CPT

Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT) Flights & Information

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Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT) Flight Information

Find helpful information about Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT) to aid in your flight search on Cheapflights.

Airport code

CPT

Daily departures

1,678

Daily arrivals

1,589

Most popular destination

JNB (Johannesburg)

Cheapest destination

ELS (East London)

Average flight price

$1,510
Average number of daily flights departing from CPT
Average number of daily flights to CPT
Average for round-trip flights in March 2025

Cape Town Intl Airport Guide

John Walton
October 28, 2024

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main airport serving the Western Cape of South Africa. It’s located roughly 12 miles southeast of central Cape Town and is the biggest international airport in South Africa after Johannesburg.

Long-haul flights arrive direct from Atlanta, Newark/New York and Washington DC with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as from the major European connecting hubs like London, Paris and Frankfurt, plus several of the Middle Eastern hubs as well. You can also fly internationally from a number of other African cities, and there are many domestic destinations within South Africa.

Cape Town International Airport terminals and layout

Cape Town International Airport is helpfully very compact, stretching from north to south in a single building all under one roof. Within that building, the international gates are found to the north in the international terminal, with the domestic gates to the south in the domestic terminal, connected by the central terminal building.

All ground transportation, pick-ups and drop-offs, as well as check-in desks, are in the central terminal building. However, baggage reclaim is separated by terminal, with international passport control and customs checks also taking place in the international terminal. You’ll arrive into the central terminal building once you have your luggage (and have cleared customs if needed) to continue onwards.

There are 2 hotels near the airport, the Road Lodge and the Hotel Verde, but both require quite the walk to reach them from the terminal buildings. It’s very quick to get into the center of Cape Town in any case, so I recommend going there instead.

Arriving at CPT

Cape Town arrivals is pretty simple thanks to its single-building layout. Domestically, just head to baggage claim, pick up checked luggage if you have it and then continue on to ground transportation. Internationally, you’ll add arrivals passport control before collecting your bag and going to customs afterwards, but these are fairly standard procedures you’d find at most international airports.

You’ll probably want to complete the South African Traveller Declaration System paperwork online before leaving home rather than bothering with the old TC-01 paper form, although the online system is voluntary. I usually print a copy once done and fold it into my passport rather than trusting that my phone will still be charged and working when I arrive, but I can be a little old-school when it comes to official paperwork.

Whether you’re connecting at Johannesburg for Cape Town or connecting at Cape Town for somewhere else, note that in South Africa you will collect your luggage and go through customs at your first point of entry. If you have a checked bag and an onward flight, you’ll need to claim your bag at the first airport where you arrive, go through customs there and re-check it at your airline desk.

I got into the habit of checking the final airport listed on my bag tag many years ago, and I recommend it for every flight – especially to Cape Town, since I’ve heard of bags tagged incorrectly for CAP (an airport at Cap-Haïtien in Haiti) rather than CPT.

Getting to and from CPT by public transportation

Your public transportation options from Cape Town International Airport into the city are fairly limited at present. A couple of shuttle bus operators are authorized by the airport to run shared shuttles (check out the airport website for booking details) and more claim to be authorized on their websites but I’d be pretty careful about using any unauthorized service.

I’d usually go for an Uber or Bolt since those options are inexpensive, convenient and come in a variety of sizes for smaller or larger traveling parties and varying amounts of luggage.

How to get to and from Cape Town International Airport by car

Jumping in a taxi or summoning a ride via the Uber or Bolt rideshare apps is the easiest option to get into Cape Town – they’re usually called e-hailing here. I keep both apps on my phone because their surge pricing differs, and in case one has an unusually long wait.

The apps may ask you to choose from separate pickup areas for domestic and international arrivals, but may well take you to the same main pickup area in one of the Parkade car park buildings. Just be sure to follow the instructions in the app you choose.

If you prefer not to use the apps, there’s an authorized taxi service that’s clearly marked with a black-and-white checked logo. As you exit baggage claim into arrivals, you’ll likely run the usual gauntlet of people offering you an unauthorized taxi into town. Taking an unauthorized taxi anywhere in the world is not the best plan. Keep walking and look for the desk that’s marked “Authorised Airport Taxi.”

