NYC - CPT

£592 Find Cheap Flights from New York to Cape Town – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
£698
Typical prices: £1,045-£1,429
Ethiopian Air
Sat 3/11Tue 13/11
JFK - CPT • 2 stops
Cheapest direct flights
£1,212
Typical prices: £1,112-£1,461
United Airlines
Mon 5/2Thu 15/2
EWR - CPT • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 14h 28m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 7% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 19 weeks in advance save around 14% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 13% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg £845 (return)
Shortest trip • 19h 31m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Cape Town!
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from New York to Cape Town (NYC-CPT)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from New York to Cape Town

Tue, 3 Nov - Fri, 13 Nov
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:55 - 14:10JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
39h 15m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:10 - 13:35CPT  Cape Town Intl-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
29h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Frankfurt am Main
£698Ethiopian Air
Thu, 5 Nov - Thu, 12 Nov
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:55 - 13:00JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
38h 05m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 13:35CPT  Cape Town Intl-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
30h 45m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Frankfurt am Main
£727Ethiopian Air
Mon, 16 Nov - Sat, 5 Dec
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:55 - 14:10JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
39h 15m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:10 - 13:35CPT  Cape Town Intl-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
29h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Frankfurt am Main
£741Ethiopian Air
Wed, 18 Nov - Sun, 6 Dec
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:55 - 13:00JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
38h 05m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:10 - 13:35CPT  Cape Town Intl-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
29h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Frankfurt am Main
£777Ethiopian Air
Sun, 11 Oct - Mon, 26 Oct
Ethiopian Air Logo
23:20 - 14:10EWR  Newark-CPT Cape Town Intl
32h 50m3 stops Porto Madrid Barajas Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:10 - 22:05CPT  Cape Town Intl-EWR Newark
36h 55m3 stops Addis Ababa Bole Madrid Barajas Porto
£913Ethiopian Air
Wed, 21 Oct - Wed, 28 Oct
Ethiopian Air Logo
23:10 - 14:10EWR  Newark-CPT Cape Town Intl
33h 00m3 stops Porto Madrid Barajas Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:10 - 22:35CPT  Cape Town Intl-EWR Newark
37h 25m3 stops Addis Ababa Bole Madrid Barajas Porto
£914Ethiopian Air
Sun, 11 Oct - Mon, 26 Oct
Ethiopian Air Logo
23:20 - 14:10EWR  Newark-CPT Cape Town Intl
32h 50m3 stops Porto Madrid Barajas Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 22:05CPT  Cape Town Intl-EWR Newark
38h 15m3 stops Addis Ababa Bole Madrid Barajas Porto
£931Ethiopian Air
Sun, 11 Oct - Sun, 18 Oct
Ethiopian Air Logo
23:20 - 14:10EWR  Newark-CPT Cape Town Intl
32h 50m3 stops Porto Madrid Barajas Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:10 - 21:10CPT  Cape Town Intl-EWR Newark
36h 00m3 stops Addis Ababa Bole Madrid Barajas Porto
£932Ethiopian Air
Fri, 20 Nov - Sat, 28 Nov
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:55 - 14:10JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
39h 15m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:10 - 13:35CPT  Cape Town Intl-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
29h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Frankfurt am Main
£940Ethiopian Air
Wed, 4 Nov - Wed, 11 Nov
Ethiopian Air Logo
23:25 - 14:10EWR  Newark-CPT Cape Town Intl
31h 45m3 stops Porto Madrid Barajas Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
15:10 - 21:35CPT  Cape Town Intl-EWR Newark
37h 25m3 stops Addis Ababa Bole Madrid Barajas Porto
£943Ethiopian Air
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for New York to Cape Town flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from New York to Cape Town with more confidence.

How much is a return flight from New York to Cape Town?

Return flights from New York to Cape Town start at £698. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical return fares ranging from £1,045 to £1,429. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was £698 on Ethiopian Air.

What is the cheapest New York to Cape Town flight route?

There's little price difference between New York to Cape Town routes. They average around £1,230 return, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from New York to Cape Town?

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from New York to Cape Town and is 4% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 9% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Cape Town?

•February is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Cape Town at £1,036 return.
•July (£1,459) and June (£1,296) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 40% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from New York to Cape Town the cheapest?

Flights from New York to Cape Town are cheapest 19 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 14% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from New York to Cape Town

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on EWR

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or out at sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on CPT

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Key details for New York to Cape Town flights

Low season

August

Cheapest flight

£602
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 6% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (5% more expensive on average)
Flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Cape Town

When to book flights from New York to Cape Town

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from New York to Cape Town based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Your New York to Cape Town flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking questions.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from New York to Cape Town?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from New York to Cape Town:

    • Earliest: departs at 20:35 and lands at 11:03
    • Latest: departs at 21:35 and lands at 12:03.

    The flight takes about 14h 28m.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from New York to Cape Town?

    Only Economy class is available on flights from New York to Cape Town.

  • How long is a flight from New York to Cape Town?

    A direct flight from New York to Cape Town takes 14h 28m, covering 7,813 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from New York to Cape Town?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a New York to Cape Town flight?

    Return flights from New York to Cape Town range from £1,045 to £1,429, with an average of £1,191 over the past 12 months. Anything below £1,045 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute New York to Cape Town flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within 2 weeks of departure) run 7% above the route average of £1,191. Book 19 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by having a stopover when flying from New York to Cape Town?

