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$808 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT)

View $808 flight on Mon, Jan 4, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) to Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Cape Town (ORD-CPT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $808 for one-way flights and $1,151 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Turkish Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Thu, Nov 12
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,151 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,151
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Thu, Nov 12, priced at $1,151 found 1 day ago
Turkish Airlines
Mon, Oct 19 - Thu, Oct 29
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,181 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,181
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $1,181 found 1 hour ago
Turkish Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 9
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,191 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$1,191
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $1,191 found 3 days ago
Turkish Airlines
Tue, Nov 17 - Fri, Dec 4
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,204 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,204
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Fri, Dec 4, priced at $1,204 found 1 day ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Mon, Oct 19 - Tue, Nov 3
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,327 Roundtrip, just found
$1,327
Roundtrip
just found
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $1,327 just found
Iberia
Tue, Nov 24 - Mon, Dec 7
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,339 Roundtrip, just found
$1,339
Roundtrip
just found
Select Iberia flight, departing Tue, Nov 24 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Mon, Dec 7, priced at $1,339 just found
Etihad Airways
Tue, Oct 13 - Wed, Oct 21
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,427 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,427
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,427 found 1 day ago
Emirates
Mon, Jan 4 - Mon, Apr 5
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,579 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$1,579
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Emirates flight, departing Mon, Jan 4 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Mon, Apr 5, priced at $1,579 found 14 hours ago
Kenya Airways
Tue, Nov 24 - Sun, Dec 6
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,638 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$1,638
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select Kenya Airways flight, departing Tue, Nov 24 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Sun, Dec 6, priced at $1,638 found 17 hours ago
Qatar Airways
Mon, Oct 19 - Tue, Nov 3
ORD
Chicago
CPT
Cape Town
$1,750 Roundtrip, just found
$1,750
Roundtrip
just found
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from Chicago to Cape Town, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $1,750 just found

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 $1,579
CPT
Cape Town Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $1,579

Find the cheapest month to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $1,179 - $1,376 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from O'Hare Intl. to Cape Town Intl.

Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT) at a glance

Embark on your journey to Cape Town with a range of airlines offering flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Whether you prefer full-service carriers or are on the lookout for cheap flights from Chicago, you can easily compare options to find the best airfare that aligns with your travel plans and budget. Prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Cape Town as you plan your adventure.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 19h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 8,500 miles (13,680 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $470–$1195, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Chicago to Cape Town, often selected for their one-stop services. Popular layover options include Bole International Airport (ADD) with a brief 1-hour stop, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) featuring a longer layover of about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a 2-hour and 15-minute connection. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal itinerary.

  • United: This comprehensive airline provides one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $640 and $1490. It makes up around 33% of flights on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 15 minutes, and an overall travel time of approximately 21 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Ethiopian Airlines: Known for its full-service offerings, this airline features one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $470 to $1310. It constitutes about 21% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 19 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey duration of roughly 21 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Turkish Airlines: This airline also provides full-service one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally between $480 and $910. It accounts for roughly 16% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 19 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of around 21 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • British Airways: Offering a full-service experience, this airline's one-stop service usually comes with one-way fares in the range of $565 to $1155. It represents about 9% of flights on this route, with a flight duration of 19 hours and 15 minutes and an overall travel time of about 21 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • American Airlines: This full-service carrier provides one-stop flights with fares that typically range from $470 to $1105 for one-way travel. It accounts for approximately 7% of departures on this route, featuring a flight time of 19 hours and 15 minutes and an overall journey duration of roughly 21 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Cape Town are February, March, and December, when peak temperatures in Cape Town reach up to 70.7°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 62.1°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $720. Flight availability peaks in February and May, with approximately 9 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $720, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: November, October, and January typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $743 to $778.
  • Most flight options: February and May have the highest number of flights from Chicago to Cape Town, with approximately 9 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)Average7$778
February70.7°F (21.5°C)High9$720
March68.5°F (20.3°C)High8$781
April64.6°F (18.1°C)Average8$841
May60.4°F (15.8°C)Low9$1151
June57.0°F (13.9°C)Low7$993
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Average7$895
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Average8$916
September57.7°F (14.3°C)Average8$1277
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Low7$759
November64.6°F (18.1°C)Average7$743
December68.2°F (20.1°C)High8$1538

*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 Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT)

  • Chicago to Cape Town (MDW-CPT): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago 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, even though most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Morning departures (5am-12pm) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12pm-6pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday can provide both cheaper rates and increased travel demand.
  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 O'Hare International Airport

Cape Town welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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 transport options for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $808 and cheap return flights from $1,151 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $1153 and $8980, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1659 to $7660. 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Cape Town, with average round-trip fares around $1,230. This price is about 24% lower than the average throughout the year, as September is typically a quieter travel period. Other economical months to fly from Chicago to Cape Town include February and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Enter ORD to CPT and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Kenya Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT) with a layover in John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK), starting from around $1,755. 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 time to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The best months to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT) are September and February. Return flights in September average around $1,230, making it the cheapest month, while February is popular for its warm weather. This combination allows you to enjoy lower fares while experiencing the vibrant culture of Cape Town.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The earliest flight from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) usually departs at 5:20 AM. This early departure can help you arrive in Cape Town with ample time to enjoy the 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Emirates, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to maximize your time in Chicago before your flight.
How long does it take to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Flights from ORD to CPT with one stop typically take around 22 hours, covering approximately 8,519 miles. 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
You can fly business class between ORD and CPT. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Emirates
  • KLM
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • United Airlines
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • Iberia

First class cabins are available on:

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

How do I earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 O'Hare Intl. (ORD)?
From O'Hare Intl. (ORD), 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), Franz Josef Strauss Intl. (MUC) 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
If you booked your Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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
O'Hare Intl.
Destination airport
Cape Town Intl.
Airlines serving
Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Iberia, JetBlue Airways, KLM, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$1,151
Distance
8517 mi

Book with confidence

Chicago to Cape Town Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago to Cape Town in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $808 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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.

 

Chicago to Cape Town Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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