Travelling from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to New York: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 14 hours 33 minutes. That's the average journey time for a direct flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York.
New York is 6 hours behind Cape Town, where Cape Town International Airport is located. New York operates on the UTC-4 timezone.
With 4 weekly flights between the two airports, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the busiest route. United operates the earliest flight at 19:50. If you're eager to make the most of your day before taking off, the last flight from CPT to EWR is with United at 20:50.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your flight from CPT to New York.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like June and other peak seasons. Arriving up to fours hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
You can catch a nonstop flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York that arrives at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Be on the lookout for offers from United. This airline operates direct flights from Cape Town International Airport to New York.
We make it a piece of cake to plan a flight from CPT to New York with a stopover. To see the options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
If you have a passport from South Africa, you will need an embassy visa to visit United States. This applies if you're booking a cheap ticket from Cape Town International Airport to New York for tourism purposes. The rules may be different if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always consult official visa guidelines before you book and definitely before you fly.
To reach CPT from central Cape Town, it takes around 21 minutes if you're planning to drive. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 19 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Planning to catch an early flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these stays close to CPT:
How to find the cheapest flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to New York
$803 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Cape Town International Airport to New York. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $1,271. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares can change.
Book 4 months before flying. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from CPT to New York.
The cheapest month for tickets from Cape Town International Airport to New York is December. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest day to fly.
Sign into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. We'll let you know straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you from looking for flight tickets from CPT to New York every day.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Cape Town International Airport to New York. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in New York
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is around 24 kilometres from the centre of New York. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is about 28 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour and 11 minutes to get there by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York. Reserve one of these accommodation options near EWR instead:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is about 48 kilometres from the centre of New York. Once you've hopped off your flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York, it'll take you around 48 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can also travel using public transport, which will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
You'll find some great places where you can make a pit stop near JFK. Kick back and get cosy after your flight from CPT to New York at one of these perfectly located options:
Best time to go to New York
August is the busiest month to board a flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to visit New York, consider whether you like a lively atmosphere or a quieter vibe.
Before you book a flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in New York, with temperatures ranging from 18ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap flights from CPT to New York in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between -6ºC and 8ºC on average.
More about New York
Start your New York trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York, browse our range of accommodation options including:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building are attractions you won't want to skip in New York.
Complete your New York trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Cape Town International Airport to New York to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need on car rentals in New York, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.