When planning your flights from London to Cape Town, it's essential to consider the total cost. In addition to the ticket price, you should factor in extra expenses such as transportation to and from the airports, baggage fees, and any in-flight services you may need. By accounting for these additional costs, you can budget more accurately and make more informed decisions. Understanding the overall cost helps you find the best deals and save money.
London to Cape Town: Departure from London Airports
London has multiple airports, offering convenient flight options to Cape Town from three major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton. By viewing transportation information and flight prices, you can compare and choose the most convenient departure point.
Heathrow Airport (LHR), situated 23 kilometres west of London’s city centre, has five terminals, handling flights from all over the world and offering a vast array of facilities. Travellers can reach the airport via the Heathrow Express train, which takes about 15 minutes from Paddington Station.
| Main Transportation Options to LHR | Estimated Time | Price |
| Heathrow Express | 15 mins | From £15.00 |
| London Underground ('the Tube') | 60 mins | From £5.50 |
| Elizabeth Line | 45 mins | From £12.80 |
| Coaches | 50-90 mins | From £10.00 |
| Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab) | 60 mins | From £49.00 |
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 45 kilometres from downtown and features two terminals. Gatwick is easily accessible in several ways, ensuring a seamless journey from London city centre, no matter your transport. The Gatwick Express offers a quick 30-minute journey from Victoria Station to the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LGW | Estimated Time | Price |
| Gatwick Express | 30 mins | From £10.00 |
| Thameslink | 30-45 mins | From £10.00 |
| Southern Railway | 30-35 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90 mins | From £8.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £60.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Luton Airport (LTN), with single one terminal, mainly serves flights to European destinations. Travellers can take a train from St Pancras International, usually taking about 25 minutes, plus a brief shuttle bus ride to reach the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LTN | Time | Price |
| By train | 30 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90-120 mins | From £5.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £70.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60-90 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Compare cheap flight tickets and transportation prices from London (LON) to Cape Town (CPT)
When looking at flight prices from London to Cape Town in March 2025, the price difference between the two airports is minimal. The cheapest flight is £248 from London Gatwick Airport, while the most expensive is £462.50 from London Heathrow Airport.
| Flight to Cape Town from London | Flight Tickets | Transportation Fare | Total |
| Heathrow (LHR-CPT) | £457.00 | £5.50 | £462.50 |
| Gatwick (LGW-CPT) | £240.00 | £8.00 | £248.00 |
*Based on flight prices in March 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data. Transportation prices are approximate and can vary. To get most accurate and up-to-date information, please check trip.com and official websites of respective transportation services.
London to Cape Town: Arrival at Cape Town Airport
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is one of the busiest in Africa and a major international gateway. The airport has a central terminal building that is divided into domestic and international sections. It offers a wide range of facilities including duty-free shops, a variety of dining options, lounges, and car hire services. The airport is about 19 kilometres from Cape Town's city centre and usually takes around 20-30 minutes to reach by car or taxi.
London to Cape Town: Airline Deals
Several airlines, including Norse Atlantic Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Kenya Airways, offer cheap flights from London to Cape Town on Trip.com. Low-cost airlines often have the best deals, but they may use more distant airports and usually don't include free checked luggage.
Reviews of airlines servicing London-Cape Town
Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from London to Cape Town?
In March 2025, Norse Atlantic Airways offers the cheapest flight at £248 (LGW-CPT), while Ethiopian Airlines’ flights are slightly more expensive at £467.5 (LHR-CPT).
| Flight to Cape Town | Norse Atlantic Airways | Kenya Airways | Ethiopian Airlines |
| Route | LGW - CPT | LHR - CPT | LHR - CPT |
| flight tickets | £240 | £457 | £462 |
| transportation to airports | £8.0 | £5.5 | £5.5 |
| Total | £248 | £462.5 | £467.5 |
*Based on flight prices in March 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
What's the cheapest total travel cost from London to Cape Town?
