Layover in Cape Town (CPT)
Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About Cape Town
Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa. The capital of Western Cape Province, it is also the legislative capital of the nation. Cape Town is on South Africa's southwestern coast close to the Cape of Good Hope, and is the southernmost city on the African continent. It is the gateway to the globally renowned Cape Winelands which includes the towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Stay at the airport | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 23m in the city | About 1h 48m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 23m in the city | About 3h 48m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 23m in the city | About 7h 48m in the city |
Getting into Cape Town
About 31m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 18 km (11 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Cape Town?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 5 hours or more to get into Cape Town and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from CPT to central Cape Town?
Allow about 31m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 18 km (11 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to CPT?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.