Cheap SAA Flights to London

Fly to London with SAA

Looking for SAA flights to London? Search your preferred dates on Travelstart and compare available fares, journey times and baggage allowances. Check the stops and operating airline for each flight before choosing your itinerary. Whether you’re visiting family, planning a holiday or travelling for business, find an option that suits your schedule and budget. Explore SAA flights on Travelstart and plan your next trip.

General Information

Essential details you need to know before your trip

Country

Currency

England

Pound Sterling

LANGUAGE

Exchange Rate

English

1 ZAR = 0.045 GBP

AIRLINE

TIME ZONE

South African Airways

GMT 0

HUB AIRPORT

Heathrow (LHR) / Gatwick (LGW)

Destination Review

4.2

⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤

Weather In London

Low

High °C

Rain-mm

Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month

Frequently asked questions

Overview

London blends royal palaces, global culture and futuristic flair into one epic city adventure. Think Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the Thames Clipper, Oxford Street shopping and pints in ancient pubs and that’s just a small taste of what to do in London. From theatre to foodie heaven, the top attractions in London don’t disappoint. Looking for cheap flights to the UK?

Find flights from South Africa to London now!

Compare airlines and book your cheap flights to London online with Travelstart today!

Best time to visit London

Mar–May (Spring): Cherry blossoms in Kew Gardens, Chelsea Flower Show, mild weather perfect for strolling South Bank. Jun–Aug (Summer): Wimbledon Championships, Notting Hill Carnival, long daylight hours and rooftop bars. Sep–Nov (Autumn): Crisp air, changing leaves in Hyde Park, London Film Festival, spooky tours of the Tower. Dec–Feb (Winter): Magical Christmas markets (Winter Wonderland), Boxing Day sales, cosy pub fires and New Year’s fireworks over the Thames. All year: World‑class museums (free admission), West End plays, endless foodie festivals and iconic landmarks any time you visit.

Visa & Customs

Visa: South African passport holders need a Standard Visitor visa before arrival.

Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and have at least two blank pages.

Customs:

Alcohol allowance: 1 L spirits or 2 L wine or 16 L beer.

Tobacco: 200 cigarettes.

Declare cash over €10,000 equivalent.

Health & Safety

Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccines for entry.
Stay up to date on routine immunisations (MMR, DTP, flu).
Recommended: consider Hepatitis A if you plan off‑the‑beaten‑path trips.

Safety Tips
London is generally very safe, street crime is low but always stay alert.
Keep an eye on valuables in crowded areas like Tube stations and markets.
Emergency numbers: 999 for police/ambulance/fire.
Tap water is safe.
Public transport is efficient and well‑lit; late‑night Tube and night buses on key routes.

Where to Stay?

Whether you want to ball on a budget or splash out, here’s where to stay in London. Pick your perfect pad:

Central for Abbey views and St Paul’s
Covent Garden for theatre vibes and markets
Camden for bargains and eclectic streets
Shoreditch for nightlife and street art
Greenwich for laid-back days just 30 minutes from the action

Getting Around

Ready to rule London’s streets? Here’s your cheat sheet to getting around like a local:

Oyster Card: Your all-access pass to Tube, buses, trams, and trains. Cost £7

Tube: fastest way to cross town.

Buses, trams, boats and bikes: stay above ground, soak up the sights

Red double-decker or Hop-On Hop-Off: a tourist must for unbeatable panoramas

Airport Express: non-stop rides to Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted or Luton

Black cabs or minicabs: hail a black cab on the street or pre-book a cheaper minicab

Now go on and explore every corner of London with zero fuss!

Things to do in London

Parks

Explore the best parks in London for a tranquil refreshing moment away from the city bustle. Enjoy a calming stroll through Hyde Park where there are endless activities to partake in. Smell the roses at Regent’s Park which is also home to London’s largest outdoor sports area.

Sightseeing

London is home to many intriguing attractions and places of interest. Make sure you’re wearing a comfortable pair of shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing. Visit Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, Big Ben and the National Gallery for a taste of London!

Markets

London’s markets are ideal shopping destinations for everything from food to art to antiques, and clothes. Explore top markets such as Borough Market, Brick Lane Market and Portobello Road Market. A visit to any of these fantastic markets is a chance to immerse yourself in the diverse cultures present in the city.

IATA code:

Hub airport:

O.R. Tambo International (JNB)

Alliance:

Star Alliance

Loyalty program:

SAA Voyager

Inflight magazine:

Sawubona

Frequently asked questions

About

South African Airways (SAA) has connected travellers since 1934. From its Johannesburg hub, the airline serves destinations including Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka, Lagos and Mauritius. Its network gives travellers options for journeys within South Africa and across Africa.

As a Star Alliance member, SAA also offers access to connecting journeys with partner airlines. Whether you’re travelling for business, visiting family or planning a holiday, compare available SAA flights and fares on Travelstart.

Explore SAA flights to Cape Town, or browse more routes on our South African Airways page.

Does SAA fly directly to London?

SAA offers flights to London, which may include connecting services operated with partner airlines. Select your travel dates to see currently available flights, routings, departure times and arrival airports.

Which London airport will I arrive at?

Your arrival airport is usually London Heathrow Airport (LHR), which is approximately a 45 to 60-minute drive from central London. The Heathrow Express train reaches London Paddington in around 15 minutes. Check your booking summary to confirm your arrival airport.

What baggage is included with a SAA ticket?

Baggage allowances depend on the fare and cabin class selected. Compare the cabin baggage, checked baggage and optional extras included in each fare before booking.

What identification do I need for a domestic flight?

Travellers must carry a valid passport and meet the United Kingdom’s entry requirements, which may include a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) depending on nationality. Check the current UK entry requirements and SAA’s travel document guidelines before travelling, particularly for children and passengers transiting through another country.

How can I find cheaper SAA flights?

Compare several departure and return dates if your plans are flexible. Midweek or off-peak travel may cost less, although fares change with demand and availability. Search your dates on Travelstart to compare the flights and prices currently available.

The information on this page is correct as of date of publishing. While every effort is made to keep information as fresh as possible, Travelstart takes no responsibility for any of the information being out of date or incorrectly noted.

Why fly with SAA

Award-Winning Excellence

South African Airways was named Cleanest Airline in Africa at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards. SAA also ranked among Skytrax’s top ten airlines in Africa in 2026.

Connecting you to the world

SAA serves domestic and international routes, with further connections available through airline partners. As a Star Alliance member, it gives travellers access to a wider network. Eligible flights can also earn SAA Voyager Miles, subject to the programme’s rules.

People Focused Service

From check-in to the journey on board, SAA brings South African hospitality to the travel experience. Services and amenities may vary by route, aircraft and the airline operating your flight.