WAS - CPT

R11 429 Find Cheap Flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
R20 243
Typical prices: R22 804-R32 164
Ethiopian Air
Sun 4/3Wed 28/3
IAD - CPT • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
R26 393
Typical prices: R25 268-R30 961
Austrian Airlines
Tue 16/1Fri 23/2
IAD - CPT • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 14h 25m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 5% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 74% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 13% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg R19 588 (return)
Shortest trip • 18h 45m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Cape Town!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town (WAS-CPT)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town

Thu, Mar 4 - Wed, Mar 10
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:00 - 14:10IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
21h 10m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 8:00CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 10m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
R20 243Ethiopian Air
3+ days ago
Thu, Mar 25 - Sun, Apr 4
Ethiopian Air Logo
11:00 - 14:10IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
21h 10m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 8:55CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 05m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
R20 522Ethiopian Air
3+ days ago
Sun, Nov 29 - Sat, Dec 19
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:00 - 14:10IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
21h 10m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 8:00CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 10m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
R20 555Ethiopian Air
3+ days ago
Sun, Nov 29 - Sat, Dec 19
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:00 - 14:10IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
21h 10m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 8:00CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 10m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
R20 572Ethiopian Air
19 hours ago
Sat, Nov 28 - Wed, Dec 2
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:00 - 14:10IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
21h 10m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 8:00CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 10m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
R20 588Ethiopian Air
2 days ago
Sun, Nov 22 - Mon, Nov 30
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:00 - 14:10IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
21h 10m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 8:00CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 10m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
R20 621Ethiopian Air
18 hours ago
Mon, Dec 7 - Mon, Feb 1
Turkish Airlines Logo
13:30 - 23:00IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
26h 30m1 stop Istanbul
Turkish Airlines Logo
0:55 - 19:25CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 30m1 stop Istanbul
R20 670Turkish Airlines
3+ days ago
Thu, Mar 4 - Tue, Mar 9
Turkish Airlines Logo
21:20 - 23:00IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
42h 40m1 stop Istanbul
Turkish Airlines Logo
0:55 - 11:45CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
41h 50m1 stop Istanbul
R20 687Turkish Airlines
1 day ago
Wed, Apr 21 - Mon, May 3
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:55 - 14:10IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
21h 15m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 8:55CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 05m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
R20 753Ethiopian Air
1 day ago
Sun, Jan 31 - Sat, Feb 13
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:00 - 14:10IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
21h 10m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
13:50 - 8:00CPT  Cape Town Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
25h 10m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
R20 769Ethiopian Air
9 hours ago
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a return flight from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

Return flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town typically range from R22 804 to R32 164. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was R20 243 on Ethiopian Air.

What is the cheapest Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flight route?

There's little price difference between Washington, D.C. to Cape Town routes. They average around R25 323 return, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town. It's 11% cheaper than the average day, while Saturday is the most expensive, with prices 12% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

•February is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town at R22 940 return.
•December (R32 132) and July (R30 553) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 40% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town the cheapest?

Flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town are cheapest in the 2 weeks before departure, based on KAYAK prices tracked over the past 12 months. During this period, fares are -12% below average.

Key details for Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flights

Low season

August

Cheapest flight

R11 429
Beat the crowds with an average 52% drop in travellers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 66% increase in travellers.
One-way flight from Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport to Cape Town

When to book flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Your Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town:

    • Earliest: departs at 18:45 and lands at 9:10
    • Latest: departs at 18:45 and lands at 9:10.

    The flight takes about 14h 25m.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town:

    • Economy class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    A direct flight from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town takes 14h 25m, covering 20 472 km.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flight?

    Return flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town range from R22 804 to R32 164, with an average of R26 495 over the past 12 months. Anything below R22 804 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 11% above the R26 495 route average. Book 1 week before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by having a stopover when flying from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average R19 588 return via Istanbul (IST), compared with R27 279 for direct.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    United Airlines is the only airline operating Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flights. 74% of its flights are on time.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge R1 644–R1 644 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Have flight prices from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, return flight prices on this route showed a wide range, from about R20 243 to R196 015. That means the highest observed fare was about 10x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town looking right now?

    One-way fares from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about R12 332, which is 40% below the typical average for this route.

  • Which car hire options are available at Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT)?

    Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates averaging R439 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Sixt
    • Europcar
    • GREEN MOTION
    • Woodford
    • Budget

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    Flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town may depart from several airports in Washington, D.C. area, including Washington, D.C. Reagan-National (DCA) and Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD). Flights usually arrive at Cape Town Intl (CPT).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    Evening flights have the fewest delays on this route.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Washington, D.C. to Cape Town route, 26% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 2h 56m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town pass through?

    One-stop flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town most commonly connect through:

    • Istanbul (IST) – 28% of one-stop connections
    • Doha Hamad Intl (DOH) – 26% of one-stop connections
    • Dubai Intl (DXB) – 15% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – 10% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 21% on flights from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at R23 696 return on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at R29 846, a difference of R6 150.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • Which airlines fly from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    Only United Airlines operates flights between Washington, D.C. and Cape Town.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town?

    Flying via Newark (EWR) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 18h 45m, compared to 20h 25m via Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) and 21h 58m via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS).

  • What is the time difference between Washington, D.C. and Cape Town?

    Cape Town is 7 hours ahead of Washington, D.C. (South Africa Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Cape Town?

    Some of the most popular sights in Cape Town are Sea Point Pavilion, Bloubergstrand Beach, and Camps Bay Beach. These are among the most viewed places in Cape Town on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flights?

    Among airlines operating Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • SWISS: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Lufthansa: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

    Baggage allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

Your guide to booking Washington, D.C. to Cape Town flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Saturday. On this route, Tuesday flights average R23 696, which is about R6 150 less than Saturday fares (21% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Washington, D.C. to Cape Town trip for February. Fares historically average R22 940 return in that month – typically R9 192 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Istanbul Airport (IST) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages R19 588 return on this route – about R7 691 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Cape Town Intl Airport.

    • Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
    • Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

Prefer to fly direct from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town Intl?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Washington, D.C. to Cape Town Intl

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cape Town Intl to Washington, D.C.

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Washington, D.C. to Cape Town

Complete your trip to Cape Town with a hotel stay or car hire