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$962 Cheap Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Cape Town (CPT)

View $962 flight on Thu, Aug 20, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)

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Cheap Flights from Raleigh to Cape Town (RDU-CPT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $962 for one-way flights and $1,326 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
Mon, Oct 12 - Sun, Oct 25
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,326 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,326
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $1,326 found 11 hours ago
United
Wed, Oct 14 - Tue, Oct 20
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,326 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,326
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $1,326 found 11 hours ago
Virgin Atlantic
Mon, Oct 12 - Fri, Oct 23
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,326 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,326
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Virgin Atlantic flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Fri, Oct 23, priced at $1,326 found 11 hours ago
United
Sun, Oct 18 - Sun, Oct 25
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,336 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,336
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sun, Oct 18 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $1,336 found 11 hours ago
JetBlue Airways
Mon, Oct 5 - Sun, Oct 11
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,348 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$1,348
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 11, priced at $1,348 found 3 days ago
United
Tue, Oct 13 - Wed, Oct 28
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,361 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$1,361
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $1,361 found 18 hours ago
Delta
Mon, Oct 12 - Wed, Oct 21
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,365 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,365
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,365 found 6 days ago
Virgin Atlantic
Mon, Oct 5 - Mon, Oct 12
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,365 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$1,365
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Virgin Atlantic flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $1,365 found 4 days ago
Delta
Mon, Oct 12 - Fri, Oct 23
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,366 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,366
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Fri, Oct 23, priced at $1,366 found 11 hours ago
Kenya Airways
Tue, Oct 13 - Tue, Oct 27
RDU
Raleigh
CPT
Cape Town
$1,387 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,387
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Kenya Airways flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Raleigh to Cape Town, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $1,387 found 11 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 $1,558
CPT
Cape Town Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $1,558

Find the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Cape Town (CPT)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $1,322 - $1,771 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Raleigh - Durham Intl. to Cape Town Intl.

Raleigh (RDU) to Cape Town (CPT) at a glance

Embark on an exciting journey from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) with a selection of airlines offering this international long-haul route. Explore various options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences. As you prepare to experience the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Cape Town, be sure to review the essential flight details for your trip.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 16 hours in-flight, plus roughly 3h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 7,900 miles (12,710 km)
  • Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $570–$1385, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Raleigh to Cape Town, typically featuring one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layovers include Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with an approximate 2h 45m connection time, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 2h 15m layover. This variety allows you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the best fit for your journey.

  • United: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel options, with one-way ticket prices usually falling between $660 and $1505. United makes up about 40% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 16 hours and a total travel time of around 19 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: Offering one-stop service, Delta is another full-service airline, with one-way fares generally ranging from $645 to $2700. It represents roughly 23% of departures on this route, boasting an in-flight time of 16 hours and a total journey duration of approximately 19 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • American Airlines: As a full-service carrier providing one-stop flights, American Airlines offers one-way fares that typically range from $570 to $1440. This airline accounts for about 15% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 16 hours and an overall travel time of around 19 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • British Airways: This full-service airline also provides one-stop service, with one-way fares commonly between $650 and $3745. British Airways handles approximately 4% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 16 hours and a total journey time of about 19 hours and 45 minutes, including layover periods.

Alternative routes from Raleigh (RDU) to Cape Town (CPT)

  • Danville to Cape Town (DAN-CPT): Danville Regional Airport (DAN) lies approximately 57 miles from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU), making it a convenient departure point for your journey.
  • Greensboro to Cape Town (GSO-CPT): Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is located about 66 miles from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU), offering another viable option for travelers heading to Cape Town.

How to find the best prices for flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Cape Town (CPT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Raleigh 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 available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 PM-6 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays generally provides cheaper options, even though Thursday is 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 Raleigh - Durham International Airport

Cape Town welcomes travelers from Raleigh with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Raleigh - Durham International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 15 miles) from central Raleigh. 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 approximately 7.5 miles away by car, providing convenient access to local and regional transport options.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $962 and cheap return flights from $1,326 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $1061 and $6313, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1482 to $6851. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from RDU 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Enter RDU to CPT and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Ethiopian Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Cape Town (CPT) with return tickets starting from around $1,659. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) usually departs at around 5:15 AM. An early start like this allows you to make the most of your travel day, arriving in Cape Town ready to explore. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Cape Town (CPT) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. About 44% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to maximize your day in Raleigh before heading off on your adventure.
How long does it take to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
A flight from RDU to CPT with a layover takes around 18 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 7,908 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the RDU to CPT route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Lufthansa
  • Air France
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • American Airlines

First class is available with United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU)?
From Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU), you can fly into Cape Town Intl. (CPT) to reach Cape Town. Some flights may connect through major hubs like John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Frankfurt Intl. (FRA) 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
If you booked your Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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
Raleigh - Durham Intl.
Destination airport
Cape Town Intl.
Airlines serving
Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$1,325
Distance
7907 mi

Book with confidence

Raleigh to Cape Town Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Cape Town in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $962 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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.

 

Raleigh to Cape Town Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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