Cheap Flights To South Africa

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Traveling to South Africa doesn't have to be difficult. With many airlines offering flights, you have to weigh which airline company is the best option for your trip. There are numerous factors that should be taken into account when selecting an airline, such as comfort, price, and safety. So if you are looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best round trip flight to South Africa? You can find the lowest prices on one-way and round trip tickets right here.

Frequently asked questions about flying to South Africa.

What are the international airports in South Africa?

South Africa has several international airports that serve as entry points for travelers from around the world. Some of the main international airports in South Africa include:

OR Tambo International Airport

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the busiest airport in Africa and one of the largest on the continent. It has been rated amongst the top 10 most efficient airports in the world and serves as a hub for over 15 airlines. This modern facility, which opened its doors in 1952, is located approximately 25 km from Johannesburg’s city center and offers an array of amenities to travelers.

It features over 80 check-in counters, duty free shopping areas, a large selection of restaurants and cafes, as well as banking services. OR Tambo also boasts excellent transport links with public buses running regularly from the airport to nearby townships as well as car hire companies offering convenient transportation into Johannesburg.

Aside from being a thriving travel hub for African tourists, OR Tambo continues to be instrumental in driving South African economy through its cargo operations.

Contact:

1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, South Africa

Phone: +27 11 921 6262

Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the second-largest airport in South Africa and a major gateway to the Western Cape region. The airport is situated a mere 20 kilometers away from Cape Town’s city center, making it very convenient for locals and tourists. The airport boasts two terminals: the Domestic Terminal, which serves primarily domestic flights within South Africa, and the International Terminal, which offers international flights to destinations such as London and Johannesburg.

Both terminals provide an array of facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges and car rental services. Additionally, Cape Town International Airport provides wireless internet access throughout its premises free of charge so that passengers have no difficulty connecting to their loved ones while they wait for their flight.

Contact:

Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa

Phone: +27 21 937 1200

King Shaka International Airport

King Shaka International Airport (DUR), located in Durban, is the main international airport in KwaZulu-Natal and serves as a gateway to the east coast of South Africa. As one of the most modern airports in South Africa, King Shaka International Airport is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It has been an integral part of the development of this area since it first opened in 2010.

The terminal building is truly state-of-the-art, featuring sleek glass walls and top-of-the-line amenities such as electronic check-in kiosks throughout its three floors. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants available for travelers who want to grab something before or after their flight. The airport itself is easy to get around, with color coded signs helping passengers easily find their gate or desired shop without any confusion.

Contact:

King Shaka Dr, La Mercy, 4407, South Africa

Phone: +27 32 436 6758

Port Elizabeth International Airport

Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) is a major public airport located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It serves as an important hub for domestic and international travelers, offering flights to various national and international destinations. Established in 1936, the airport has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years to meet its increasing passenger traffic requirements. It currently offers modern facilities that include shops, restaurants, car rentals and banking services.

The airport is equipped with two runways - one that measures 2.7 kilometers long while the other is 3 kilometers long - enabling it to accommodate larger air crafts such as wide-body jetliners like Boeing 747s and Airbus A380s. The terminals are spacious with ample parking spots available for cars and buses while they offer several convenient transport options to get around town quickly.

Contact:

Allister Miller Dr, Walmer, Gqeberha, 6070, South Africa

Phone: +27 41 507 7319

East London Airport

East London Airport (ELS) is a small airport located in East London, South Africa. The airport has recently undergone significant renovations, with the construction of a new runway and the refurbishment of passenger facilities. It serves as an important hub for domestic and international flights, making it a great option for travelers who are looking to explore the country.

The airport caters to both cargo and passenger traffic, including commercial airlines as well as private charter services. Passengers can check in at the main terminal building which provides modern amenities such as restaurants and duty-free shops. Moreover, there are ample car parking spaces available at reasonable prices. The airport also provides Wi-Fi connection throughout the terminal areas so that passengers can remain connected while waiting for their flight.

Customers appreciate East London Airport’s efficient arrival and departure times.

Contact:

East London, 5200, South Africa

Phone: +27 43 706 0306

Which Airlines Have Direct Flights to South Africa?

Many airlines offer a range of options when it comes to choosing an airline to get you there without having to make any layovers or stopovers. The most popular of these airlines include Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines provides daily service from over 40 destinations around the world, with multiple flights from Europe and North America each week. South African Airways also offers direct routes from Europe and North America in addition to several other countries across the globe.

Other airlines that have direct flights to South Africa are British Aitways, Delta and United Airlines.

How long is the flight from the United States To South Africa?

Here are some approximate flight times for flights from the US to South Africa, departing from major cities on both the East and West coasts:

• New York City (JFK) to Johannesburg (JNB): Approximately 15-16 hours
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Johannesburg (JNB): Approximately 17-18 hours
• Miami (MIA) to Johannesburg (JNB): Approximately 16-17 hours
• Washington D.C. (IAD) to Johannesburg (JNB): Approximately 16-17 hours
• San Francisco (SFO) to Johannesburg (JNB): Approximately 17-18 hours

Flight Times To South Africa

When is the cheapest time to fly to South Africa?

The cheapest time of year to fly to South Africa is typically during the low season, which is from April to September. During this time, fewer tourists are visiting the country and airfare prices tend to be lower.

However, it's important to note that the weather in South Africa during the low season can be quite variable, with rain and cooler temperatures in some regions. If you are planning to visit for outdoor activities or wildlife viewing, it may be better to visit during the high season from October to March, when the weather is warmer and more predictable.

What is the cheapest airport to fly into South Africa?

When looking for the cheapest way to fly into South Africa, there are a few airports that stand out. The most cost-effective option is O.R. Tambo International Airport, located in Johannesburg. This busy hub serves as the major entry point for international travelers and offers flights from around the world at competitive prices. It is also conveniently located close to several attractions throughout Gauteng Province and beyond, making it an ideal starting point for any South African holiday.

Cape Town International Airport is another great option if you are looking to head straight to the Western Cape region or Garden Route area upon arrival. The airport receives several daily direct flights from Europe and offers a variety of budget carriers on domestic routes within South Africa’s borders as well as regional destinations in Africa such as Angola and Namibia.

When is the best time to book a flight to South Africa?

I would recommend booking your flight to South Africa anywhere from 2 to 6 months in advance. This should provide you with a good balance between finding availability and securing a reasonable fare.

However, it is also important to keep in mind that booking too far in advance may result in missing out on any promotions or discounts that may become available closer to the travel date. On the other hand, waiting until the last minute to book can result in limited availability and higher prices.

Which day of the week is cheapest to fly to South Africa?

In general, it is often cheaper to fly mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) rather than on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), as there is typically lower demand for air travel during the weekdays.

What time of day is cheapest to fly to South Africa?

In general, early morning flights (red-eye flights) and late-night flights tend to be less popular and therefore, may offer lower prices. 

Where are the most popular flight destinations in South Africa?

South Africa is a vast and diverse destination, featuring many popular flight destinations. Whether you’re looking to explore the cosmopolitan cities of Johannesburg or Cape Town, or experience the vast wildlife reserves and parks of Kruger National Park. As one of the most visited countries in Africa, it’s no surprise to see some of South Africa's most popular flight destinations revolve around these areas in particular.

Johannesburg is a bustling city filled with attractions and activities for all ages. It's also home to O.R. Tambo International Airport, making it a major hub for international travel within the continent. Another major city close by is Cape Town which is situated on the coast and offers stunning views from Table Mountain as well as plenty of beaches for visitors to enjoy.

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