Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town, South Africa · Since 1954
Last updated:
About CPT
South Africa second-busiest airport serving the Western Cape region.
Terminals
Domestic Terminal
Handles all domestic flights within South Africa. Recently upgraded with improved facilities, new retail outlets, and streamlined security. Connected to the international terminal via a walkway.
International Terminal
Serves all international and some regional African flights. Features duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and lounge facilities. Modern and well-organized.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at CPT
FlySafair
Domestic Terminal
South African Airways
International Terminal
Air Botswana
Air France
Air Mauritius
Air Tanzania
Airlink
British Airways
International TerminalShowing 8 of 29 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
R250-350 (~$14-19 USD)
20-30 minutes to city center
Public Transport
R100-150 (~$6-8 USD)
30-45 minutes to city center
Parking at CPT
P1 Parkade (Covered Short-Term)
P2 Open Air
P3 Budget Parking
Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
SLOW Lounge International
International Terminal
Premium South African lounge brand with a focus on relaxation. Features excellent food including biltong platters, Cape wines, local craft beers, and shower suites.
SLOW Lounge Domestic
Domestic Terminal
Domestic version of the popular SLOW lounge. Great Cape wines, local food, and comfortable seating before domestic flights.
Bidvest Premier Lounge International
International Terminal
Spacious international lounge with hot meals, South African wines, and shower facilities. Good views of Table Mountain on clear days.
Bidvest Premier Lounge Domestic
Domestic Terminal
Well-stocked lounge with food, drinks, and a work area. Popular with business travelers on the Cape Town-Johannesburg route.
South African Airways Baobab Lounge
International Terminal
National carrier lounge with South African cuisine, Cape wines, and runway views. Shower facilities available.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Directly adjacent to terminal, 2-minute walk
Budget hotel directly beside the airport terminal. Basic but clean rooms ideal for overnight stays between flights.
Nearby Hotels
Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard
15 minutes from airport toward city
Affordable Tsogo Sun hotel on the N2 highway. Restaurant and outdoor pool. Good value for overnight stays.
City Lodge Hotel Cape Town Airport
5 minutes from terminal by free shuttle
Comfortable mid-range hotel with restaurant, pool, and free 24-hour airport shuttle. Popular with transit passengers.
Protea Hotel Cape Town Airport
Adjacent to airport, 5-minute walk
Marriott-branded hotel near the airport with modern rooms, restaurant, and business facilities. Free airport shuttle.
The Table Bay Hotel
V&A Waterfront, 25 minutes from airport
Luxury hotel at the V&A Waterfront with Table Mountain views, fine dining, and a spa. Ideal for extended layovers exploring Cape Town.
Food & Dining
Steers
Fast Food/Burgers
Domestic Terminal (Airside)
South African burger chain known for flame-grilled burgers and hand-cut chips. Quick, affordable, and satisfying.
05:00-21:00
Wimpy
Fast Food
Domestic Terminal (Landside)
South African fast food institution serving breakfast, burgers, and toasted sandwiches. Open early for morning departures.
05:00-21:00
Mugg & Bean
Cafe/Breakfast
Domestic Terminal (Airside)
Popular South African coffee shop chain known for generous breakfast platters, oversized muffins, and good coffee. All-day breakfast available.
05:00-21:00
Vida e Caffè
Cafe/Portuguese
International Terminal (Airside)
Portuguese-inspired cafe with excellent espresso and pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). Great for a quick coffee fix.
06:00-22:00
Spur Steak Ranches
South African/Steakhouse
International Terminal (Airside)
Iconic South African steakhouse chain with flame-grilled burgers, ribs, and steaks. Family-friendly with generous portions.
06:00-22:00
Ocean Basket
Seafood
International Terminal (Airside)
South African seafood chain with fresh fish, calamari, and prawns. Try the line fish of the day or the famous prawn and crayfish pasta.
06:00-22:00
Car Rental
Hertz South Africa
Car Rental Centre, terminal arrivals
Wide range of vehicles. Automatic cars available but book in advance. Driving is on the left in South Africa.
Avis South Africa
Car Rental Centre, terminal arrivals
Reliable fleet. Get full insurance for Garden Route road trips. GPS recommended.
Europcar South Africa
Car Rental Centre, terminal arrivals
Good for one-way rentals to Garden Route destinations like Hermanus or Knysna.
Budget South Africa
Car Rental Centre, terminal arrivals
Affordable rates. The Garden Route is one of the world's best road trips and a car is essential.
First Car Rental
Car Rental Centre, terminal arrivals
South African company with competitive rates. Good range of vehicles for local driving conditions.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Duty Free Wine Shopping
Browse the excellent duty-free wine selection featuring top South African wines. Great prices on premium Pinotage, Stellenbosch reds, and Constantia dessert wines.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Bo-Kaap Neighborhood Walk
Stroll through the colorful streets of the Bo-Kaap, Cape Town's historic Cape Malay quarter. Photogenic pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and the scent of Cape Malay spices.
V&A Waterfront and Two Oceans Aquarium
Explore Cape Town's vibrant waterfront with world-class shopping, restaurants, and the Two Oceans Aquarium showcasing Indian and Atlantic Ocean marine life.
Table Mountain Cable Car
Ride the rotating cable car to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking 360-degree views of Cape Town, the ocean, and the Cape Peninsula. One of the New7Wonders of Nature.
Robben Island Tour
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Tours depart from V&A Waterfront and include a ferry ride and guided walking tour.
Cape Winelands Tasting
Visit the Stellenbosch or Franschhoek wine regions for world-class wine tasting. Sample Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Cap Classique (South African sparkling wine) at historic estates.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Power Outlets: Type M (South African 3-pin), Type C
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: R50-100 per item per day
- Showers: Available in lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking areas outside terminal buildings, no smoking airside
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+27 21 937 1200