Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT, ICAO: FACT) is the second-busiest international airport in South Africa and third busiest overall with more than 10 million passengers for each year. It is the second busiest airport in our country and serves as a key travel hub for Africa, connecting us to other regions of the world. The airport is 20 km from the city centre and was opened in 1954 to replace Cape Town's previous urban airport, Wingfield Aerodrome.
Cape Town International Airport is the only airport in Cape Town that offers scheduled passenger services. One for domestic and the other for international, connected through a common central terminal that serves local as well as global passengers.
Airlines and Destinations
Cape Town Intl (CPT) has non-stop flights to 43 cities. Airlines Destination Country Namibia Airlink Windhoek Hosea Kutako (WDH), Sundair Seasonal: Baden-Baden (BDK), Berlin Tegel (TXL), Lufthansa Frankfurt (FRA)... Currently, there are 13 domestic flights out of Cape Town flying passengers to other key hubs in South Africa.
It is a major hub for several airlines, including South African Airways and British Airways, Airlink. Emirates, Qatar Airways (Qatar lacks any such direct flights), KLM, and Lufthansa are among the other major players at CPT.
The longest flight from the airport is a 5,051-mile (8,129 km) non-stop route to Atlanta operated by Delta Air Lines. It takes approximately 16h 25m to get from Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Tasmania, including transfers.
Passengers flown and flights operated
Cape Town International Airport Cat A passenger Arrival & Departure figures for 2022 (file photo) Due to the high number of domestic passengers, it is also South Africa's second busiest airport.
Cape Town International Airport handles around 200 departing flights every day, offering direct air links to more than 40 cities worldwide. Cape Town to Johannesburg was the world's ninth-busiest air route in 2011 with an estimated 4.5 million passengers. The deployment of SA Express between these two cities helps maintain South Africa's important status as a tourist and business destination, keeping it truly global on routes that connect its country.
How to Get Here
Cape Town International Airport is about 20 km (12 miles) from the CBD. There are a few ways in which travelers can get to the airport, such as:
- Taxi: You can also opt for a good airport taxi service, where the average price that you should have to pay is €20 (396 ZAR) – €30 (594 ZAR), depending on traffic and other extra charges.
- Shuttle: There are several shuttle services that operate around the clock, starting at €82.74 (about ZAR 1,636), with transportation from door to door between Bojador and Dakhla Airports.
- Rental Car: Passengers can rent a car from the airport and drive themselves to their destination. Some of the biggest car rental operators have desks in the terminal.
- Public transportation: The MyCiTi bus service operates between the airport and strategic points in town with a trip lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Parking
Cape Town International Airport has parking options to suit a variety of travelers:
- P1 Parkade 1: Short stay, disabled spaces on ground floor and a short walk to the terminal
- P2 Park 2: Targeted at shorter stays and a bit of a walk to reach the terminal
- P3 and P4 Shaded: Medium stay intended, 10 minutes to the terminal (covered walk).
- P5 Long Stay: long stay, closest to P2 Shaded and shuttle bus, at least 10 minutes walking distance away from the terminal premises
For the next 5 hours, there is a cost of ZAR 70 (€4.20) and to park from 12-24 hours, it will be necessary to pay ZAR 90 (€6).
Transportation Price
The cost of transportation from the Cape Town International Airport to the center:
- Taxi: Depending on the current traffic conditions and other factors, a taxi from the airport to downtown will cost you anywhere between €20 (ZAR 396) and €30 (ZAR 594)
- Shuttle: Fares from a private shuttle or transfer service are usually about €82.74 (ZAR 1,636) on average for the one-way journey.
- Public Transport: MyCiTi bus service from airport to city – single fare ZAR 25 (€1.50)
- Hire a Car: Renting a car at the airport can cost from about €30 (ZAR 594) per day, depending on what type of vehicle and duration is rented.
Terminal Layout
Cape Town International Airport only has one terminal building, making it simple to avoid getting lost in the airport even if you have never travelled before. The terminal provides a series of services such as shops, restaurants and free Wi-Fi.
