A Complete Guide to Book Cheap Flights from London to Cape Town and Save Money on Trip.com

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By Trip.com

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.

Cheap Flights from London to Cape Town

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 LHREstimated TimePrice
Heathrow Express15 minsFrom £15.00
London Underground ('the Tube')60 minsFrom £5.50
Elizabeth Line45 minsFrom £12.80
Coaches50-90 minsFrom £10.00
Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab)60 minsFrom £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 LGWEstimated TimePrice
Gatwick Express30 minsFrom £10.00
Thameslink30-45 minsFrom £10.00
Southern Railway30-35 minsFrom £15.00
National Express Coach90 minsFrom £8.00
Taxi or Car60-90 minsFrom £60.00
Tube + Train60 minsFrom £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 LTNTimePrice
By train30 minsFrom £15.00
National Express Coach90-120 minsFrom £5.00
Taxi or Car60-90 minsFrom £70.00
Tube + Train60-90 minsFrom £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 LondonFlight TicketsTransportation FareTotal
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

British Airways
10.0
Virgin Atlantic
9.1
Ethiopian Airlines
8.8
Qatar Airways
8.6
Turkish Airlines
8.4

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 TownNorse Atlantic AirwaysKenya AirwaysEthiopian Airlines
RouteLGW - CPTLHR - CPTLHR - 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 TownKenya AirwaysNorse Atlantic AirwaysEthiopian Airlines
RouteLHR - CPTLGW - CPTLHR - 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 reservationFree£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£388
Cheapest return ticket price£649
Off-season travel monthApril
Peak season for travelJune
Flight distance9,678.53km
Average flight time11 hours 35 minutes
Popular airlineBritish Airways
Flight info.
Departure
Arrival
Weekly Schedule
  1. QR110

    15:35

    LHR

    6.8h

    00:25

    DOH

    SMTWTFS
  2. QR1369

    02:05

    DOH

    9.8h

    10:50

    CPT

    SMTWTFS
  3. FR287

    12:25

    STN

    1.3h

    13:45

    DUB

    SMTWTFS
  4. LH981

    17:40

    DUB

    2.1h

    20:45

    FRA

    SMTWTFS
  5. LH576

    22:15

    FRA

    11.3h

    09:30

    CPT

    S--W-F-
  6. RK1392

    18:00

    STN

    2.1h

    21:05

    OSL

    SMTWTFS
  7. QR176

    16:05

    OSL

    6.5h

    23:35

    DOH

    SM-W-F-
  8. QR1369

    02:05

    DOH

    9.8h

    10:50

    CPT

    SMTWTFS

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 2025Cheapest 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

9/5Perfect130 Reviews
Cape Town|0.4km from city centre
I love 5 star hotels and have been to many and this one is one of the best especially the concierge was really helpful and helped me arrange all activities on my trip. It was a pleasure and breakfast was really good as well…
From£79
8.6/5Perfect53 Reviews
Cape Town|2.45km from city centre
Amazing views and wonderful location. Service was good and the staff were all very friendly. The breakfast was top notch, will definitely come back to stay for the breakfast! Best breakfast hotel in South Africa!!
SOLD OUT
8.6/5Perfect80 Reviews
Cape Town|0.79km from city centre
Overall the stay was great, but finding mould in the in the vent in the toilet was an uncomfortable surprise. Breakfast was lovely. Staff were extremely friendly; however one staff member would sing and speak really loudly to no one in particular while tending the bar.
From£64
8.1/5Perfect111 Reviews
Cape Town|0.84km from city centre
I took my sister on this trip to Capetown. Everything was awesome. The service was top tier, from the concierge assisting us with local places to explore , to the on sight restaurants. I’ll definitely come back in the future. I was just disappointed with the hair on the bathroom floor upon checking in. We also had to request robes & sleepers as opposed to finding them available in the room.
SOLD OUT
9.2/5Perfect85 Reviews
Cape Town|0.66km from city centre
The hotel is in a great location, only 300-400m away from the visa center, and it is very convenient to apply for a visa
From£77

