Cheap Flights to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT, ICAO: FACT) is the primary airport serving the city of Cape Town and the Western Cape province. It is South Africa’s second-busiest airport and the fourth-busiest in Africa, handling a record 11.1 million passengers in 2025 — the first time it has crossed this milestone.

The airport was originally named D.F. Malan Airport when it opened in 1954, replacing Cape Town’s earlier Wingfield Aerodrome. Initially offering only two international routes — both to the United Kingdom — it has since grown into a globally connected hub. It was renamed Cape Town International Airport following South Africa’s democratic transition in 1994. A Central Terminal Building links the domestic and international terminals, with departures check-in on the upper level and arrivals on the ground floor.

Cape Town International has been voted Africa’s Best Airport for 11 consecutive years at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, and was ranked the Best Airport in the World by AirHelp in 2025, performing particularly well in on-time performance (90.42% in 2025) and customer experience. During the peak summer season (November to March), the airport is served by 24 airlines operating 228 weekly flights to 30 international destinations. Direct long-haul flights include services to Atlanta (Delta), Washington and Newark (United Airlines), London (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Norse Atlantic), Amsterdam (KLM), Paris (Air France), and São Paulo (LATAM, launching July 2026).

Popular flight routes to Cape Town International Airport include Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban to Cape Town, George to Cape Town, Lanseria to Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Cape Town.

Cape Town International Airport offers a diverse retail and dining experience across its terminal buildings — described by many travellers as one of the most pleasant airport shopping environments in Africa.

Retail at CPT is spread across multiple levels, with the main food court and several restaurants located on the Mezzanine Level (Level 3) of the Central Terminal Building, offering views over the airside of the terminal. Most shops open from approximately 06:00 to 22:00 daily.

Shops at Cape Town International Airport include: clothing and fashion stores, bookshops and magazines, duty-free stores (liquor, perfume, cosmetics, electronics), souvenir and curio shops, jewellery retailers, and a wide range of convenience and travel essentials.

Restaurants and cafés at CPT include: Soaring Hawk Spur, Ocean Basket, Primi, and various coffee shops and fast food outlets — available both before and after security in the domestic and international terminals.

Services at Cape Town International Airport include: pharmacies, banks and ATMs, a chapel and prayer rooms, conference rooms, and foreign exchange bureaus (Rennies Bank and Master Currency). Always check baggage restrictions and duty-free allowances for your destination before making purchases, and note that most retail outlets are not accessible once you have passed through security.

Cape Town International Airport offers a strong range of passenger lounges and facilities across its domestic and international terminals.

Lounges — Domestic Departures:

• SLOW Lounge — widely regarded as one of the most beautifully designed airport lounges in South Africa, with a sophisticated interior and premium amenities. Access is for qualifying FNB/RMB cardholders and select partners. Day passes are not available.
• South African Airways (SAA) Lounge — located on Level 4 of the Domestic Departures terminal, for SAA business class passengers and frequent flyer members.

Lounges — International Departures:

• British Airways Galleries Lounge — for BA business class passengers and eligible oneworld frequent flyers.
• Bidvest Premier Lounge — open to all passengers for a fee, offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities.
• South African Airways International Lounge

General facilities at Cape Town International Airport include:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Banks and ATMs (multiple providers)
• Foreign exchange (Rennies Bank and Master Currency)
• Pharmacy
• Prayer rooms and chapel
• Conference and business facilities
• Car rental desks (all major companies)
• Disabled access throughout
• MyCiti bus stop outside the terminal

Terminal expansion works are currently underway at CPT, with both domestic and international terminals being upgraded to add capacity, additional contact stands, and improved passenger processing as the airport responds to record growth in passenger numbers.

Several excellent accommodation options are located within easy reach of Cape Town International Airport, catering to all budgets.

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

This landmark 4-star hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Arrivals terminal — the most conveniently located option for overnight stays. Hotel Verde is the first hotel in Africa to offer certified carbon-neutral accommodation and conferencing, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious travellers. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, fitness centre, and conference rooms. Wi-Fi and parking are included.

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

This 3-star budget hotel is located adjacent to the airport — also around a 10-minute walk from Arrivals. With 90 rooms at affordable rates, it offers a light breakfast, Wi-Fi in rooms and common areas, and secure parking. An excellent no-frills option for early morning departures or late-night arrivals.

City Lodge Hotel GrandWest

Set in the distinctive Cape Dutch architectural style, this hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. Guests have direct access to the GrandWest Casino complex next door, with restaurants, bars, and an ice rink. Well-suited for travellers wanting entertainment options alongside a comfortable stay.

Foreign exchange services are available at Cape Town International Airport through two providers:

• Rennies Bank
• Master Currency

Both are located within the terminal building. In South Africa, foreign exchange can generally be purchased up to 60 days before your departure date.

The following documents are required when purchasing foreign exchange:

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight tickets and accommodation bookings)
• Original ID document or temporary resident permit
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement less than three months old)

ATMs from all major South African banks are also located throughout the terminal for cash withdrawals in South African Rand.

Cape Town International Airport has two large parkades situated on either side of the Transport Plaza, offering a range of options for short-term and long-term parking.

Parking options at Cape Town International Airport include:

• Regular parkade bays (multi-storey, close to the terminal)
• Shaded parking for longer stays
• Covered carports for extended trips
• Disabled parking bays

To arrange secure parking or pre-book a bay, contact Katanga Parking Management on 021 936 3612/3. Pre-booking is recommended during peak travel periods — particularly the December/January summer season, Easter, and school holidays — when parking at CPT fills quickly due to the airport’s record-breaking passenger volumes.

The MyCiti bus service connecting the airport to Cape Town city centre is a practical and affordable alternative to driving and parking for travellers without heavy luggage.