South Africa · Cape Town
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Online Check-in
South Africa's second-largest airport, gateway to the Western Cape. Single connected terminal — well-modernized, efficient. Strong international (Europe, Asia) + domestic to Johannesburg.
Now at Cape Town International Airport
- Security wait (today, avg) 18 min
- Disruption No reported disruption
- Weather impact Clear, 14 °C
Quick information
Airlines we cover at Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport hosts about 30 airlines in total. We have terminal-specific check-in pages for the 1 listed below. Pick yours to see counters, bag-drop, and online check-in details.
How to check in for a flight from Cape Town International Airport
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Check in online before you leave home
Most airlines open online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. It saves time at the airport and avoids airport-counter fees on low-cost carriers.
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Arrive at the right terminal
CPT has 1 terminal(s). Check your airline's terminal in the table above before you set off.
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Drop off checked baggage
Counters typically open 2 hours before departure and close 40 minutes before. Use self-service bag-drop kiosks to save time.
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Pass security
Liquids must be in a single transparent bag, max 100 ml each. Laptops and large electronics out of bags. Submit your security wait time below to help others.
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Reach your gate on time
Most airlines close the gate 20 minutes before departure. Allow 5–15 minutes to walk from security to the gate.
Tips for Cape Town International Airport
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MyCiTi bus is cheapest to centre
MyCiTi airport bus N1 to Civic Centre / V&A Waterfront for R110 (~$6). Buses every 20–30 min. Cards (myconnect) preferred — buy at airport kiosk. Free Wi-Fi on board.
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South African visas — pre-arrange
Most EU/UK/US/AU/CA passport holders get visa-free entry up to 90 days. Some nationalities need visa. Check 30+ days before flight.
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Highly visible police presence
Cape Town airport is well-secured. Authorized taxi services from official kerb-side. Avoid kerb-side touts. Uber/Bolt prevalent — pre-book before exiting terminal.
Popular destinations from Cape Town International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Which terminal does South African Airways use at CPT?
Main Terminal — Cape Town has only one terminal, divided into Domestic + International concourses. SAA uses domestic for JNB/DUR + international for select routes.
Can I rent a car at Cape Town Airport?
Yes — major rental car brands (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz) at the airport. Booth at kerb-side. International drivers' license recommended for non-South African residents.
Is CPT a popular safari starting point?
No — Cape Town is the urban/Wine Lands gateway. For safari starting point, fly to JNB or KMI (Skukuza, Kruger). CPT is for Cape Peninsula, Wine Lands, Garden Route.
Official sources
The check-in details on this page are sourced from each airline's website. For terminal layout, opening hours, and ground-side services, see the Cape Town International Airport official site below.
- Wikipedia: Cape Town International Airport — Editorial overview, history, statistics.
- FlightRadar24: CPT live data — Live flight arrivals, departures, and delays.
- gov.uk travel advice — Up-to-date entry requirements and security guidance for South Africa.