🇿🇦 Flights to Cape Town
Cheap Flights to Cape Town from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Dream Fare beats comparison sites with exclusive fares to one of the most beautiful cities on earth, beneath the iconic Table Mountain and gateway to the world-renowned Cape Winelands.
Airlines to Cape Town
All Airlines Flying London to Cape Town
Cape Town has excellent daily direct connections from London. We compare every option to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Cape Town
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 1 bag up to 23kg | 1 x 23kg | Hand baggage included on all fares |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Hand baggage included on all fares |
| Emirates | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Flex fares may vary — confirm at booking |
| Qatar Airways | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Excellent for families with extra luggage |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Cape Town
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with seasons reversed from the UK — summer runs from December to February. South Africa is 1 to 2 hours ahead of UK time depending on the season.
Best Season
Nov — March
Warm, dry and sunny (18°C to 28°C). The peak summer season with the finest beach weather, outdoor dining and the famous Cape Town wind, though also the busiest and most expensive period to visit.
Spring Season
Sep — October
Mild and increasingly warm (15°C to 22°C) as wildflowers bloom across the Cape. A beautiful and less crowded time to visit, ideal for the Winelands and outdoor activities before peak summer.
Winter Season
June — August
Cool and wetter (8°C to 18°C), with the most rainfall of the year. Table Mountain can be cloud-covered more frequently, but excellent value pricing and fewer tourists make this an appealing budget option.
Autumn Season
April — May
Mild and pleasant (14°C to 24°C) with the Winelands harvest season in full swing. A wonderful and often underrated time to visit, combining good weather with excellent value before the winter rains arrive.
About Cape Town
Cape Town — The Mother City
Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City, is consistently ranked among the most beautiful cities on earth. Set dramatically beneath the flat-topped Table Mountain where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, Cape Town combines stunning natural scenery, world-class beaches, an internationally celebrated culinary scene, rich history and the renowned Cape Winelands into one of Africa’s most rewarding city destinations.
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Table Mountain (New 7 Wonders)
One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain dominates Cape Town’s skyline with its distinctive flat top. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers spectacular panoramic views across the city, while hiking trails provide a more active approach to one of the world’s most recognisable natural landmarks.
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Cape Winelands
A short drive from Cape Town, the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl form the heart of South Africa’s world-renowned wine region, offering exceptional vineyard tours, tastings and fine dining set against dramatic mountain scenery dating back over 300 years.
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Cape of Good Hope & Boulders Beach
A scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula leads to the dramatic Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, while nearby Boulders Beach offers the unique opportunity to see a colony of African penguins up close in their natural coastal habitat, just outside the city.
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Robben Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s most historically significant locations, Robben Island was the prison that held Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Guided tours, often led by former political prisoners, offer a profound and essential insight into South Africa’s journey to democracy.
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Beaches & Atlantic Seaboard
Cape Town’s coastline offers exceptional variety, from the trendy Camps Bay and Clifton beaches with their dramatic mountain backdrop to the surfing waters of Muizenberg, providing a stunning combination of urban beach culture and natural beauty rarely matched elsewhere in the world.
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World-Class Cuisine
Cape Town has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting food destinations, blending Cape Malay influences, fresh seafood and exceptional Winelands produce. The V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and numerous award-winning restaurants reflect the city’s extraordinary culinary diversity and creativity.
Top Places to Visit Around Cape Town
Table Mountain National Park
One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain offers the Aerial Cableway for spectacular panoramic views, alongside numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty. The mountain forms the centrepiece of a national park stretching the length of the Cape Peninsula, home to extraordinary biodiversity including unique fynbos vegetation.
Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek)
A short drive from Cape Town, these historic towns form the heart of South Africa’s celebrated wine region, dating back over 300 years to early Dutch and French Huguenot settlement. Exceptional vineyard tours, world-class wine tastings and outstanding fine dining set against dramatic mountain scenery make this an essential Cape Town excursion.
