathrow, and Virgin Atlantic has operated seasonal non-stop flights during the southern summer (roughly October to April). Flight time is about 11.5 to 12 hours.
- One-stop: Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), KLM (Amsterdam), Lufthansa (Frankfurt) and others, from London and regional UK airports.
- Via Johannesburg: fly to Johannesburg and connect on a short domestic flight.
Best and Cheapest Time to Visit Cape Town
Peak season is December to February, the southern summer, when fares are highest. Shoulder months (October, November, March and April) offer warm weather and better prices. Winter (June to August) is cooler and wetter but usually has the cheapest flights. It's also whale-watching season along the coast from around July.
Cape Town and Johannesburg in One Trip
An open-jaw ticket, flying into Johannesburg and home from Cape Town (or the reverse), is a popular way to combine a Kruger safari with the Cape. Read our South Africa flights guide for more.
Travel Tips
- British passport holders don't usually need a visa for short tourist visits, but South Africa has strict passport rules, including blank pages and validity. Check GOV.UK before you travel.
- Book 4 to 6 months ahead for December and January.
- Hire a car to explore the Winelands and Cape Peninsula.
Business Class to Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most popular premium routes from the UK. Ask us about discounted business class fares, particularly outside the December peak.
Frequently Asked Questions: Flights to Cape Town
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.
How long is the flight from the UK to Cape Town?
About 11.5 to 12 hours non-stop. One-stop journeys usually take 15 to 20 hours.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Cape Town?
Usually June to August, the southern winter. Shoulder months like October, November, March and April also offer good value.
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
British passport holders don't usually need a visa for short tourist visits, but strict passport rules apply. Check GOV.UK before you travel.
Contact World Travel & Tours for the Best Flight Deals to Cape Town
Ready to book your trip to Cape Town, South Africa? Call us now on 0207 993 0081 or message us on WhatsApp for an instant quote. Our UK-based agents are available 7 days a week to find you the best cheap flights to Cape Town from the UK. You can also browse all our destinations or read our travel guides.