The Cape Town to Johannesburg route connects Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in ZA with O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in ZA. This short-haul flight covers approximately 791 miles (1273 km) with a typical flight time of 1h 41m. This route is served by 7 airlines: Safair, Global Aviation, South African Airways and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 80 unique flight numbers on this route.
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The Cape Town (CPT) → Johannesburg (JNB) air route covers 791 miles (1,273 km), linking South Africa’s legislative capital with its largest economic hub. With multiple daily departures, it’s one of the country’s busiest corridors, typically taking about 2 hours gate-to-gate, with slight variations for winds and runway flow. Travelers choose it for fast access between Cape Town’s coastline and wine regions and Johannesburg’s business districts, conferences, and onward connections across Africa. The route is popular for weekend breaks, same-day meetings, and multi-city itineraries, and it often offers competitive fares due to strong airline competition. Expect a smooth, high-frequency service with reliable schedules and frequent opportunities to earn or redeem loyalty points.
Book early for the best deals—advance fares commonly start around ZAR 900–2,500 (≈USD 50–135) one-way, while peak periods can run higher. If your plans are flexible, midweek flights and late-evening departures often price lower than Friday and Sunday peaks. At Cape Town International, arrive 90 minutes before departure; security lines can build quickly during morning banks. Check your terminal and airline check-in zone, and keep your ID handy for domestic travel. On board, expect a short flight with limited service on some low-cost carriers—bring water and a light snack. At O.R. Tambo (JNB), follow clear signage to domestic baggage claim, and pre-book a reputable ride or use official taxi ranks to avoid touts.
Johannesburg blends history, culture, and modern city energy. Start with the Apartheid Museum for a powerful overview of South Africa’s recent past, then explore Constitution Hill and its former prison complex. In nearby Soweto, visit Vilakazi Street, home to landmarks linked to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, and pair it with local guided tours. For art and design, Maboneng Precinct offers galleries, cafés, and weekend markets, while Sandton is known for upscale shopping and business hotels. Nature breaks are easy: the Johannesburg Botanical Garden and nearby reserves provide green space. Try local favorites like bunny chow, braai meats, and kota-style street food, especially in lively neighborhood eateries.
The most comfortable months are May to September, when Johannesburg is dry with cool nights and sunny days—often ideal for sightseeing and reliable operations. December to January brings holiday crowds and higher fares, while March–April and October–November can offer better value with pleasant shoulder-season weather. Summer (November–March) is warmer with afternoon thunderstorms, which can occasionally affect schedules. For events, late winter and spring often align with major concerts, sports fixtures, and city festivals, nudging prices upward—book early if traveling around long weekends.
Cape Town International Airport
FACTCPTO.R. Tambo International Airport
FAORJNB7
Operators80
Tracked Flights791
Miles1h 41m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| Safair |
SFR
|
FA
|
| Global Aviation |
GBB
|
GE
|
| South African Airways |
SAA
|
SA
|
| South African Airlink |
LNK
|
4Z
|
| CemAir |
KEM
|
5Z
|
| SunExpress |
SXS
|
XQ
|
| Singapore Airlines |
SIA
|
SQ
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 110 | 13% |
|
| Tuesday | 111 | 13% |
|
| Wednesday | 106 | 13% |
|
| Thursday | 151 | 18% |
|
| Friday | 149 | 18% |
|
| Saturday | 105 | 12% |
|
| Sunday | 111 | 13% |
|
Pattern Analysis
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CemAir
KEM
/ 5Z
|
CRJ9 | 07:00 7:00 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jul 3, 2026 | Active | |
|
Global Aviation
GBB
/ GE
|
|
A320 | 08:00 8:00 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jul 3, 2026 | Active |
|
Safair
SFR
/ FA
|
|
B738 | 10:15 10:15 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jul 3, 2026 | Active |
|
Singapore Airlines
SIA
/ SQ
|
A359 | 10:40 10:40 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jul 3, 2026 | Active | |
|
South African Airlink
LNK
/ 4Z
|
|
E190 | 09:55 9:55 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jul 3, 2026 | Active |
|
South African Airways
SAA
/ SA
|
|
A320 | 07:00 7:00 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jul 3, 2026 | Active |
|
SunExpress
SXS
/ XQ
|
B738 | 10:05 10:05 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jul 3, 2026 | Active |
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 7:00 AM | CemAir |
KEM
|
5Z
|
| 07:00 7:00 AM | South African Airways |
SAA
|
SA
|
| 08:00 8:00 AM | Global Aviation |
GBB
|
GE
|
| 09:55 9:55 AM | South African Airlink |
LNK
|
4Z
|
| 10:05 10:05 AM | SunExpress |
SXS
|
XQ
|
| 10:15 10:15 AM | Safair |
SFR
|
FA
|
| 10:40 10:40 AM | Singapore Airlines |
SIA
|
SQ
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (FACT - Africa/Johannesburg).