$876 Cheap Flights to Thornhill

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Flights to Thornhill at a glance

Traveling to Thornhill is easy, with full-service airlines providing a range of flight options. Take a moment to compare journey times and select the choice that best fits your itinerary as you plan to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Major airport near Thornhill: Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
  • Flights per week: 16 flights arriving at Thornhill airport
  • Number of airlines that fly to Thornhill: around 4 carriers

Popular airport near Thornhill

Thornhill is a captivating city ideal for vacations focused on outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and family fun. Visitors flock to Thornhill for its beautiful beaches, urban charm, and natural landscapes, with a major airport providing convenient access for travelers.

  • Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ): Situated in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, approximately 29 miles from Thornhill, this airport caters to domestic flights, linking travelers to about 2 cities nationwide. For those seeking enhanced travel experiences, upgrades to business class are available based on specific routes and airlines. Notable carriers operating here include South African Airways, South African Airlink, and Hahn Air.

Top routes to Thornhill

  • Johannesburg (JNB) to Thornhill (PLZ), with one-way airfare from around $95
  • Cape Town (CPT) to Thornhill (PLZ), with one-way flights starting at around $110

Cheapest routes to Thornhill

  • Johannesburg (JNB) to Thornhill (PLZ), with budget one-way fares from around $95
  • Cape Town (CPT) to Thornhill (PLZ), with cheap one-way fares from around $110

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Thornhill

  • South African Airways: Servicing Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), this airline is responsible for approximately 51% of arrivals in Thornhill. Average one-way fares hover around $110, with premium cabin service potentially including business class based on the route.
  • South African Airlink: Operating flights to Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), South African Airlink accounts for nearly 33% of Thornhill's arrivals. One-way fares are typically about $120.
  • Hahn Air: This airline also services Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) and represents approximately 14% of arrivals to Thornhill. Travelers can expect average one-way fares of around $140.
  • Cemair: Flying into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), Cemair makes up roughly 3% of Thornhill arrivals, with average one-way fares around $80, offering a more budget-friendly option.

Best time to fly to Thornhill

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Thornhill are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Thornhill can reach up to 71.6°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 61°F. For better deals, May and June usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $117, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? August and January offer average one-way fares of around $124, making them good options for flexible travelers.

MonthTemperaturePrecipitationCloudinessDemandAverage one-way Fare
January71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHigh$126
February71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$130
March70.2°F (21.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHigh$131
April66.0°F (18.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHigh$135
May63.0°F (17.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverage$117
June59.5°F (15.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverage$117
July58.5°F (14.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverage$136
August59.2°F (15.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverage$122
September61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLow$128
October63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLow$135
November65.7°F (18.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLow$146
December68.9°F (20.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverage$151

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Thornhill

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Thornhill is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
  3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
  4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
  5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Thornhill flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Thornhill

Thornhill welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Thornhill efficiently:

  • Public transportation: From Port Elizabeth Airport, Port Elizabeth Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.1 miles from the airport, making it easily accessible for travelers.
  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Thornhill, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Thornhill is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Thornhill on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Thornhill

  • Wavecrest: Located 17 miles drive away from Thornhill, Wavecrest is a delightful neighborhood that offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and outdoor adventure. Visitors flock to Albatross Beach for sunbathing and swimming, while Noorsekloof Nature Reserve provides ample opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. Families can enjoy a day of fun at the JBay Adventure Centre, making Wavecrest an ideal destination for those seeking both leisure and excitement.
  • Loerieheuwel: Loerieheuwel is located 5 miles away from Thornhill and is a charming city known for its stunning outdoor scenery and adventure activities. Travelers can spend a day at the beautiful Albatross Beach or delve into the rich history at the Shell Museum. For nature enthusiasts, Kabeljous Nature Reserve is a must-visit, offering serene landscapes and wildlife observation opportunities. This city captivates those eager to experience the great outdoors.
  • Blue Horizon Bay: Blue Horizon Bay is located 10 miles away from Thornhill and is a picturesque city that embraces eco-friendly adventure. Its stunning natural beauty is complemented by activities in the nearby recreational areas and nature reserves. Visitors can explore Kragga Kamma Game Park for a glimpse of African wildlife, enjoy the sun at Maitland Beach, or tee off at the Wedgewood Golf Estate. Blue Horizon Bay is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking outdoor excitement and relaxation.

