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$533 Cheap Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT)

View $533 flight on Tue, Oct 20, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)

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Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Cape Town (IST-CPT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $533 for one-way flights and $816 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Ethiopian Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$816 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$816
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $816 found 2 hours ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Fri, Nov 13 - Fri, Nov 20
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$841 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$841
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Fri, Nov 20, priced at $841 found 2 days ago
Lufthansa
Mon, Jan 18 - Wed, Jan 27
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$841 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$841
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Mon, Jan 18 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Wed, Jan 27, priced at $841 found 1 day ago
LOT-Polish Airlines
Sun, Oct 18 - Fri, Oct 30
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$851 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$851
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select LOT-Polish Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 18 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $851 found 10 hours ago
Lufthansa
Wed, Nov 25 - Wed, Dec 9
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$856 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$856
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Wed, Nov 25 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Wed, Dec 9, priced at $856 found 3 days ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Sun, Oct 18 - Sun, Oct 25
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$873 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$873
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 18 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $873 found 1 day ago
Etihad Airways
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$884 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$884
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $884 found 2 hours ago
Emirates
Mon, May 24 - Mon, Jun 7
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$891 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$891
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Emirates flight, departing Mon, May 24 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Mon, Jun 7, priced at $891 found 1 day ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Fri, Nov 13 - Fri, Nov 20
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$899 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$899
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Fri, Nov 20, priced at $899 found 2 days ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
IST
Istanbul
CPT
Cape Town
$910 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$910
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Istanbul to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $910 found 2 hours 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 $985
CPT
Cape Town Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $985

Find the cheapest month to fly from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $811 - $1,072 per traveler.

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

Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT) on this international long-haul journey. Compare choices from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that suits your budget, schedule, and travel plans while you enjoy Cape Town's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential information for flights departing from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 11 hours non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 5,200 miles (8,370 km)
  • Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $565–$1030, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the most popular airlines for flights from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT), often chosen for their non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers prefer layovers at Dubai International Airport (DXB), typically lasting around 6 hours. This allows you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best travel experience.

  • Turkish Airlines: This comprehensive airline provides non-stop flights with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $565 and $2985. It operates roughly 81% of the flights on this route, with a total travel duration of 11 hours.

Alternative routes from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT)

  • Istanbul to Cape Town (SAW-CPT): Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) lies approximately 38 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST).
  • Bursa to Cape Town (BTZ-CPT): Bursa Airport (BTZ) is located about 72 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST).

How to find the best prices for flights from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Istanbul 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 usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Early morning departures, between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., often provide lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday not only offers cheaper prices but is also the most favored 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 Istanbul Airport

Cape Town welcomes travelers from Istanbul with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Istanbul Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 16 miles) from central Istanbul. 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 away by car, providing convenient access to public transportation options for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $533 and cheap return flights from $816 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $632 and $4129, and roundtrip flights usually range from $959 to $4680. 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 Istanbul (IST) 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from IST to CPT is October 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Turkish Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from IST to CPT every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Turkish Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town Intl. (CPT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,064. 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Istanbul (IST) 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Turkish Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Turkish Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Emirates offers the most daily flights from IST to CPT, 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 Istanbul (IST) 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
There are approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town Intl. (CPT). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Cape Town Intl. (CPT) typically departs at around 12:05 AM. This seasonal service, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, is available in January, April, June, July, August, and December. An early departure like this can help maximize your time at your destination. 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT) are in the early morning, from 12am to 3am. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Turkish Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Cape Town early in the day, ready to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from IST to CPT typically takes around 11 hours, covering approximately 5,238 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 10 hours 50 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
You can fly business class between IST and CPT. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Lufthansa
  • flydubai
  • Qatar Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Emirates
  • Etihad Airways
  • British Airways
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • Air France
  • KLM

First class is available with Emirates.
How much is a business class flight from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT) typically costs between $5,737 - $6,961. there is no data available for one-way flights. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Istanbul (IST) 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Istanbul (IST) 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 Istanbul Airport (IST)?
From Istanbul Airport (IST), you can fly into Cape Town Intl. (CPT) to reach Cape Town. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Dubai Intl. (DXB), Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), Abu Dhabi Intl. (AUH) 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Istanbul (IST) 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Istanbul (IST) 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 Istanbul (IST) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
If you booked your Istanbul (IST) 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
Istanbul
Destination airport
Cape Town Intl.
Airlines serving
Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Turkish Airlines
Roundtrip price
$816
Distance
5237 mi
Average flight time
11 hours 5 mins

Book with confidence

Istanbul to Cape Town Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Istanbul 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 Istanbul to Cape Town are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Cape Town with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul to Cape Town in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $533 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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.

 

Istanbul to Cape Town Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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