Robben Island (UNESCO)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site reached by ferry from the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island held Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid leaders for decades. Guided tours, frequently led by former political prisoners, offer a profound and essential historical experience central to understanding South Africa’s journey to democracy.
Cape of Good Hope & Boulders Beach
A scenic drive along the dramatic Cape Peninsula leads to the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, with spectacular coastal scenery and diverse wildlife. Nearby Boulders Beach offers the rare opportunity to observe a colony of African penguins in their natural habitat, just metres from visitors on protected boardwalks.
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town’s vibrant harbourside district combines shopping, dining and entertainment with stunning views of Table Mountain and the working harbour. The Two Oceans Aquarium, numerous restaurants and departure points for Robben Island tours and harbour cruises make this an essential and accessible part of any Cape Town visit.
Bo-Kaap
A historic and visually striking neighbourhood known for its brightly coloured houses and rich Cape Malay heritage, dating back to the area’s settlement by enslaved and free Muslim communities. Walking tours, cooking classes and the Bo-Kaap Museum offer essential insight into this important and distinctive part of Cape Town’s cultural fabric.
Travel Tips
Cape Town Travel Guide
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Visa for South Africa
UK citizens do not require a visa to visit South Africa for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present a valid UK passport with at least 30 days validity remaining beyond your departure date, along with at least two blank pages, on arrival at Cape Town International Airport.
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Currency & Money
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR), historically excellent value for UK visitors. Cards are widely accepted throughout Cape Town including restaurants, shops and tours. ATMs are readily available. Contactless payment is common, though carrying some cash is useful for tips and smaller vendors.
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Getting to Cape Town
Cape Town International Airport is approximately 20km from the city centre, with reliable Uber, taxi and shuttle services available. The MyCiTi bus service also offers an affordable airport connection. Most hotels can arrange transfers, particularly convenient for first-time visitors.
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Getting Around Cape Town
Uber operates extensively and reliably throughout Cape Town, the recommended option for most visitors over traditional taxis. Self-drive car hire is popular for exploring the Winelands and Cape Peninsula independently, though driving is on the left, familiar to UK visitors.
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Weather in Cape Town
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with reversed seasons from the UK. November to March is warm, dry summer (18°C to 28°C), while June to August brings cooler, wetter winter conditions (8°C to 18°C). South Africa is 1 to 2 hours ahead of UK time depending on the season.
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Safety in Cape Town
Cape Town’s main tourist areas, including the V&A Waterfront, City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, are well-policed and welcome significant numbers of international visitors. Standard urban precautions apply, particularly after dark. Check the latest FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa before travelling.
Flights to Cape Town FAQ
How long is the flight from London to Cape Town?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town International Airport take approximately 11 hours 30 minutes. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both operate daily direct services. Connecting flights via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul take approximately 14 to 16 hours depending on the routing.
Do UK citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No. UK passport holders do not require a visa to visit South Africa for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present a valid UK passport with at least 30 days remaining validity beyond your departure date and two blank pages on arrival at Cape Town International Airport.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
November to March offers the warmest, driest weather and the most popular peak season, ideal for beaches and outdoor activities, though also the busiest and most expensive period. April to May and September to October provide excellent value with pleasant weather and fewer crowds, particularly good for the Winelands.
How many days do I need in Cape Town?
Most visitors spend 4 to 7 days in Cape Town to comfortably cover the main highlights, including Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Robben Island and at least one day in the Winelands. Many combine Cape Town with a safari extension elsewhere in South Africa, requiring additional time.
Is Cape Town safe for UK tourists?
Cape Town’s main tourist areas, including the V&A Waterfront, City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, are well-established for tourism and welcome millions of international visitors annually. Check the latest FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa before travelling for the most current assessment.
How much do return flights from London to Cape Town cost?
Return flights from London to Cape Town start from approximately £499 with Dream Fare. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic direct fares are typically the most convenient options. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares and complete Cape Town travel advice.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.