Flying to Cape Town

Arguably South Africa's most visited and favourite city and a major tourism gateway for the Western Cape. Approximately 7 million passengers travel through Cape Town International on a yearly basis. If your travelling to Cape then Cape Town International is your first point of entry. Dozens of airlines fly in and out of the Airport and is usually the first place Foreign vistors see when traveliing to South Africa. Cape Town is also the world's top destination, according to Trip Adviser's Travellers Choice Awards 2012. An increase in the frequency and the offerings of low-cost airlines have meant that Cape Town flights have also enabled travellers to enjoy this beautiful, although somewhat far-flung city, perched on the edge of the African continent.

Flying into Cape Town you will be pleasantly surprised at the facilities available at the Cape Town International Airport. After undergoing a major revamp leading up to the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, the airport now boasts international-standard banking, car rental services, retail outlets and nearly 6000 parking bays, including a valet service.

Served by more than 70 international airlines, someone described Cape Town flights from international destinations as being 'a dinner-bed-and-breakfast away'. In fact, flights from European destinations are usually overnight, taking about 12 hours, while direct flights from the east coast of the United States, take around 15 hours of flight time - implying that should you leave Europe or the USA on a Cape Town bound flight, and you will be in Cape Town in the morning after you have had breakfast.

If you have booked a flight leaving from Cape Town, you are required to be at the airport two hours ahead of time for international flights, and only one hour before for domestic flights. It is also suggested that you give yourself at least 30 minutes to get to the Cape Town Airport for flights - it is only 22km from the City but traffic can get quite congested heading out of Cape Town, especially during rush hour and from around 3pm on Fridays. For a lowdown on Cape Town flights and interesting things to see and do in Cape Town visit Pick n Pay Travel.