Cheap SAA Flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) flights

Fly from Johannesburg to Cape Town with SAA

Ready for a Cape Town getaway? Search SAA flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town on Travelstart and compare fares for your travel dates. Whether you’re planning a weekend by the coast, visiting family or travelling for work, find a flight that suits your schedule and budget. Explore SAA flights on Travelstart and book your trip.

General Information

Essential details you need to know before your trip

Country

Currency

South Africa

South African Rand

LANGUAGE

Exchange Rate

Afrikaans / English / Xhosa

1 ZAR = N/A

AIRLINE

TIME ZONE

South African Airways

GMT 2

HUB AIRPORT

Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Destination Review

4.6

⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤

Weather In Cape Town

Low

High °C

Rain-mm

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

Frequently asked questions

Overview

Set against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain, Cape Town is a destination you will never forget. A popular tourist hotspot with a collection of top-class, exceptional attractions and establishments.

During the day, visit the Mother City’s collection of museums, interact with the locals, turtledoves, squirrels and Egyptian geese in the scenic Company’s Garden or shop for authentic local products at the bustling Greenmarket Square.

One of the top highlights of Cape Town is its prestigious wine estates, situated in the scenic towns of the Cape Winelands, such as Paarl and Tulbagh.

Take a scenic drive around Signal Hill via Strand Street towards the beach at Fresnaye, or use the stunning route between Signal Hill and Table Mountain to reach the popular beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay.

As the sun sets, head to the alluring and exciting bars, restaurants, cafés and nightclubs in the city centre, especially those in the famous Long Street.

Compare and book flights to Cape Town with, Emirates, British Airways, FlySafair, KLM and more!

Popular flight routes are from:

• Johannesburg to Cape Town

• Durban to Cape Town

More popular flight routes are from East London to Cape Town, and Lanseria to Cape Town.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Skip the crowds and enjoy a wonderful balance of great hotel deals, and pleasant weather by visiting Cape Town during March-May. The temperatures usually start to drop from the intense summer heat (December – January) and so do the influx of tourists and the cost of accommodation. During autumn, you will get the ideal conditions for hiking the various mountain and forest trails that surround the city.

Visa & Customs

South African citizens do not need a visa to visit Cape Town. If you are a citizen of a country that is not exempt from applying for a visa, you must do so in person at a South African consulate. Find out about countries exempt from this visa by visiting the South African Department of Home Affairs website.

Health & Safety

Before you leave for Cape Town, make sure to get all the routine vaccinations. In addition, you may need to get vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid, both spread through contaminated food and water. Depending on your activity while in this city, you may need to guard against hepatitis B (transmittable through sexual contact, contaminated needles and blood products) and rabies (spread through the bites of infected animals).

Stay vigilant while exploring Cape Town, and you will be fine. It would be best to leave your papers and tickets in a hotel room safe. Keep any other valuables in a secure place and out of sight (due to pickpocketing) and stay away from deserted and dark areas. Explore the hiking trails in a group.

Where to Stay?

A variety of hotels, suites and lodges are available in Cape Town’s city centre. Many include free wi-fi, dining facilities, spas, free parking, complimentary breakfast and pools. The most credible establishments include The Grand Daddy Hotel, City Lodge, Strand Tower Hotel and Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites. The cost of renting a room at these hotels ranges from R 500 to over R 3,000 per night.

Getting Around

When it comes to exploring Cape Town, it’s best done on foot. When you want to visit the surrounding attractions, you’ll want to use alternative means, which include car rental, metred taxis, minibus taxis and buses.

Car rental agencies are available at the airport and in the city. Metred taxis have a yellow sign on the roof of the car and clear information on the side stating the fare, and are usually a safe method for getting around Cape Town. The cheaper option would be the minibus taxis, but the drivers have a reputation for reckless driving.

You can use the MyCiTi bus system to get from various locations in the city centre to the attractions around Cape Town. To use this service, you will need to purchase a MyCiTi card, which you can do so at the airport.

Things to do in Cape Town

Award-Winning Wines

A visit to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without enjoying tours with the many spectacularly-situated wineries not far from the city centre. Book tasting experiences with the various towns of the famous Cape Winelands, such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington, Constantia, and the Swartland.

Picturesque Beaches

Cape Town offers you some of the best beaches in South Africa! Some are only a few minutes’ drive from the city centre, including those of Camps Bay and Clifton. Somewhat further out are the charming coastlines of Hout Bay, the seemingly hidden treasure of Llandudno, and the surfing hotspot of Muizenberg.

Exceptional Sightseeing

With the slopes of Table Mountain almost enclosing Cape Town’s city bowl, an excellent number of gorgeous natural locations are situated near to and far from the city, such as the peak of Table Mountain, the majesty of Cape Point, and the colourful scenes of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

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 from Johannesburg to Cape Town?

SAA offers flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Select your travel dates to see currently available direct flights, departure times and arrival airports.

Which airport do SAA flights depart from in Johannesburg?

SAA flights from Johannesburg depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), approximately 25 kilometres east of central Johannesburg. Allow enough time for check-in and security screening.

Which Cape Town airport will I arrive at?

Your arrival airport is shown in the flight results and booking summary. Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Durban?

A direct flight usually takes approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. Actual journey times may vary according to the selected service, weather and operational conditions.

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 an accepted form of identification. Check SAA’s current identification requirements before travelling, particularly for children and passengers without a South African identity document.

When should I arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport?

Follow the check-in and boarding times shown in your SAA booking. Arrive early enough to complete check-in, baggage drop and security screening before the applicable cut-off times.

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.