$876 Cheap Flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Cape Town (CPT)
Popular airlines from Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL) to Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)
British AirwaysBritish Airways
Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways
JetBlue AirwaysJetBlue Airways
Swiss International Air LinesSwiss International Air Lines
LufthansaLufthansa
UnitedUnited
DeltaDelta
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Cheap Flights from Philadelphia to Cape Town (PHL-CPT)
Alternative airports near Cape Town
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Philadelphia (PHL) to Cape Town (CPT)
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Philadelphia (PHL) to Cape Town (CPT) at a glance
Embark on an international long-haul journey from Philadelphia (PHL) to Cape Town (CPT) with a selection of airlines catering to this route. Evaluate options from full-service carriers to identify the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans, all while preparing to uncover the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Cape Town. Here, you'll find essential information regarding flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
- Fastest flight duration: around 17 hours in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 7,800 miles (12,550 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $540–$1225, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Discover the top airlines favored by travelers flying from Philadelphia to Cape Town, especially for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Popular layover options include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with about a 2 hour and 45 minute layover. These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you find the ideal itinerary for your trip.
- Delta: Serving as a major player on this route, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally falling between $540 and $1600. It boasts about 44% of the departures, featuring an in-flight duration of 17 hours and an overall journey time of approximately 19 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
- United: United Airlines offers a robust one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices usually ranging from $645 to $1080. This carrier constitutes around 21% of the flights on this route, with an in-air time of 17 hours and a total travel duration of about 19 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
- British Airways: British Airways presents one-stop travel options with one-way fares commonly between $600 and $3535. Capturing roughly 12% of the departures for this route, it features an in-flight time of 17 hours and an estimated total journey time of 19 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
- Virgin Atlantic: Offering one-stop service, Virgin Atlantic's one-way fares typically vary from $625 to $1170. This airline accounts for approximately 12% of the departures on this route, with a flight duration of 17 hours and an overall travel time nearing 19 hours and 15 minutes, inclusive of layover periods.
- American Airlines: American Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally ranging from $560 to $1135. It represents about 9% of the departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 17 hours and a total travel time of roughly 19 hours and 15 minutes, including any layover.
How to find the best prices for flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Cape Town (CPT)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Philadelphia to Cape Town is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking at least two months in advance, which is when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM tend to offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are more popular. Additionally, flying on Monday usually provides cheaper options, although Thursday is the most popular travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Philadelphia International Airport
Cape Town welcomes travelers from Philadelphia 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 from the airport and is also most conveniently accessed by car.
Philadelphia to Cape Town Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Cape Town are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Philadelphia to Cape Town with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Philadelphia to Cape Town
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Cape Town in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $876 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $876 and cheap return flights $1,215 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $901 and $5700, and return flights often range between $1289 and $5922. 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from PHL 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Enter PHL to CPT and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Turkish Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL) to Cape Town Intl. (CPT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1611 with a layover in Logan Intl. (BOS). 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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.
What is the earliest flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) usually departs at around 5:25 AM. This seasonal service is active in August, September, and October, and an 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Cape Town (CPT) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including British Airways, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to maximize your day in Philadelphia before heading off to your adventure in Cape Town.
How long does it take to fly from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
A flight from PHL to CPT with a layover takes around 18 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 7,852 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from PHL to CPT. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- British Airways
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Air Canada
- United Airlines
First class is available with United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)?
If you're planning to travel to Cape Town from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL), you can fly into Cape Town Intl. (CPT) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), DUB (DUB), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
If you booked your Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 | Philadelphia Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Cape Town Intl. Airport |
Distance | 7,850 miles away |
Airlines serving | British Airways, Qatar Airways, JetBlue Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, United, Delta, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines |
Popular airline | British Airways |
Roundtrip price | $1,215 |