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Business travel

8.4/5Perfect50 Reviews
Cape Town|0.36km from city centre
2 main benefits: central location in CBD and the breakfast buffet Upon check in, for 2nd time we were assigned wrong room. The new room smelled cigarette The staff also gave different rates for extending 1 night. Overall it is a good hotel to conduct business but not so much for holidays.
From£47
8.8/5Perfect88 Reviews
Cape Town|1.04km from city centre
The Westin, Cape Town, is an old hotel, but it continues to maintain its presence, quality, and some high standard in Cape Town. We stayed here for 8 days, during a friend's 60th birthday celebration event in Cape Town. We occupied an executive room and were also given access to the executive club on the 19th floor. The room was very nice, with good linen, bed of high standard. That said, we had to lodge a complaint on the hurried nature of how our room was cleaned on our second day of stay. The bed was not made properly, the carpet floor wasn't clean, and the bathroom was half cleaned. It's not good for a 5-star hotel. After complaining, the housekeeper made amends, and the cleaning standard was raised to the highest standard for the duration of our stay. We also ordered food from room service and half of what we ordered were not brought - they gave us something else, but after waiting for 45 mins for the original order to be brought to us we reluctabtly accepted the wrong order, ate the food and then lodged our complaints later. The breakfast buffet was alright, but there weren't great selections of cold meats in the cold meat section. They really need to improve on this. Lastly, the overall service delivery by some of the staff really need serious improvement. Some of the staff in the restaurant are way too loud when talking to each other, and some of them even give out bad unwelcoming and nonchalant attitude/vibe to their customers. It is like they feel that they're doing us, their clients, a favour by serving us. Not good enough for a hotel of this standard, abd some of those staff need to be retrained. Overall, we enjoyed our stay at The Westin and we will definitely come back there when next we visit Cape Town.
From£282
8.3/5Perfect52 Reviews
Cape Town|1.49km from city centre
Breakfast is 100 RMB per person, there are not many types of meals, but the service is exceptional! The location is also very good, very close to the mall. The neighborhood is also rich, and the security issues are not bad. It is well known that law and order in South Africa is not abrupt. Ctrip reservations need to be booked in advance, otherwise the hotel will show unpaid, but Ctrip has shown payment ... Ctrip is better than Booking in terms of price, this is a must.
From£104
8/5Perfect51 Reviews
Cape Town|0.62km from city centre
Satisfactory in general, room is tidy, have 4 lifts, just quite slow for the lifts, others are good
From£46
8.4/5Perfect105 Reviews
Cape Town|3.28km from city centre
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside, and I must say it was a delightful experience from start to finish. The first thing that caught my attention was the stunning views that the hotel offers. Whether you're enjoying a meal in the restaurant or relaxing in your room, the scenery is simply breathtaking. The location of the hotel provides a unique perspective of Cape Town, and I found myself captivated by the cityscape. The staff at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside are truly exceptional. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. The level of service throughout my stay was consistently excellent. The staff members were not only efficient but also went out of their way to ensure that every need was met. Their genuine friendliness added a personal touch to the overall experience. One of the standout features for me was the secure parking facilities. Knowing that my vehicle was safely parked on the premises provided an added sense of comfort during my stay. It's evident that the hotel takes security seriously, contributing to the overall feeling of safety and peace of mind. Now, let's talk about the breakfast – it was nothing short of amazing. The variety of options available was impressive, catering to a range of tastes and dietary preferences. The quality of the food was top-notch, and the presentation added a touch of sophistication. It's safe to say that the breakfast alone is reason enough to consider this hotel for your stay in Cape Town. As for the room, it was nothing short of stellar. The attention to detail in the design and furnishings created a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The cleanliness and maintenance of the room were also noteworthy, reflecting the hotel's commitment to providing a high standard of accommodation. In conclusion, my experience at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside exceeded my expectations. The combination of breathtaking views, excellent staff, secure parking, and an amazing breakfast made for a memorable stay. Whether you're visiting Cape Town for business or leisure, I highly recommend considering this hotel for a truly enjoyable and comfortable experience.
From£53

