Which airlines fly nonstop from Europe to Cape Town?

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly nonstop from London Heathrow, Norse Atlantic Airways from London Gatwick, KLM from Amsterdam, Air France from Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lufthansa from Frankfurt and Munich, Condor from Frankfurt and Edelweiss from Zurich. Turkish Airlines also flies nonstop from Istanbul. Some of these routes, including Norse Atlantic from Gatwick and Lufthansa from Munich, are seasonal and run during the European winter.

How long is the flight from London to Cape Town?

A nonstop flight from London to Cape Town takes about 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours. Most flights leave London in the evening and arrive the next morning. One-stop journeys via Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Istanbul usually take 14 to 17 hours in total.

How much does a flight to Cape Town cost?

In late October 2026, nonstop returns from London started from £390 with Norse Atlantic and £724 with British Airways. From Frankfurt, Condor nonstop returns started from €630, and KLM nonstop returns from Amsterdam started from €1,033. Over Christmas and New Year, nonstop returns from London rose to more than £2,600.

Do I need a visa for South Africa?

British and Irish passport holders, and citizens of most EU and EEA countries and Switzerland, can visit South Africa for tourism without a visa, usually for up to 90 days. British passports must be valid for at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least two blank pages. The new Electronic Travel Authorisation is optional for visa-exempt travellers.

What is the SARS traveller declaration?

Since 1 July 2026, everyone entering or leaving South Africa must complete a free online customs declaration with the South African Revenue Service before they travel. You submit it within 24 hours before the departure of your final flight into South Africa, through the SARS website, the SATMS app or a QR code. Each traveller, including children, needs their own declaration.

What is the time difference between Cape Town and the UK?

Cape Town is two hours ahead of the UK and Ireland from 25 October 2026 to 28 March 2027, and one hour ahead during British Summer Time. South Africa does not change its clocks, so it is one hour ahead of central Europe in winter and on the same time in summer.

How do I get from Cape Town Airport to the city centre?

The city centre is about 20 km from the airport, a drive of 20 to 30 minutes outside rush hour. Uber and Bolt pick up from the signposted e-hailing area in Parkade 2, and authorised metered taxis can be booked at the transport kiosks in the terminal. There is no train, and the MyCiTi airport bus has been suspended since December 2022.

Is there a direct flight from Dublin to Cape Town?

No. There is no nonstop flight from Ireland to Cape Town, so travellers from Dublin connect in Europe, Istanbul or the Gulf. In late October 2026 the cheapest returns from Dublin started from €646 with Lufthansa and €654 with KLM via Amsterdam, and the fastest connections took about 13 hours 50 minutes in total.

Cape Town Flights from Europe 2026: Direct Routes and Fares

Every direct flight to Cape Town from London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich in 2026, with real fares, Christmas prices and entry rules.