Flights to Cape Town
Cape Town, in South Africa's Western Cape, pairs Table Mountain with the Winelands, Cape Point and Atlantic beaches, and its summer arrives just as British weather turns grey. Our team compares flights to Cape Town from the UK on non-stop and one-stop routes, setting cabins, baggage and timings side by side so you see the full airfare before you book.
CPT airportCape Town, South Africa
Heathrow year-round, Gatwick in season
Where Can You Catch a Non-Stop Flight to Cape Town?
At Heathrow all year and at Gatwick in season. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate a non-stop flight from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), and Norse Atlantic UK flies a seasonal Gatwick (LGW) service. Other flights to Cape Town from the UK connect via Heathrow, Johannesburg or an overseas hub before landing at Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
Matching an airline to your fare
British Airways cabins range from economy class through premium economy to business class, while Virgin Atlantic, at Heathrow Terminal 3, adds Premium and Upper Class. Norse Atlantic UK, a low-cost airline, charges for extras, and its basic Gatwick tickets carry a hand luggage allowance only, so add checked baggage before comparing.
From Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and regional England
A one-stop itinerary is the norm from Belfast City (BHD), Glasgow (GLA), Newcastle upon Tyne (NCL), Edinburgh (EDI), Manchester (MAN), Leeds Bradford (LBA) and Birmingham (BHX): connect via Heathrow on British Airways, or at a European or Gulf hub with airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, SWISS or Turkish Airlines. Bristol (BRS) and Cardiff (CWL) mostly route with KLM.
Peak season, fare timing and Cape weather
December to February is the holiday peak period, and seats over Christmas, New Year and the February school holidays fill early despite extra flights. Sites disagree on low-fare months (April, May or October), so track the flight price in GBP with a price alert, a fare calendar and flexible travel dates, even for a last-minute flight deal. January is dry, windy and approx. 26°C; June to August is wetter, with highs near 18°C.
Safer routes out of CPT
UK government advice reports more attacks on airport journeys: use the N2 and M3 rather than the R300, and ignore sat-nav shortcuts off main roads. With the MyCiTi airport bus suspended, choose the official taxi rank, ride-hailing, a hire car or a pre-booked transfer.
Table Mountain, the Winelands and domestic links
For Table Mountain, the same advice favours busy marked trails, groups of four or more and checking the cable car is running. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are inland wine towns; FlySafair and LIFT fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) and Durban, with South African Airways serving Johannesburg.
Tell us your dates on 020 7871 4545 for Cape Town flight deals from any airport in the United Kingdom, on a return ticket or one-way ticket.
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Explore the city
Things to do in Cape Town
Discover Table Mountain
Table Mountain rises above Cape Town with its distinctive flat summit. The cableway reveals sweeping perspectives across the city and Atlantic coastline.
Explore the V&A Waterfront
Near the Clock Tower at the V&A Waterfront, a footbridge swings open for passing fishing boats and yachts, briefly holding up shoppers and diners on either side.
Visit Historic Robben Island
Robben Island preserves the history of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Its former prison, reached from Cape Town by ferry, invites thoughtful reflection.
Meet the Boulders Beach Penguins
At Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, African penguins gather among enormous granite rocks. Protected boardwalks offer excellent opportunities to observe them.
Explore Colourful Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap’s brightly painted houses and cobbled streets reflect Cape Town’s Cape Malay heritage. Explore this lived-in neighbourhood respectfully, beyond its colourful façades.
Top South Africa destinations
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Where to stay
Hotels in Cape Town
Free cancellation
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, 8001
Swimming poolFree WiFiSpa/wellness centerAir conditioningRestaurantFitness centerParkingAirport shuttle
8.9Very good · 2,340 reviews
£98
per night
Free cancellation
Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
1 Lower Buitengracht, Cape Town, 8000
Swimming poolFree WiFiBreakfast in the roomSun loungers or beach chairsSpa/wellness centerAir conditioningRestaurantFitness center
8.4Very good · 2,463 reviews
£115
per night
Free cancellation
Southern Sun The Cullinan
1 Cullinan Street, Foreshore, Waterfont, Cape Town, 8000
Swimming poolFree WiFiBreakfast in the roomSun loungers or beach chairsSpa/wellness centerAir conditioningRestaurantFitness center
8.8Very good · 1,734 reviews
£134
per night
Free cancellation
President Hotel
4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, 8001
Swimming poolFree WiFiBreakfast in the roomBeachSpa/wellness centerAir conditioningRestaurantFitness center
8.4Very good · 4,900 reviews
£155
per night
Help & support
Frequently asked questions about flights to Cape Town
Is Norse Atlantic a cheaper way to reach Cape Town?
Sometimes. Its entry-level fares include a seat and hand luggage, while standard economy on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic usually adds a checked bag. Price bags, meals and seats with Norse, and compare the cancellation policy, refund conditions and any airline change fee, before deciding how much you will pay.
Are there Cape Town non-stops from Manchester, Birmingham or Stansted?
No. Manchester, Birmingham, London City (LCY) and Stansted (STN) have no direct service, so plan on a connecting flight via Heathrow or a European or Gulf hub. One booking gives a protected connection; a self-transfer leaves missed flights at your own risk, so weigh price against a short stopover.
Do I need a visa for a Cape Town holiday?
No. A British citizen passport gives a visa-free stay up to 90 days for holidays or business, as long as it has two blank pages and stays valid 30 days after you fly home. File the South African traveller declaration online before landing, and check extra rules for children.
How far is Cape Town airport from the city centre?
Cape Town International Airport, code CPT, is approx. 20 km east of the city centre, with the V&A Waterfront and Atlantic Seaboard hotels a little further on. Allow extra time in evening traffic on the N2, and pre-book a transfer for late arrivals.
Can I fly into Cape Town and home from Port Elizabeth?
Yes. An open-jaw, multi-city ticket arriving in Cape Town and leaving from Gqeberha, which many airlines still list as Port Elizabeth, lets you drive the Garden Route in one direction. The return starts with a short domestic flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town, then the long-haul flight home.
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Hiba MahmoodUnited Kingdom · Trustpilot
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FarheenUnited Kingdom · Trustpilot
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I TeladiaUnited Kingdom · Trustpilot
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Hiba MahmoodUnited Kingdom · Trustpilot
Everything went smoothly, with helpful support and a package tailored to the trip.
FarheenUnited Kingdom · Trustpilot
Travel arrangements were described as smooth, well managed and stress free from start to finish.
I TeladiaUnited Kingdom · Trustpilot
Repeat booking experience praised for professional handling, prompt answers and smooth coordination.