Flying from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport (CPT): What you need to know
Nairobi's main base, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), is where many unforgettable trips begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
Take off on a direct Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport flight and you'll be in the air for around 5 hours 45 minutes.
The timezone in Cape Town is UTC+2, which is one hour behind Nairobi. Cape Town International Airport is located in Cape Town.
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the busiest route, with 3 direct services every week. You can get from NBO to CPT on Kenya Airways's 8:10am flight.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for hassle-free flying. Get to the airport on time to board your flight from Nairobi to CPT.
Flying during a peak month such as July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
You can book a direct flight from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) departing from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Kenya Airways is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport jetting out of NBO.
Most passengers choose to book seats with Kenya Airways between NBO and CPT.
With 70.83% of services landing as planned, Kenya Airways is the best performing carrier for punctuality on this route.
Consider adding a stopover to find cheap flights from Nairobi to CPT. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Slip in a stop (and skip the high fares) by flying through one of these airports:
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)
The journey from central Nairobi to NBO takes around 1 hour 5 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a comfortable hotel close to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 62% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
WIL is about 10 kilometres from central Nairobi. It'll take you 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your Nairobi to CPT flight? Relax in a hotel near Nairobi Wilson Airport before your holiday officially starts. These stays are expecting you:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Nairobi Wilson Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 72%.
About Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport. Make yourself comfy at one of these accommodation options near CPT instead:
To lock in the lowest price, book your vehicle around one week ahead of your Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport flight.
Getting from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to central Cape Town
Cape Town International Airport is around 19 kilometres from the centre of Cape Town. It takes around 25 minutes or so to get to the city by car.
It takes roughly 35 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
250 € is the best price for a one-way ticket from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport. Return flights start from 453 €. These prices can change based on availability and demand.
Get cheap flights from Nairobi to CPT by booking five months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for landing a bargain.
October is when you're most likely to find a good deal on a Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport ticket. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as a new deal shows up on plane tickets from Nairobi to CPT.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport.
The best time to fly from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
December is the quietest month for flights from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), while January is the busiest. Work out the ideal time to visit Cape Town based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Nairobi to CPT plane ticket, consider the type of weather you enjoy. February is the warmest month in Cape Town, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC (55ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport in July when temperatures are between 6ºC (43ºF) and 18ºC (64ºF).
More about Cape Town
Start your Cape Town trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Cape Town International Airport, explore our range of hotels including:
You'll find loads of exciting things to do in Cape Town when you're ready to get out and sightsee. Kick things off at Table Mountain followed by The Rock and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.
Explore more of South Africa
Cape Town has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of South Africa waiting to be explored. About 121 kilometres northwest of Cape Town, a trip to Saldanha will keep your itinerary busy. Start with attractions like North Head Lighthouse, Hoedjieskop Museum and Pietskiet Museum.
Your trip through South Africa should include a visit to Ceres. Ceres Mountain Fynbos Nature Reserve and Togryers Museum are just two of the highlights in this destination, which is about 97 kilometres northeast of Cape Town.