Whether you prefer the rideshare app or taxi way of getting yourself a ride, it should take you between 20 and 40 minutes to get to your destination, depending on how far you’re going in the city itself and on the time of day.

Security lines and departures at Cape Town International Airport

Since CPT is one big building, it’s pretty easy and convenient to get dropped off by taxi or rideshare car (or a friend or family member) and to find your way to check-in. Enter through the main building and all the check-in desks (and in some cases bag drops, if all you need to do is drop your checked luggage) are right there, with clear signage by airline.

You’ll then head through security and on to your gate, but if you’re hungry – or just very early arriving at the airport – there are a few options for food and drinks in the mezzanine level.

Liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions for hand luggage apply only to international flights in South Africa – on a domestic flight you can bring full-sized toiletries, drinks and so on with you. The international flight restrictions are the standard ones: all liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers measuring no more than 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) each, all inside a resealable transparent plastic bag of 1 liter (slightly larger than 1 quart).

There is a security fast track for eligible passengers (your airline will tell you if that’s you) but I wouldn’t pay extra to use it. The general lines are not that long, so it’s rarely worth the expense. South Africa requires an exit passport control for international passengers, and this line can get quite long at peak times, so do arrive in plenty of time to avoid any stress in that situation.

Lounges and free Wi-Fi at CPT

Cape Town is pretty well served by airport lounges, both internationally and domestically. In the international terminal, third party operator Bidvest has 2 Premier Lounges, which it calls numbers 1 and 2. These are open to business/first class passengers (and some frequent flyers) from airlines that contract with them, as well as to passengers who book separately. Prices are pretty reasonable and both have showers.

Still on the international side, South African Airways, Emirates and British Airways all have their own dedicated airline lounges. Check with the airlines for the specific rules and requirements for getting in, but it tends to be their own business class passengers, business class passengers on partner airlines, their own frequent flyers and partner airline frequent flyers flying an eligible airline (their own flights or a partner’s).

In the domestic terminal, South African Airways has its own lounge and there are 2 independent lounges – Bidvest’s Premier Lounge and the SLOW Lounge. Both are available to business class passengers on airlines that have contracts with them, while anyone can book into the Premier Lounge for a fee.

I tend to feel like paying for entry to these lounges is less necessary before a short domestic flight, but it can be nice to freshen up with a shower on a hot day.

Priority Pass members have access to all 3 of the Bidvest Premier Lounges. Star Alliance (including Air Canada and United Airlines) and oneworld (including Alaska Airlines and American Airlines) frequent flyers should head to the South African Airways and British Airways lounges, respectively, but only if you’re flying on those airlines on the day.

Wi-Fi at Cape Town International Airport is free. Look for the "# AIRPORTS FREE Wi-Fi” network. The airport operator says that you’ll be cut off after 1GB or 4 hours, after which there’s a paid option – I’ve never burned through the limit, but it’s probably best to download movies for the flight from your hotel ahead of time so you don’t reach it yourself once you’re there.

This Cheapflights-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.

Find flight deals to Cape Town

Cheapest flights to Cape Town
Explore the most affordable flight options available to Cape Town. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on March 31, 2025.