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average £845 return via London Gatwick (LGW), compared with £1,256 for direct.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from New York to Cape Town?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge £76–£76 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • How are flight prices from New York to Cape Town looking right now?

    One-way fares from New York to Cape Town are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about £711, which is 15% below the typical average for this route.

  • Which car hire options are available at Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT)?

    Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around £2 for economy cars. Top options include:
    • Europcar
    • Sixt
    • GREEN MOTION
    • Hertz
    • Woodford

  • Which airports can I use when flying from New York to Cape Town?

    Flights from New York to Cape Town may depart from several airports in New York area, including Newark (EWR), New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) and New York LaGuardia (LGA). Flights usually arrive at Cape Town Intl (CPT).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from New York to Cape Town pass through?

    One-stop flights from New York to Cape Town most commonly connect through:

    • London Heathrow (LHR) – 54% of one-stop connections
    • Istanbul (IST) – 11% of one-stop connections
    • Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) – 8% of one-stop connections
    • Dubai Intl (DXB) – 7% of one-stop connections

    London Heathrow (LHR) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from New York to Cape Town?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 12% on the New York to Cape Town route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at £1,154 return on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at £1,302, a difference of £147. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • Which airlines are available on the route from New York to Cape Town?

    Only United Airlines operates flights between New York and Cape Town.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from New York to Cape Town?

    Flying via Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 19h 31m, compared to 20h 11m via Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) and 21h 39m via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS).

  • What is the time difference between New York and Cape Town?

    Cape Town is 6 hours ahead of New York (South Africa Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Cape Town?

    Some of the most popular sights in Cape Town are Camps Bay Beach, Newlands Cricket Ground, and Sea Point Pavilion. These are among the most viewed places in Cape Town on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on New York to Cape Town flights?

    Among airlines operating New York to Cape Town flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on New York to Cape Town flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Turkish Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Austrian Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so travellers should check the fare details before booking.

  • Is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) wheelchair-accessible?

    Yes. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is accessible for reduced mobility travelers. It provides wheelchair lifts, ramps, and adapted toilets. It also provides dedicated parking facilities for disabled travelers. If you need extra assistance, inform your airline before your flight.

  • Does CPT have a lounge?

    Yes. CPT offers lounges that you can pay at the door to access. They include two Bidvest Premier Lounge for domestic and international flights. Airline lounges at the airport include SAA Voyager Platinum Lounge and the Emirates Lounge for British Airways. They are both found on the Airside of the terminal.

  • Which facilities does CPT offer?

    CPT offers various facilities for travelers, including a post office, mobile phone rental, children’s play area, baby care facilities, fitness centers, and food and drinking concessions. It also provides an information desk, luggage storage facilities, ATMs, mobile charging outlets, cash machines, and currency exchange kiosks.

  • How do I get from CPT to the city center?

    CPT offers MyCiti Bus at the transportation plaza, accessible from the arrivals and departure halls. You can find it opposite the Central Terminal building. You can also opt for taxis with a taxi stand in the airport's Arrivals area.

Your guide to booking New York to Cape Town flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average £1,154 – about £147 less than Sunday (11% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 19 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 14% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your New York to Cape Town trip for February. Fares historically average £1,036 return in that month – typically £423 less than the most expensive month, which is July (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through London Gatwick Airport (LGW) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages £845 return on this route – about £411 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Cape Town Intl Airport.
    - Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
    - Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has six terminals. Terminal 1 has 11 gates and is the oldest terminal in the airport. Terminal 2 is also known as Delta Terminal as it is a hub for Delta Airlines. Terminal 4 operates most international arrival flights, while Terminal 5 is mainly used by Jet Blue. Terminal 7 is used by British Airways, while Terminal 8 is the largest terminal with two concourses.
  • You can get transfers between JFK terminals via an AirTrain System, which operates at every terminal. It operates every 2 to 5min. La Guardia Airport (LGA) operates a courtesy shuttle bus between terminals A, B, C, and D every 10min at the parking lots and car rental points.
  • If you are traveling with a baby, JFK has baby care facilities. The nursing rooms are available at T1 near Gate 1 on the airside, T2 near Gate C70, and T4. T5 houses one near Gates 1, 12, and 27, while in T7, it is near Gate 10. At T8, there are nursing rooms near Gate 14, 42, and the hallway on the third floor. At Newark International Airport (EWR), you can find nursing pods at A1, A2, and A3 of Terminal A, Terminal B at B1 Gate B47, B2 after the TSA checkpoint on the left, and B3 after TSA before the bathrooms. There are also nursing pods at Terminal C on C1, C2, and C3.
  • If you need food or drinks, JFK offers some food concessions. Terminal 1 houses a Dunkin Donuts on the airside and Terminal 4 houses a McDonald's on the airside. LGA features food concessions and has over 20 restaurants and food courts in Level 4 of Terminal B.
  • JFK offers several money services facilities throughout the airport. Each terminal has ATMs on the land side and the air side. The airport also provides several foreign exchange services on the facility. EWR offers Travelex, VISA, AllPoint, FCU, and Simple ATMs. The airport also provides currency exchange services at Terminal C3 in the International Departures Area.

More options for your flight from New York to Cape Town

Complete your trip to Cape Town with a hotel stay or car hire