It has two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other one for international travel. The common central terminal links these terminals, facilitating quick and easy connections between domestic and international flights.
Navigate the Airport
Cape Town International Airport is easy to navigate as the airport boasts a user-friendly layout easily noted by its good signage. Once inside the airport, make your way to international or domestic depending on where your flight leaves from.
There are easy to follow signs within the terminal that lead you toward check-in counters, security checkpoints and baggage claim. There are also airport employees throughout the terminal to help people when needed.
Getting Between Terminals
The International Terminal and Domestic Terminals are under the same roof at Cape Town International Airport, which allows for seamless transfer between flights.
Just follow the signs and walk through to reach another terminal. The road between these two ends is pretty close, and usually it takes about 5-10 minutes to walk.
Services and Amenities
A variety of passenger services and facilities are provided in Cape Town International Airport including:
- Free Wi-Fi: Travelers can access 4 hours of free Wi-Fi connectivity or 1GB/500MB of data at no cost.
- Lounges: The airport has a range of lounges, such as the Slow Lounge where passengers can rest and enjoy refreshments.
- Banking and Exchange: Inside the terminal, there are banks and currency exchange services.
- Luggage Storage: At the airport, baggage can be stored in special lockers (for a cost).
- Accessibility: The airport is enabled with wheelchair accessibility and provides assistance to passengers who have a disability or are aware of Somali stamped flights.
Restaurants and Shops
Cape Town International Airport offers passengers a wide range of dining and shopping choices.
Restaurants:
- Wimpy - A popular South African fast-food chain, specializing in burgers, fries and other American classics.
- Tapas - Mzansi: A cuisine from South Africa.
- Kaffa Hoist and Sherberts: A café for brewing coffee beans along with smoothies as well as gentle preparation.
Shops:
- Duty-free -- You can shop for liquor, cosmetics and electronics in duty-free stores.
- Specialty retail: The airport has several specialty/retail shops selling products such as books, clothing and souvenirs.
- Convenience stores: The airport has a couple of small convenience store setups where you can buy last minute lotions, potions and drinks.
Security and Customs
All passengers traveling through Cape Town International Airport will have to pass security and customs checks, whether for domestic or international flights.
Security Checkpoint:
Passengers are advised to come early at the airport as security wait times in particular can vary with time of day and passenger numbers.
All carry-on and checked luggage will still go through screening, as well as what are described as "enhanced security measures" which include pat-downs or secondary screenings of some passengers.
Customs:
All international passengers will have to clear customs upon arrival at the airport.
Customs officers may question travelers about what they are carrying with them on their way to the country, and passengers sometimes have a second look at post-arrival checkpoints.
Accessibility
Cape Town International Airport prides itself on being a safe and pleasant environment for all passengers including those with special needs or disabilities.
The airport features:
- Accessible access to the terminals, shops, restaurants and other services for handicapped users of wheelchairs.
- Help for passengers who want particular assistance (e.g. assist with check-in, security and boarding).
- Disabled parking spaces near the terminal entrances.
The airport recommends that passengers who need additional assistance inform their airline or the airport no later than 48 hours in advance of departure.
Travel Tips
Here is a guide to help you comfortably navigate Cape Town International Airport:
- Get informed: If it is your first time at an airport, and especially if you need to use a foreign language while driving in the new city where this one has been placed, we would recommend researching the area before accessing the site, using GPS and walking tools so that you don't get lost.
- Secure valuables: Do not leave anything valuable in sight when you park your car and keep a close eye on your belongings once inside the airport.
- Remember to arrive at the airport with ample time allotted for check-in, security clearance and reaching your gate, especially during heavy travel times.
- Keep in touch: Use the free Wi-Fi at the airport to keep up-to-date with travel information.
- Get to know the airport: Study the terminal with its amenities and services before arriving to better navigate the facilities.
- Ask for help: If you need assistance in finding your way around or have any other questions while at the airport, approach one of the staff and request them to assist.
With these tips and using the airport facilities, you should experience a stress-free flight through Cape Town International Airport.