Mon 5/510:35 amATL - CPT
1 stop22h 00mEthiopian Air
Tue 5/131:50 pmCPT - ATL
1 stop25h 05mEthiopian Air
Deal found 3/30$857
Tue 5/138:33 pmIAD - CPT
2 stops43h 37mMultiple Airlines
Tue 5/2011:30 pmCPT - IAD
2 stops42h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/31$938
Thu 5/11:30 pmIAD - CPT
1 stop40h 20mTurkish Airlines
Tue 6/34:35 pmCPT - IAD
1 stop33h 10mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/30$947
Fri 9/2610:15 amORD - CPT
1 stop21h 20mEthiopian Air
Sat 10/111:50 pmCPT - ORD
2 stops25h 25mEthiopian Air
Deal found 3/30$970
Fri 4/251:45 pmJFK - CPT
2 stops41h 55mKenya Airways
Thu 5/811:30 pmCPT - JFK
1 stop38h 05mKenya Airways
Deal found 3/30$973
Fri 4/254:05 pmJFK - CPT
1 stop35h 25mMultiple Airlines
Thu 5/811:30 pmCPT - JFK
1 stop38h 05mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/29$1,004
Mon 9/87:50 pmORD - CPT
1 stop33h 00mTurkish Airlines
Sun 9/144:35 pmCPT - ORD
1 stop36h 25mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/31$1,007
Wed 4/239:45 pmATL - CPT
1 stop32h 05mTurkish Airlines
Thu 5/224:35 pmCPT - ATL
1 stop33h 15mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/31$1,012
Wed 4/237:50 pmJFK - CPT
1 stop34h 00mTurkish Airlines
Wed 4/304:35 pmCPT - JFK
1 stop36h 05mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/30$1,026
Wed 9/1710:55 amIAD - CPT
1 stop21h 40mEthiopian Air
Wed 9/242:35 pmCPT - IAD
1 stop24h 20mEthiopian Air
Deal found 3/29$1,026
Sun 5/1810:00 pmJFK - CPT
2 stops34h 35mEthiopian Air
Thu 5/291:50 pmCPT - JFK
2 stops36h 10mEthiopian Air
Deal found 3/31$1,060
Mon 4/2112:40 pmSFO - CPT
1 stop38h 10mTurkish Airlines
Tue 5/134:35 pmCPT - SFO
1 stop27h 00mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/30$1,068

Search for flights from Cape Town

Cheapest flights from Cape Town
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Cape Town. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on March 31, 2025.

Fri 5/309:00 amCPT - WDH
1 stop8h 10mMultiple Airlines
Sat 6/73:55 pmWDH - CPT
Nonstop2h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/30$211
Thu 5/159:00 amCPT - WDH
1 stop8h 10mSouth African
Thu 5/226:00 pmWDH - CPT
1 stop16h 25mSouth African
Deal found 3/31$227
Mon 9/16:15 pmCPT - WDH
Nonstop2h 10mAirlink
Tue 9/301:40 pmWDH - CPT
Nonstop2h 05mAirlink
Deal found 3/31$246
Mon 6/211:00 pmCPT - LHR
1 stop19h 35mKLM
Mon 6/166:30 amLHR - CPT
1 stop13h 40mKLM
Deal found 3/31$591
Mon 5/262:35 pmCPT - LHR
2 stops26h 40mKenya Airways
Tue 6/176:25 pmLHR - CPT
2 stops18h 20mKenya Airways
Deal found 3/31$661
Thu 5/221:50 pmCPT - AMS
2 stops21h 45mEthiopian Air
Wed 6/412:25 pmAMS - CPT
2 stops26h 10mEthiopian Air
Deal found 3/30$686
Thu 5/223:25 pmCPT - AMS
3 stops20h 00mMultiple Airlines
Wed 6/44:10 pmAMS - CPT
2 stops20h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/30$688
Mon 5/265:25 pmCPT - LHR
2 stops24h 35mEthiopian Air
Mon 6/99:00 pmLHR - CPT
1 stop15h 00mEthiopian Air
Deal found 3/31$707
Mon 5/194:35 pmCPT - AMS
1 stop29h 10mTurkish Airlines
Mon 5/2611:15 amAMS - CPT
1 stop24h 35mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/30$707
Sun 5/188:40 amCPT - LHR
1 stop35h 40mSWISS
Sun 5/258:45 amLHR - CPT
2 stops31h 00mSWISS
Deal found 3/31$741
Sun 6/86:05 pmCPT - LHR
1 stop15h 35mLufthansa
Sat 6/148:30 amLHR - CPT
1 stop24h 00mLufthansa
Deal found 3/31$746
Wed 5/214:35 pmCPT - LHR
1 stop24h 25mTurkish Airlines
Mon 5/261:25 pmLHR - CPT
1 stop21h 25mTurkish Airlines
Deal found 3/31$755

Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT) flight status

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Reviews of airlines servicing Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT)

