$586+ 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.

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.

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.

Cape Town, South Africa airport overview

Africa’s third-busiest airport, and the winner of the 2009 Skytrax award for Best Airport in Africa, Cape Town International (CPT) is a sleek, light and spacious transport hub – and a suitably lovely introduction for foreign visitors to the Cape of Good Hope.

Recently upgraded for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town International is a truly world-class airport, and a prime tourism gateway. Flights to Cape Town International are operated by a huge array of airlines, bringing eager visitors from all over the world to the city’s sunny shores.

Boasting an impressive array of facilities and amenities, just as you’ll have no shortage of things to do in South Africa’s Mother City – with hiking trails up iconic Table Mountain, long stretches of beautiful beaches, trips out to historic Robben Island, and serious partying in Long Street all in the offing – rest assured that your time spent in transit in Cape Town International will be very painless indeed.