Traveling between Cape Town and Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s busiest air routes. Whether you’re heading for a business meeting, visiting family, or catching an international connection, finding cheap flights from Cape Town to Johannesburg can save you both time and money. In this detailed overview, we cover everything you need to know about flights on this route, including airlines, flight durations, tips to get the best fares, airport information, and seasonal insights.
 

Why Fly Between Cape Town & Johannesburg?

The distance between Cape Town and Johannesburg is approximately 1,260 km (780 miles) by air. Driving the nearly 1,400 km road route typically takes 13–14 hours, adding costs for petrol, tolls, meals, and potential overnight stops. Flying reduces this travel time to roughly two hours, making it the fastest and often most cost-effective option.

Additionally, Johannesburg is South Africa’s main international hub. Many travelers from Cape Town use Johannesburg as a connecting point for flights to Europe, the Middle East, or North America, making air travel the preferred option for onward connections.

 

Airlines Offering Flights on This Route

Multiple airlines operate on the Cape Town to Johannesburg route, ensuring competitive fares and convenient schedules. Popular choices include:

• South African Airways (SAA) – Full-service carrier offering free checked baggage, comfortable seating, and flexible ticketing options.
• FlySafair – Known for low-cost fares, punctuality, and excellent customer service. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
• Airlink – Provides both economy and business-class options, with reliable scheduling and regional connectivity.
• CemAir – A smaller regional airline offering convenient departure times for early-morning or evening travelers.
• British Airways (operated by Comair) – Offers full-service comfort, extra legroom options, and flexible booking for domestic travelers.

Because multiple carriers fly daily, passengers can compare schedules, select preferred times, and secure the most affordable flights from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

 

Flight Duration & Distance

• Distance: 1,260 km (780 miles)
• Non-stop flight time: Approximately 2 hours
• Typical daily departures: Multiple options from early morning to late evening

Non-stop flights are the most convenient, while connecting flights may increase travel time but can sometimes offer lower fares.

 

Typical Airfare & Best Times to Book

Airfares fluctuate depending on season, demand, and how early you book. Here’s a general overview:

• Low season (May–August): R900–R1,200 one-way
• Standard season: R1,300–R1,800
• Peak periods (Christmas, Easter, long weekends): R2,000+

 

Booking Tips:

• Reserve Early: Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance to secure the best rates.
• Be Flexible: Midweek flights, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekend departures.
• Travel Off-Peak Hours: Early morning or late-night flights usually offer better fares.
• Use Fare Alerts: Platforms like Travelwings allow you to monitor prices and act when fares drop.

 

Airport Information

 

Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

• Located 20 km from the city center with efficient MyCiTi bus service and ample parking.
• Offers lounges, dining options, and baggage services to make travel smoother.

Johannesburg Airports

• O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): The main hub with easy Gautrain access to Sandton and Pretoria. Includes lounges, shopping, and transfer services.
• Lanseria International Airport (HLA): Smaller airport with quicker check-ins and easier parking, often offering lower fares for travelers heading to northern Johannesburg or Pretoria.

 

Cost Comparison: Flying vs Driving

Driving the 1,400 km route costs roughly R1,800–R2,200, including fuel, tolls, and meals, not to mention time spent on the road. Flying is faster, often cheaper, and far more convenient, especially for solo travelers or couples.

 

Travel Tips for Affordable Flights

• Pack Light: Low-cost carriers often charge extra for checked luggage. A carry-on can save money.
• Compare Airports: Consider both O. R. Tambo and Lanseria for potential savings.
• Check Airline Promotions: FlySafair and Mango release seasonal deals.
• Book Round Trips: Sometimes returning on the same carrier or booking a round trip can reduce costs.
• Frequent Flyer Points: Use points to reduce airfare or upgrade seating.

 

Sample Itineraries

• Business Day Trip: Morning departure from Cape Town, attend meetings in Johannesburg, evening return flight.
• Weekend Getaway: Depart Friday evening, explore Johannesburg nightlife, museums, and markets; return Sunday night.
• International Connection: Fly Cape Town to Johannesburg to catch long-haul flights abroad, reducing layover time.

 

Travel Comfort & In-Flight Experience

Even short domestic flights offer comfort options. Many airlines provide:

• Snacks or meals on full-service carriers
• Extra legroom and preferred seating options
• In-flight entertainment on select carriers

For budget flights, bring your own snacks, water, and entertainment to ensure a comfortable journey.

 

Final Thoughts

Flying remains the fastest and often most affordable way to travel between Cape Town and Johannesburg. By booking early, remaining flexible with departure times, and comparing airlines on Travelwings, you can secure the cheapest airfare from Cape Town to Johannesburg  while enjoying a convenient and stress-free journey.

 

FAQs – Cheap Flights Cape Town to Johannesburg

1. How long is the flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg?
A non-stop flight typically takes about two hours, although weather conditions or air-traffic control can occasionally cause minor delays. It is significantly faster than the 13–14 hour drive between the two cities.

2. What is the distance by air between Cape Town and Johannesburg?
The straight-line distance is approximately 1,260 kilometres (780 miles), which makes flying the most practical option for both time and convenience.

3. How much does a typical plane ticket cost?
Tickets start around R900 when booked well in advance. During peak seasons such as Christmas, Easter, or school holidays, fares can exceed R2,000. Midweek departures often provide the best value.

4. Which airlines are most reliable for this route?
South African Airways and FlySafair are consistently praised for on-time performance and service quality. British Airways (operated by Comair) also offers a comfortable full-service option for domestic travel.

5. Is flying cheaper than driving from Cape Town to Johannesburg?
Yes, for solo travelers or couples. Once you factor in petrol, tolls, meals, and the time spent on a 13–14 hour drive, budget flights are usually more economical.

6. Are there budget airlines on this route?
Yes, airlines like FlySafair and Mango Airlines specialize in low-cost travel, providing competitive fares without sacrificing reliability.

7. Which airport is better for savings—JNB or Lanseria?
Lanseria International often has lower landing fees and quicker check-ins, making it ideal for travelers looking for convenience and cost savings, especially when flying to northern Johannesburg or Pretoria.