Let’s take a closer look at the actual cost of a flight from London to Cape Town. While budget airlines may seem to have the cheapest fares at first glance, it’s important to take into account all the extra costs. Surprisingly, Norse Atlantic Airways has the cheapest fares at £332.70, followed closely by Kenya Airways at £462.50. Ethiopian Airlines is £466.70. A family of four can save a lot on travel by choosing the right flights carefully.
| Flight to Cape Town | Kenya Airways | Norse Atlantic Airways | Ethiopian Airlines |
| Route | LHR - CPT | LGW - CPT | LHR - CPT |
| flight tickets | £457.00 | £239.20 | £461.20 |
| transportation to airports | £5.50 | £8.00 | £5.50 |
| check-in luggage (1 piece max 20kg) | Free (2×23kg) | £61.90 (1×23kg) | Free (2×23kg) |
| Seat reservation | Free | ￡23.60 | ￡0.00 |
| Total | £462.50 | £332.70 | £466.70 |
*Based on flight prices in March 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
London to Cape Town: Flight Search & Book Flights
London to Cape Town: Direct Flights & Flight Time Schedule
| Cheapest one-way flight price | £188 |
|---|---|
| Cheapest return ticket price | £351 |
| Off-season travel month | April |
| Peak season for travel | June |
| Flight distance | 9,677.77km |
| Average flight time | 11 hours 35 minutes |
| Popular airline | Norse Atlantic Airways |
London to Cape Town: Cheapest Time to Book Flights
Determining the best time to book flights from London to Cape Town involves considering a few factors. It's generally wise to book your flights early to secure better deals and more options, particularly if you're travelling during busy periods like Easter, summer, Christmas, or school holidays. Typically, aim to book your tickets 2–3 months in advance. Also, try to avoid peak travel seasons or holidays when prices tend to be higher. Keep an eye on flight prices and set up price alerts to catch the best deals.
| Month in 2025 | Cheapest London to Cape Town flight tickets |
| January | £489 |
| February | £512 |
| March | £462 |
| April | £485 |
| May | £543 |
| June | £528 |
| July | £682 |
| August | £578 |
| September | £548 |
London to Cape Town: Discover Cape Town
Cape Town is located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is a vibrant city known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Famous landmarks include Table Mountain (a flat-topped mountain offering panoramic views of the city) and the V&A Waterfront (a bustling shopping and entertainment hub). Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is a must-see for its historical significance. Other attractions include the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, and the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Town's cuisine is diverse, with dishes like bobotie, biltong, and fresh seafood giving you a real taste of South Africa. Don't miss the local markets and seaside restaurants for an authentic dining experience.
Explore Accommodation and Local Transport in Cape Town
After booking your flights, it's important to arrange your accommodation and plan how to get around Cape Town. Look for budget-friendly hotels, hostels, or holiday rentals close to the main attractions. Websites like Trip.com offer a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trip.com's Travel Guides can also provide useful tips on where to stay and what to do. Consider the costs and convenience of using public transport, taxis, or renting a car to navigate the city. Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises and make your trip smoother and more affordable.
Recommended Hotels in Cape Town [2024]
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Discover Dining and Entertainment in Cape Town
To have fun in Cape Town while keeping your expenses in check, check out the local food and entertainment options. Look for markets, street food stalls, and affordable restaurants to sample authentic South African dishes without breaking the bank. Many attractions, including museums and historic sites, offer discounted or free admission on certain days, so be sure to check their schedules. Also, take part in free or low-cost activities, such as walking tours, exploring historic neighbourhoods, and visiting public parks. As long as you keep your expenses in check, you can have a fun and affordable trip to Cape Town.
Forecast weather and best time to visit Cape Town
The best time to visit Cape Town is during the summer (December to February) when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) also offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Cape Town hosts several famous festivals throughout the year. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March attracts music lovers from all over the world. The Cape Town Carnival in March showcases vibrant parades and performances. Another notable event is the Two Oceans Marathon in April, making it a vibrant time to experience the city.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Average Flight Price (£) | Average Hotel Price (£) |
| January | 18~29 | 489 | 120 |
| February | 18~29 | 512 | 115 |
| March | 17~27 | 462 | 110 |
| April | 15~25 | 485 | 105 |
| May | 13~22 | 543 | 100 |
| June | 12~19 | 528 | 95 |
| July | 11~19 | 682 | 90 |
| August | 11~19 | 578 | 95 |
| September | 12~21 | 548 | 100 |
| October | 14~24 | 547 | 105 |
| November | 15~25 | 548 | 110 |
| December | 17~27 | 543 | 120 |
Note:
- Average Temperatures: These are approximate values and can vary slightly.
- Average Flight Prices: Prices can fluctuate based on demand, booking time, and airline.
- Average Hotel Prices: Prices can vary depending on the location, hotel rating, and booking platform.
- Trip.com offers cheap hotels in Cape Town, with prices starting from £20 up to £120.