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$942 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Cape Town (CPT)

View $942 flight on Sun, Sep 20, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Cape Town (SAN-CPT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $942 for one-way flights and $1,452 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
Sun, Oct 11 - Sun, Oct 25
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,452 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,452
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $1,452 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Sun, Oct 11 - Sun, Oct 25
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,456 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,456
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $1,456 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Sun, Oct 11 - Sun, Oct 25
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,460 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,460
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $1,460 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Sun, Oct 11 - Sun, Oct 25
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,480 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,480
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $1,480 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,483 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,483
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,483 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,483 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,483
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,483 found 5 hours ago
KLM
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,484 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,484
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select KLM flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,484 found 5 hours ago
Virgin Atlantic
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,522 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,522
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Virgin Atlantic flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $1,522 found 5 hours ago
United
Sun, Nov 29 - Sun, Dec 6
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,592 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,592
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Sun, Nov 29 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Sun, Dec 6, priced at $1,592 found 1 hour ago
Air France
Mon, Sep 21 - Mon, Sep 28
SAN
San Diego
CPT
Cape Town
$1,611 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,611
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Air France flight, departing Mon, Sep 21 from San Diego to Cape Town, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $1,611 found 5 hours ago

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

San Diego (SAN) to Cape Town (CPT) at a glance

Embark on an international journey from San Diego (SAN) to Cape Town (CPT) with a selection of airlines offering diverse routes. Explore various options from full-service carriers to find the flight that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you prepare to experience the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Cape Town. Below, you'll find essential details for flights departing from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 19h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 3h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 9,900 miles (15,930 km)
  • Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $640–$1445, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from San Diego to Cape Town, favored for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Common layover spots include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a layover of about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), where layovers typically last around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your trip by balancing cost, travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • Delta: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $735 and $1700. Delta represents about 39% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 45 minutes and an overall travel time of approximately 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • British Airways: Another full-service option, British Airways offers one-stop connections, with one-way fares typically ranging from $640 to $6075. The airline accounts for around 26% of the flights on this route, boasting an in-flight time of 19 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey duration of about 22 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • United: As a full-service carrier, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $720 and $1240. This airline holds a share of roughly 22% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 19 hours and 45 minutes and an estimated total travel time of around 22 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.
  • American Airlines: Offering full-service options, American Airlines features one-stop routes with one-way fares that generally range from $675 to $1995. They account for about 9% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Cape Town (CPT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego 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 generally available when booking at least two months in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM remain the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically provides cheaper options, 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 San Diego International Airport

Cape Town welcomes travelers from San Diego 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 best accessed by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $942 and cheap return flights from $1,452 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $1013 and $5149, and return flights often range between $1542 and $5004. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SAN 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Enter SAN to CPT and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Ethiopian Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego (SAN) to Cape Town (CPT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,407 with a layover in Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD). 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Cape Town International (CPT) typically leaves at 6:15 AM. This early departure can help you make the most of 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Cape Town (CPT) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 34% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it gives you a relaxed morning before your journey.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Flying from SAN to CPT with a connection usually takes about 25 hours, traveling roughly 9,905 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for SAN to CPT flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
If you're planning to travel to Cape Town from San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Cape Town Intl. (CPT) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), San Francisco Intl. (SFO), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
Cape Town Intl.
Airlines serving
Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$1,451
Distance
9903 mi

Book with confidence

San Diego to Cape Town Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from San Diego to Cape Town

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to Cape Town in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $942 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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.

 

San Diego to Cape Town Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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