Flying from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Nairobi: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi is 5 hours 45 minutes.
Nairobi is one hour ahead of Cape Town, where Cape Town International Airport is located. Nairobi runs on the UTC+3 timezone.
With three weekly flights between the two airports, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the most popular route. Kenya Airways operates the earliest flight at 14:15. If you prefer to make the most of your day before taking off, the latest departure from CPT to NBO is with Kenya Airways at 23:30.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your CPT to Nairobi flight.
Travelling during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You can book a direct Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi ticket. Start your trip at CPT and touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Keep your eyes peeled for promotions from Kenya Airways. This carrier has direct flights from Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially land a cheaper plane ticket from CPT to Nairobi. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Give yourself a breather (and maybe even a better deal) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Maputo International Airport (MPM)
Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
To reach CPT from central Cape Town, it'll take about 20 minutes if you're travelling by car. It's roughly 18 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Looking for a hotel close to CPT? If you're catching an early flight from Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
81.65% of flights leaving Cape Town International Airport reach their destination on schedule. With its strong on-time stats, you're unlikely to experience delays when jetting out of CPT.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Nairobi
243 € is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi flight. A return ticket right now is 307 €. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To score cheap flights from CPT to Nairobi, reserve your journey ten months before your departure.
Organise your trip for February. That's the best month for landing the biggest deals on Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi tickets. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the lowest price across each month.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from CPT to Nairobi.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi.
Airports in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is around 14 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 20 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour 10 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Consider booking a hotel near NBO if you're coming in on a late flight from Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Grab a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport rental car and explore Nairobi and beyond with your own set of wheels. Auto-Union, Green Motion and Hertz are leading providers to choose from here.
Reserving your ride from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport about three weeks ahead of your flight from CPT to Nairobi can help you secure the lowest rate.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Once your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi has touched down, you can get to the city centre in about 15 minutes by car. Central Nairobi is roughly 3 kilometres from Wilson Airport (WIL).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 45 minutes or so.
Following your CPT to Nairobi flight, settle in at a hotel close to WIL. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Why waste time waiting for a cab? A Wilson Airport rental car lets you start your journey right away. Crank up the music and hit the highway with a set of wheels from Auto-Union or Unicorn rent a car.
Avoid filling out forms on the spot and save time at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Reserve your ride from WIL ahead of time so you can simply grab the keys and go.
Best time to go to Nairobi
Before locking in your flights from Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Nairobi offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
When booking your Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi plane ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. March is the warmest month in Nairobi, with temperatures ranging from 14ºC (57ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CPT to Nairobi in July when temperatures average between 12ºC (54ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF).
More about Nairobi
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Nairobi right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Nairobi:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi National Park and Westlands Maasai Market D at the roof top are popular attractions which should be on any good Nairobi itinerary.
Explore more of Kenya
You've seen Nairobi, now it's time to discover other corners of Kenya. Journey about 434 kilometres south-east to Mombasa to tick off its leading sights. From Fort Jesus to Haller Park and Old Town of Mombasa, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're interested in discovering another corner of Kenya, consider Nakuru, about 145 kilometres north-west of Nairobi. ARTHUR GARDENS (WEDDING/EVENT GROUNDS), Upper Hill estate and Muhia's Conservation Forest are key reasons to visit.