Flights to Cape Town

A flight from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or London City airports to Cape Town International Airport takes around 11 hours and 30 minutes.

You can often find cheaper prices in Cape Town during the winter months when the weather, while still warm, is a little cooler and it’s more likely to rain. 

Cape Town has year-round appeal, but the best time to visit is during the summer months from November to March. The days are long and sunny – perfect for beach-hopping or exploring the many vineyards. See the city’s botanical gardens come alive in springtime from September and October, or visit from June to November for whale-watching season. 

If you’re travelling on a budget, there are plenty of ways to see the best of what Cape Town has to offer. There are several free or low-cost attractions to explore, like Bo Kaap and the District Six Museum. Join locals on the first Thursday of every month for a free street party, which bustles with independent art, food and fashion pop-ups. And don’t forget to visit the beaches here – they’re pristine and mostly free.

Once you touch down at Cape Town International Airport, you’re only a 20-minute drive from the city centre and taxis can easily be found outside the airport terminal. The cheapest way to travel is by taking the bus and they can also be found outside the airport terminal.

You can hire a car with British Airways if you want to get out the city and see more of what Cape Town has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points every rental.

A city of beautiful white-sand beaches, lush forests and diverse ecosystems, there’s something for everyone in Cape Town. Discover the vibrant street art scene in Malay neighbourhoods like Bo Kaap, where colourful murals brighten the city’s walls and homes – a visual symbol of freedom for the communities living there. For insight into the country’s rich and often complex history, take a boat from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island to learn more about Nelson Mandela.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

British passport holders don’t need a visa for travel to South Africa, as long as you’re visiting for 90 days or less. You can find out more information at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.