Tips for short-haul flights to Thornhill

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

  • Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more cost-effective. Maximize your space by bringing mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This strategy also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
  • Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, allowing for traffic and security lines.
  • Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Thornhill

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

  • Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines allow for seat selection even earlier than this.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
  • Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, find a cozy coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
  • Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Thornhill

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Thornhill on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to Thornhill. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Thornhill. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Thornhill, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Thornhill

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Thornhill in 2026 starts from $1,393, while one-way tickets start from from $876. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Thornhill. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Thornhill

Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Thornhill. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Thornhill and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Thornhill, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Thornhill. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Thornhill plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Thornhill

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Thornhill.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Thornhill are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Thornhill. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Thornhill for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Thornhill. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Thornhill flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Thornhill. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Thornhill?

The cheapest month to fly to Thornhill is November when demand is low. Off-peak months are usually when you'll find cheap flights. To save money, avoid flying during public holidays and school breaks.

Which US cities fly direct to Thornhill?

If you’d rather fly to Thornhill nonstop, see what's on offer by choosing "Direct flights only" when browsing for available journeys on Expedia.

How to find a cheap flight to Thornhill?

If you're looking for cheap flights to Thornhill, consider traveling outside of peak season. Booking as early as possible may also help you score savings. Or, fly on a different day — flights on a Thursday are on average 16% cheaper than Sunday options.* Sign up to receive price alerts on the Expedia app and you'll be instantly notified when fares fall.

*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.

How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Thornhill?

Although booking in advance is typically the easiest way to save cash, don't panic if your Thornhill vacation is last minute. You can still find cheap flights to Thornhill, especially if your plans have a little wiggle room. Try switching up your dates, exploring different ticket options or jetting out of another airport.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Thornhill?

For the biggest savings on domestic journeys, book your flight to Thornhill 28 days ahead of your travel dates. For international flights, it's two to four months in advance. This improves your chances of locking in your preferred departure dates and seats.*

*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.

Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Thornhill?

Sundays are usually the best day to book a cheap flight to Thornhill, where you can save 8% on average compared to Fridays. If you decide to buy tickets on a Friday, expect to pay a higher price as this is often the most expensive day.*

*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.

Which airlines fly to Thornhill?

There are 4 carriers that connect Thornhill with 3 airports around the globe. The major entry point to this city is Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ). Fly with any of these leading airlines to Thornhill:

  • Airlink (South Africa)
  • Safair
  • South African Airways
  • CemAir

Where do you fly into Thornhill?

You'll touch down at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ). This is the main airport for travelers flying to Thornhill.

How far is the airport from central Thornhill?

Jetting into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) puts you about 30 mi east of central Thornhill.

Can I save money by booking a Thornhill trip package?

Bundle your hotel and flight and you could save hundreds of dollars. What’s more, you can add extras like activities and car rentals to your Thornhill flight and hotel package deal. With Expedia, it's easy to manage all your Thornhill travel plans in one place.

Can I change or cancel my flight to Thornhill?

It's often possible to cancel or change your flight to Thornhill. Many airlines let you cancel your ticket for free within 24 hours of making your booking. However, some flights are non-refundable, and airlines may offer you a credit toward future travel instead of a direct refund. To reserve cheap flights to Thornhill with flexible change policies, select "No cancel fee" or "Changes included" during your search. Want more details? Visit our Customer Service Portal.

Travel information

Destination city name
Gqeberha
Destination airport
Port Elizabeth
Destination airport IATA code
PLZ
Airlines serving
Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM, South African Airways, Turkish Airlines, Hahn Air Systems, 4Z, Cemair, United, Qantas Airways, LATAM Airlines Group
Popular airline
Lufthansa

Trending flights to Thornhill

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $876 for one-way flights and $1,393 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
*Available to One Key members.