Read reviews of airlines servicing Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT). Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to or from Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT). Reviews last updated March 31, 2025.
8.0
Very good
3,192 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.8

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Not so good. Flight was departed 2 hours late from DC and we missed our connecting flight from Dubai to Mumbai. Our flight Dubai to Mumbai got delayed by three hours. Once we arrived Bombay airport we didnot get all our luggage bags. We were missing two luggage bags so found out that our those two luggage bags are coming in different flight. First they gave us wrong flight information in which our missing luggage coming and wrong phone number to whom we should reach out. I spent hours and hours at the airport to find out our luggage bags. After four five hours later and hectic time at the airport to get our luggage bags. Overall poor communication with emirates staff at the airport and no one is helpful.
8.0
Very good
3,192 reviews
8.0
Very good
3,192 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.8

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Not so good. Flight was departed 2 hours late from DC and we missed our connecting flight from Dubai to Mumbai. Our flight Dubai to Mumbai got delayed by three hours. Once we arrived Bombay airport we didnot get all our luggage bags. We were missing two luggage bags so found out that our those two luggage bags are coming in different flight. First they gave us wrong flight information in which our missing luggage coming and wrong phone number to whom we should reach out. I spent hours and hours at the airport to find out our luggage bags. After four five hours later and hectic time at the airport to get our luggage bags. Overall poor communication with emirates staff at the airport and no one is helpful.
8.0
Very good
7,899 reviews
8.0
Very good
3,192 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.8

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Not so good. Flight was departed 2 hours late from DC and we missed our connecting flight from Dubai to Mumbai. Our flight Dubai to Mumbai got delayed by three hours. Once we arrived Bombay airport we didnot get all our luggage bags. We were missing two luggage bags so found out that our those two luggage bags are coming in different flight. First they gave us wrong flight information in which our missing luggage coming and wrong phone number to whom we should reach out. I spent hours and hours at the airport to find out our luggage bags. After four five hours later and hectic time at the airport to get our luggage bags. Overall poor communication with emirates staff at the airport and no one is helpful.
7.8
Good
1,321 reviews
8.0
Very good
3,192 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.8

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Not so good. Flight was departed 2 hours late from DC and we missed our connecting flight from Dubai to Mumbai. Our flight Dubai to Mumbai got delayed by three hours. Once we arrived Bombay airport we didnot get all our luggage bags. We were missing two luggage bags so found out that our those two luggage bags are coming in different flight. First they gave us wrong flight information in which our missing luggage coming and wrong phone number to whom we should reach out. I spent hours and hours at the airport to find out our luggage bags. After four five hours later and hectic time at the airport to get our luggage bags. Overall poor communication with emirates staff at the airport and no one is helpful.
7.5
Good
1,570 reviews
8.0
Very good
3,192 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.8

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Not so good. Flight was departed 2 hours late from DC and we missed our connecting flight from Dubai to Mumbai. Our flight Dubai to Mumbai got delayed by three hours. Once we arrived Bombay airport we didnot get all our luggage bags. We were missing two luggage bags so found out that our those two luggage bags are coming in different flight. First they gave us wrong flight information in which our missing luggage coming and wrong phone number to whom we should reach out. I spent hours and hours at the airport to find out our luggage bags. After four five hours later and hectic time at the airport to get our luggage bags. Overall poor communication with emirates staff at the airport and no one is helpful.
7.4
Good
3,541 reviews
8.0
Very good
3,192 reviews

Crew

8.3

Food

7.8

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

8.2

Boarding

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Not so good. Flight was departed 2 hours late from DC and we missed our connecting flight from Dubai to Mumbai. Our flight Dubai to Mumbai got delayed by three hours. Once we arrived Bombay airport we didnot get all our luggage bags. We were missing two luggage bags so found out that our those two luggage bags are coming in different flight. First they gave us wrong flight information in which our missing luggage coming and wrong phone number to whom we should reach out. I spent hours and hours at the airport to find out our luggage bags. After four five hours later and hectic time at the airport to get our luggage bags. Overall poor communication with emirates staff at the airport and no one is helpful.

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