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Family friendly

8.6/5Perfect103 Reviews
Cape Town|4.12km from city centre
The location of the President Hotel is very good. It is the preferred hotel recommended by South African friends. It takes only 5 minutes to walk to the beach. We booked the Ocean Classic Room (with balcony). There is no picture of this suite type on Ctrip. I have been worried that I can’t see the sea view. In addition, the big bed can be split into 2 single beds by the hotel. The hotel arranged us in rooms 647 and 648 (the highest 6 floors of the hotel), which are located in the northeast of the hotel. You can see both the sunrise and the sunset by the sea. It is really a super invincible sea view room. Since the two rooms are next to each other, there was a dinner party. The hotel does not provide toothbrush, toothpaste and slippers, you need to bring your own. The breakfast variety is very rich and there are quite a lot of choices. Most of the tourists in this hotel are European and American guests, and I didn't see many Asians. There are 2 large bottles of pure water (1L volume), coffee and tea bags in the room, among which black tea is a specialty of South Africa, you can try it. The hygienic condition of the hotel is OK, and the bathroom supplies are average. The hair dryer was in the drawer of the desk and I couldn't find it on the first day. The guest room is cleaned every day, and a tip of 2 dollars is prepared for the service staff every day, just put it on the bedside table. South Africa uses South African standard plugs, so remember to bring them with you when you go abroad. Alternatively, a 2-pin round plug can be used.
From£70
8.1/5Perfect97 Reviews
Cape Town|2.12km from city centre
I'm curious why Chinese tourists don't comment on Ctrip. I stayed for four nights and would like to share with you my objective experience of staying. The room is very small. Although the family room has been upgraded, there are two small beds in each of the two separate small rooms, which basically takes up the room space. The facilities are a bit old. Although the faucet and hardware are Hansgrohe, and the toilet is also a famous brand, they are still a bit old and cannot be compared with domestic hotels of the same price. After talking about the bad points, let’s talk about the highlights: the breakfast is very good, with a variety of varieties, and the service is in place. The restaurant is on the other side of the hotel, you need to pass through the Business School of the University of Cape Town, and you can see the Victoria Pier. The location is also very convenient: it is convenient for eating, shopping, and sightseeing. It feels like it is on the edge of the business district, suitable for walking and shopping.
From£89
9.6/5Perfect59 Reviews
Cape Town|1.4km from city centre
The breakfast shop is very good. It's expensive. I don't have breakfast. I am close to 200 people. Belmond, I like the brand. The hotel is in the center of the mountain. I can see it directly from Table Mountain. I don't have much nonsense. The above picture is worthy of study.
From£589
9.4/5Perfect79 Reviews
Cape Town|1.94km from city centre
In Cape Town, The One & Only is the ”One & Only” hotel to choose. OK, its not the cheapest, but from the welcome at the moment you arrive to when you come to leave the friendliness and service from the team members is exceptional. Great location with direct access to the waterfront and V&A, safe, lovely rooms and nice bars / restaurants with great atmosphere. Overall a great customer / guest experience is provided. Been before, will go again
From£621
8/5Perfect79 Reviews
Cape Town|6.53km from city centre
The parking lot is large, the breakfast is very rich, and the seabirds dance a lot in the setting sun. It is recommended to get up early in the morning and run, and take a walk in the evening to see the sunset. Windy seaside is not suitable for swimming, and it is not suitable for children to play with sand.
From£61

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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.

Discover Dining and Entertainment in 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.

MonthAverage Temperature (°C)Average Flight Price (£)Average Hotel Price (£)
January18~29489120
February18~29512115
March17~27462110
April15~25485105
May13~22543100
June12~1952895
July11~1968290
August11~1957895
September12~21548100
October14~24547105
November15~25548110
December17~27543120

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.

London to Cape Town: Flight Change, Cancellation, Seat Selection

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Cheap Flights from London to Cape Town: FAQs

  • When are flight tickets from London (LON) to Cape Town (CPT) the cheapest?

    Airlines adjust prices for flights from London to Cape Town based on the date and time of your booking. By analyzing data from all airlines, on Trip.com, you can find the cheapest flight prices on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
  • How much are flights from London (LON) to Cape Town (CPT) cost?

    According to Trip.com's data, the lowest price is around £839.
  • How long is the flight from London (LON) to Cape Town (CPT)?

    It takes about 11 hours 35 minutes to fly from London (LON) to Cape Town (CPT).
  • What are the most popular airlines that fly from London (LON) to Cape Town (CPT)?

    Airlines with flights from London (LON) to Cape Town (CPT): British Airways, Iberia, Finnair and American Airlines.
  • How many airports in Cape Town (CPT)?

    There are 1 airport(s) in Cape Town (CPT): Cape Town International Airport.
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cheap flights from London to Cape Town