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✈️ CPT · Cape Town, South Africa

Traveling Through CPT — Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport serves 1 terminal, 13 airlines. Everything you need to know before you fly — terminals, transit, tips, and more.

11M passengers/year (2017) · Updated March 2026


📋 Key Facts for Your Trip

Essential info before you fly through CPT

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Terminals
1 terminal (Central Terminal Building (Domestic and International))
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Domestic Check-in
2 hours before departure
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International Check-in
3 hours before departure
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WiFi
Free Wi-Fi for up to four hours or 1GB (whichever comes first) via 'Airports Free' network. Registration requires email and contact number. Additional data can be purchased.
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Power Outlets
Free charging stations are available airside. Landside power outlets are limited and often in use. Bringing a travel adapter is recommended.
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Annual Passengers
11M passengers/year (2017)

✈️ Airlines at CPT

Terminal assignments — always confirm with your airline before travel

Airline Terminal(s)
Airlink Central Terminal Building
British Airways Central Terminal Building
Kulula.com Central Terminal Building
Mango Central Terminal Building
South African Airways Central Terminal Building
South African Express Central Terminal Building
Emirates Central Terminal Building
Qatar Airways Central Terminal Building
Turkish Airlines Central Terminal Building
Lufthansa Central Terminal Building
Swiss International Air Lines Central Terminal Building
CemAir Central Terminal Building
Safair Central Terminal Building

🚗 Getting To & From CPT

Ground transportation options for Cape Town

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Bus / Shuttle

MyCiTi mass rapid transport bus system runs into town. Golden Arrow Bus Network and City Sightseeing Bus also available.

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Rideshare

Uber and Bolt are available.

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Taxi

Metered cabs are available. Approximate fare to city center is around R300-R400 (USD 16-22).

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Parking

P3 & P4 long term parking: R160 for day 1, then R110 per 12 hours (approx. R220 per day). P5 Long Stay Parking: 5 days for R960. · Parkade 1 (short stay): 2-3 hours R82, 3-4 hours R110, 4-5 hours R170, 6-24 hours R365. P4: 1 hour R18, 2 hours R36, 3 hours R50, 4 hours R65, 12 hours R118.

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Rental Cars

Numerous international and local vehicle rental agencies (e.g., Budget, Avis, First Car Rental) are located at the Transport Plaza and Central Terminal Building, accessible via pedestrian subways.


🍽️ Inside CPT

Food, lounges, and shopping at Cape Town International Airport

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Food & Dining

Before security: Plenty of options available, including Mugg & Bean, Spur, Ocean Basket, Wimpy, KFC, Primi. Most restaurants close by 9:00 PM. · After security: Plenty of options available, including Mugg & Bean, Wimpy.

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Lounges

Bidvest Premier Lounge (Domestic Terminal, International Terminal)The Emirates Lounge (International Terminal)British Airways Galleries Lounge (International Terminal)Protocol Lounge (International Terminal)South African Airways LoungeSLOW Lounge

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Shopping

World-class duty-free shopping is available, along with various shops selling jewelry, clothing, footwear, African arts and crafts, health and beauty products.


💡 Frequent Traveler Tips for CPT

Insider knowledge to make your time at Cape Town International Airport smoother

  • 1 The airport operates 24 hours landside, but security checkpoints close overnight (Domestic: 11 PM - 4 AM, International: 12 AM - 4 AM).
  • 2 Consider using the MyCiTi bus for cost-effective transport to the city center if traveling light.
  • 3 If sleeping overnight, the viewing deck has cushioned benches without armrests and is reportedly open all night.
  • 4 For taxi travel, be aware that fares fluctuate, and it's advisable to check the number plate of your ride-share vehicle against the app.
  • 5 Bring a travel adapter as landside power outlets can be limited.

📱 Real-Time Flight Tracking

Track Your Flight from CPT — Automatically

TripTrack shows your terminal, gate, and real-time delay status the moment you book. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically — no manual entry.


Frequently Asked Questions — CPT

How many terminals does CPT (Cape Town International Airport) have?

Cape Town International Airport has 1 terminal: Central Terminal Building (Domestic and International). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before travel, as assignments can change.

Does CPT have free WiFi?

Free Wi-Fi for up to four hours or 1GB (whichever comes first) via 'Airports Free' network. Registration requires email and contact number. Additional data can be purchased.. For real-time connectivity updates and to stay on top of gate changes, download TripTrack — it tracks your flight automatically.

How early should I arrive at CPT?

For domestic flights, check-in closes 2 hours before departure. For international flights, check-in closes 3 hours before departure. As a general rule, arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow time for check-in, security, and reaching your gate.

What airlines fly from CPT?

Cape Town International Airport is served by 13 airlines, including Airlink, British Airways, Kulula.com, Mango, South African Airways and 8 more. See the full airline and terminal list above.

How do I get from CPT to Cape Town?

Ground transportation options from Cape Town International Airport include bus/shuttle service, rideshare apps, taxi. See the Getting To & From section above for details.

Is there parking at CPT?

Yes, Cape Town International Airport offers parking options. P3 & P4 long term parking: R160 for day 1, then R110 per 12 hours (approx. R220 per day). P5 Long Stay Parking: 5 days for R960. Parkade 1 (short stay): 2-3 hours R82, 3-4 hours R110, 4-5 hours R170, 6-24 hours R365. P4: 1 hour R18, 2 hours R36, 3 hours R50, 4 hours R65, 12 hours R118. Rates and availability change — check the airport website for current pricing.

How can I track my flight from CPT in real time?

TripTrack automatically tracks your flights from Cape Town International Airport — showing real-time gate changes, delays, and terminal info. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically. Available free on iOS and Android.