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$770 Cheap Flights from Washington (IAD) to Cape Town (CPT)

View $770 flight on Wed, Oct 14, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD) to Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Cape Town (IAD-CPT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $770 for one-way flights and $1,282 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Turkish Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Tue, Nov 10
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,282 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$1,282
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Tue, Nov 10, priced at $1,282 found 17 hours ago
Turkish Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 9
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,304 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,304
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $1,304 found 6 days ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Wed, Oct 21
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,314 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,314
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,314 found 1 day ago
Turkish Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Thu, Nov 12
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,320 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,320
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Thu, Nov 12, priced at $1,320 found 2 days ago
Turkish Airlines
Tue, Nov 17 - Mon, Nov 30
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,322 Roundtrip, just found
$1,322
Roundtrip
just found
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Mon, Nov 30, priced at $1,322 just found
Turkish Airlines
Wed, Feb 24 - Wed, Mar 10
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,325 Roundtrip, just found
$1,325
Roundtrip
just found
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 24 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Wed, Mar 10, priced at $1,325 just found
Turkish Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Thu, Nov 19
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,338 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$1,338
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Thu, Nov 19, priced at $1,338 found 22 hours ago
Qatar Airways
Tue, Oct 13 - Wed, Oct 21
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,514 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,514
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,514 found 1 day ago
Emirates
Tue, Oct 13 - Wed, Oct 21
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,527 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,527
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Emirates flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,527 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Wed, Oct 21
IAD
Washington
CPT
Cape Town
$1,611 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,611
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Washington to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,611 found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Cape Town

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Cape Town Intl. CPT. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 16 minutes. Flights from $1,589
CPT
Cape Town Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $1,589

Find the cheapest month to fly from Washington (IAD) to Cape Town (CPT)

November is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $1,084 - $1,363 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Washington Dulles Intl. to Cape Town Intl.

Washington (IAD) to Cape Town (CPT) at a glance

Travel to Cape Town (CPT) from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with a range of airlines operating on this long-haul flight route. You can compare options for flights from Washington to Cape Town, including both budget-friendly and full-service carriers, to find the itinerary that suits your travel needs and budget. Whether you're planning to explore Cape Town's iconic attractions or its vibrant neighborhoods, there's a variety of weekly flights available for your journey.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 14h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 7,900 miles (12,710 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $520–$1670, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Washington to Cape Town, featuring both one-stop and non-stop options. Common layovers include Bole International Airport (ADD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 45 minutes and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This allows you to customize your travel experience by balancing cost, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a full-service airline, United provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares generally between $655 and $2190. It represents about 44% of the departures along this route, featuring a typical non-stop flight duration of 14 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Ethiopian Airlines: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices ranging from $520 to $2380. Ethiopian Airlines accounts for around 26% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 45 minutes, totaling approximately 21 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
  • Turkish Airlines: Another full-service option, Turkish Airlines provides one-stop service at one-way fares usually spanning from $520 to $1040. It covers about 11% of the flights on this route, with a flight time of 19 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 21 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: Delta operates as a full-service carrier with one-stop service, offering one-way fares that typically range from $770 to $2320. The airline makes up approximately 6% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of about 21 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • British Airways: Providing one-stop service as a full-service airline, British Airways offers one-way fares typically between $520 and $1520. It constitutes around 3% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 19 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of nearly 21 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.

Travelers heading from Washington to Cape Town can enhance their journey by upgrading their flight. United Airlines offers both Business Class and Premium Economy, while Ethiopian Airlines provides Business Class options for added comfort and service.

Best time to fly from Washington (IAD) to Cape Town (CPT)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Cape Town are January, March, and December, when peak temperatures in Cape Town reach up to 70.7°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 64.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $858). Flight availability peaks in June and December, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. May and July have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $858, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: April, March, and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $876 to $938.
  • Most flight options: June and December have the highest number of flights from Washington to Cape Town, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January70.7°F (21.5°C)High8$981
February70.7°F (21.5°C)Average9$944
March68.5°F (20.3°C)High9$938
April64.6°F (18.1°C)Average8$876
May60.4°F (15.8°C)Low7$967
June57.0°F (13.9°C)Average10$1065
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Average7$1398
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Low8$1036
September57.7°F (14.3°C)Average8$1157
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Average8$938
November64.6°F (18.1°C)Low8$858
December68.2°F (20.1°C)High10$1388

*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.

Alternative route from Washington (IAD) to Cape Town (CPT)

  • Washington to Cape Town (DCA-CPT): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located approximately 23 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (IAD) to Cape Town (CPT)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are generally available when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Morning departures (5 AM to 12 PM) usually offer lower prices, while evening flights (6 PM to 12 AM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often results in cheaper rates, but Thursday remains the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Cape Town International Airport from Washington Dulles International Airport

Cape Town welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Washington Dulles International Airport is roughly a 40-minute drive (covering about 29 miles) from central Washington. Here's how to reach Cape Town efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cape Town, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Cape Town International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cape Town International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Cape Town International Airport, Heideveld Station, a metro station, is located about 2.5 miles away by car, while Cape Town Bellville Station, a train station, is situated approximately 7.5 miles from the airport and is also most conveniently accessed by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $770 and cheap return flights from $1,282 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $1181 and $8082, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1552 to $7541. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from IAD to CPT is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
You can fly direct from IAD to CPT on United, with around 7 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) to Cape Town Intl. (CPT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,386. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from Washington, DC to Cape Town, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) to Cape Town Intl. (CPT). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) typically leaves at around 5:00 AM. This early departure can help you maximize your time in Cape Town. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Cape Town (CPT) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United, KLM, and Swiss International Air Lines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to maximize your day in Washington before your flight.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from IAD to CPT typically takes around 14 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 7,931 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 6 hours 20 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
You can fly business class between IAD and CPT. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways
  • British Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • KLM
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • United Airlines
  • Air France
  • Aer Lingus
  • Lufthansa

First class cabins are available on:

  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • British Airways
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Washington, DC (IAD) to Cape Town (CPT) typically costs between $12,317 - $16,448. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Cape Town from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD)?
From Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), you can fly into Cape Town Intl. (CPT) to reach Cape Town. Some flights may connect through major hubs like ZRH (ZRH), Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), Dubai Intl. (DXB) before reaching Cape Town. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) Cape Town Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Washington Dulles Intl.
Destination airport
Cape Town Intl.
Airlines serving
Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, JetBlue Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$1,281
Distance
7930 mi
Average flight time
13 hours 55 mins

Book with confidence

Washington to Cape Town Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Cape Town

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Washington to Cape Town are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Cape Town with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Cape Town

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington to Cape Town: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Washington to Cape Town

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Washington to Cape Town in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $770 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Washington to Cape Town flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Washington to Cape Town airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

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

 

Washington to Cape Town Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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