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$486 Cheap Flights from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT)

View $486 flight on Thu, May 20, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)

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Cheap Flights from London to Cape Town (LHR-CPT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $486 for one-way flights and $792 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Swiss International Air Lines
Tue, Dec 1 - Wed, Dec 23
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$792 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$792
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Tue, Dec 1 from London to Cape Town, returning Wed, Dec 23, priced at $792 found 9 hours ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Tue, Nov 17 - Wed, Jan 20
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$816 Roundtrip, found 23 hours ago
$816
Roundtrip
found 23 hours ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from London to Cape Town, returning Wed, Jan 20, priced at $816 found 23 hours ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Tue, Dec 1 - Fri, Dec 25
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$825 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$825
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Tue, Dec 1 from London to Cape Town, returning Fri, Dec 25, priced at $825 found 1 day ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Tue, Nov 17 - Wed, Jan 20
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$826 Roundtrip, found 23 hours ago
$826
Roundtrip
found 23 hours ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from London to Cape Town, returning Wed, Jan 20, priced at $826 found 23 hours ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Fri, Jun 4 - Fri, Jun 25
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$831 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$831
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Fri, Jun 4 from London to Cape Town, returning Fri, Jun 25, priced at $831 found 1 day ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Wed, Dec 2 - Wed, Dec 16
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$855 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$855
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from London to Cape Town, returning Wed, Dec 16, priced at $855 found 5 days ago
Lufthansa
Tue, Jan 19 - Thu, Feb 11
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$890 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$890
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Tue, Jan 19 from London to Cape Town, returning Thu, Feb 11, priced at $890 found 1 day ago
Turkish Airlines
Sun, Jun 6 - Thu, Jun 10
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$941 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$941
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Sun, Jun 6 from London to Cape Town, returning Thu, Jun 10, priced at $941 found 2 hours ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Tue, Mar 16 - Fri, Mar 26
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$970 Roundtrip, just found
$970
Roundtrip
just found
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Tue, Mar 16 from London to Cape Town, returning Fri, Mar 26, priced at $970 just found
British Airways
Tue, Oct 27 - Mon, Nov 23
LHR
London
CPT
Cape Town
$1,080 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$1,080
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select British Airways flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from London to Cape Town, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $1,080 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 $1,291
CPT
Cape Town Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $1,291

Find the cheapest month to fly from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT)

January is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $752 - $1,197 per traveler.

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

London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT) at a glance

Explore a range of options for flights from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT) on this long-haul international route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or budget-friendly carriers, you can compare different itineraries to find the best fit for your budget and travel schedule. Get ready to discover Cape Town's renowned sights and vibrant neighborhoods as you check out essential details for your journey from Heathrow Airport to Cape Town International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 11h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 6,000 miles (9,660 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $470–$1320, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from London to Cape Town, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover points include Istanbul Airport (IST) with about a 1 hour and 30 minute stop, Bole International Airport (ADD) also around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Hamad International Airport (DOH) with a layover of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to balance price, travel time, and cabin class for your ideal itinerary.

  • British Airways: As a full-service airline, this carrier provides direct flights with one-way prices generally falling between $525 and $4965. It represents about 52% of all departures on this route, with a total travel duration of 11 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Virgin Atlantic: Another full-service option, Virgin Atlantic offers non-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $535 to $5000. This airline accounts for roughly 14% of departures on the route, taking about 11 hours and 30 minutes in total.
  • Turkish Airlines: This full-service airline operates one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $530 to $2965. It makes up about 7% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 14 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Swiss International Air Lines: A full-service airline offering one-stop flights, Swiss International's one-way fares typically range from $475 to $990. They constitute around 6% of the departures, with an in-flight duration of 14 hours and 45 minutes, totaling roughly 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • Ethiopian Airlines: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $675 and $1060. It accounts for about 5% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 14 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of around 16 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.

Travelers flying from London to Cape Town can opt to enhance their experience with an upgrade. British Airways offers both business class and premium economy, while Virgin Atlantic provides a business class option for added comfort.

Best time to fly from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT)

The most popular months for travelers flying from London to Cape Town are January, February, and March, 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 $524). Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $524, roughly 61% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from London 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$705
February70.7°F (21.5°C)High9$2047
March68.5°F (20.3°C)High9$1211
April64.6°F (18.1°C)Low8$1411
May60.4°F (15.8°C)Average8$1169
June57.0°F (13.9°C)Average7$1826
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Average8$1391
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Low7$1475
September57.7°F (14.3°C)Average9$1006
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Average7$1428
November64.6°F (18.1°C)Low7$524
December68.2°F (20.1°C)Average10$2098

*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 routes from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT)

  • London to Cape Town (LCY-CPT): London City Airport (LCY) is located approximately 22 miles from Heathrow Airport (LHR).
  • London to Cape Town (LGW-CPT): Gatwick Airport (LGW) lies about 25 miles away from Heathrow Airport (LHR).

How to find the best prices for flights from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from London 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 often found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers tend to book at least two months in advance. Departures in the afternoon (12 PM-6 PM) usually offer lower prices, while evening flights (6 PM-12 AM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays generally yields cheaper rates, though Tuesday is 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 Heathrow Airport

Cape Town welcomes travelers from London with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Heathrow Airport is roughly a 35-minute drive (covering about 19 miles) from central London. 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, making these convenient options for travelers seeking public transport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $486 and cheap return flights from $792 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $673 and $5353, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1144 to $5784. 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
May is typically the cheapest month to fly from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT), with average return fares around $969. This price is about 23% lower than the average throughout the year, as May falls outside the peak travel season, leading to reduced demand and competitive pricing. Other cheap months to fly from London to Cape Town include September and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Choose from 2 airlines operating direct flights from LHR to CPT:

  • British Airways operates around 11 direct flights from LHR to CPT every week
  • Virgin Atlantic operates around 7 direct flights from LHR to CPT every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
British Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,509. 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, British Airways offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Virgin Atlantic typically offers the lowest fares. Lufthansa offers the most daily flights from LHR 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
When planning your flight from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT), consider May or September. These months are not only the cheapest, with average return flight prices around $969, but they also offer pleasant weather. May is great for spring blooms, while September allows you to enjoy the early spring in South Africa.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
On average, there are around 2 nonstop flights per day from Heathrow (LHR) to Cape Town Intl. (CPT). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The earliest flight from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT) usually departs at around 6:00 AM, operated by Air Baltic, Swiss International Air Lines, and South African Airways. This seasonal service is available in May and June, making it a great time to visit Cape Town. An early flight allows you to maximize your time in this beautiful city. 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT) are in the late evening, from 9pm to midnight. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a full day in London before your flight.
How long does it take to fly from London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from LHR to CPT typically takes around 11 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 6,016 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 6 hours 10 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
You can fly business class between LHR and CPT. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Emirates
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Air France
  • British Airways
  • KLM
  • Etihad Airways

First class is available with Emirates and British Airways.
How much is a business class flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from London (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT) typically costs between $8,206 - $10,744 per adult. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $5,473 - $8,154 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 Heathrow (LHR)?
From Heathrow (LHR), 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), Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
If you booked your London (LHR-Heathrow) 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
Heathrow
Destination airport
Cape Town Intl.
Airlines serving
Air France, Air Mauritius, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, KLM, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$791
Distance
6015 mi
Average flight time
10 hours 30 mins

Book with confidence

London to Cape Town Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from London 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 London 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 London to Cape Town in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $486 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 London 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 London 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.

 

London to Cape Town Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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