$792 Cheap Flights to East London

Flights to East London at a glance

Traveling to East London is easy, with a range of flights to East London available from full-service airlines. Take the time to compare journey durations and select the best option that fits your schedule, allowing you to enjoy the city's renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Major airport in East London: East London Airport (ELS)
• Flights per week: 8 flights arriving at East London airport
• Number of airlines that fly to East London: around 3 carriers

Popular airport in East London

East London, a lively city, offers an ideal setting for beach getaways, sports, and outdoor vacations. Visitors are drawn to its stunning scenery and opportunities for adventure, wellness, and relaxation. The city is conveniently connected by a major airport, making it easy for travelers to reach this captivating destination.

• East London Airport (ELS): Situated in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape, this airport facilitates domestic travel. Major airlines operating here include South African Airlink, Hahn Air, and Cemair, providing essential connections for passengers.

Top routes to East London

• Johannesburg (JNB) to East London (ELS), with one-way flight options from around $80

Cheapest routes to East London

• Johannesburg (JNB) to East London (ELS), with low one-way fares from around $80

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

Top airlines with flights to East London

• South African Airlink: This airline operates flights to East London Airport (ELS), representing roughly 65% of total arrivals in the area. Expect an average one-way fare of about $100.
• Hahn Air: Also flying to East London Airport (ELS), Hahn Air accounts for approximately 24% of arrivals. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $170.
• Cemair: With service to East London Airport (ELS), Cemair makes up about 11% of arrivals, offering one-way tickets at an average price of around $80.

Best time to fly to East London

The most popular months for travelers to fly to East London are January, July, and August, when peak temperatures in East London can reach up to 72.5°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.7°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $94, roughly 27% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? November offers an average one-way fare of around $99, making it a good option for flexible travelers.

*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 East London

Getting some of the best deals on flights to East London 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*, or explore our East London hotel and flight deals.
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 East London flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in East London

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

• Public transportation: From East London Airport, East London Seaport, a seaport, is located about 5.9 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in East London, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in East London is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in East London 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 in East London

• Gonubie: Nestled in the area of East London, Gonubie is a charming village that invites travelers seeking beach adventures and outdoor experiences. Its picturesque coastline features popular spots like Bonza Bay Beach, perfect for a relaxing vacation. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Gonubie Mouth Nature Reserve, offering stunning views and wildlife. Families can enjoy quality time at Gonubie Beach, known for its welcoming atmosphere and sandy shores, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled day by the sea.
• Arcadia: Located in the area of East London, Arcadia is a delightful village that promises a memorable beach experience. Visitors can unwind at Eastern Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing and swimming. For those interested in culture, the East London Museum offers fascinating insights into local history, while the Ann Bryant Art Gallery showcases impressive works of art, adding a creative touch to your visit. Arcadia is a great spot for beach lovers and culture seekers alike.
• Beacon Bay: Beacon Bay, situated in the area of East London, is a vibrant village known for its eco-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities. Ideal for beachgoers, Nahoon Beach offers stunning scenery and a great place to relax. Beyond the shoreline, the East London Museum and Ann Bryant Art Gallery provide enriching cultural experiences. With its blend of natural beauty and shopping opportunities, Beacon Bay is a fantastic destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors while indulging in local shops and eateries.

Tips for short-haul flights to East London

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights do not provide in-flight entertainment. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and bring along a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for both short and domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to East London

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 free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights, allowing sufficient time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, 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 on the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to East London

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to East London 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 East London. 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 East London. 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 East London, 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 East London

The lowest price for round-trip flights to East London in 2026 starts from $1,394, while one-way tickets start from from $792. 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 East London. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to East London

Turkish Airlines, United, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to East London. 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 East London and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for East London, 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 East London. 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 East London 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 East London

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 East London.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to East London are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to East London. 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 East London 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 East London. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate East London 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 East London. 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.