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Cape Town International Airport Insider Guide
CPTSouth Africa's second busiest airport — compact, modern, and relatively easy to navigate. Domestic and international departures share one terminal building. Limited international routes but growing. Good lounge options for a mid-size airport.
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25min
Transit to city
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20min
Immigration
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40min
Security buffer
✅
Leave with 3 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
< 3h
3–6h
6–10h
10h+
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Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Bidvest Premier Lounge | Priority Pass / paid | Yes | Hot food, bar, comfortable | ~ZAR 495 (~$27 USD) |
| Domestic | SLOW Lounge | Discovery Vitality, Nedbank, paid | No | Good coffee, healthy food, quiet | ~ZAR 500 (~$28 USD) |
| International | Bidvest Premier Lounge (Intl) | Priority Pass / paid | Yes | Buffet, drinks, shower facilities | ~ZAR 495 (~$27 USD) |
| International | BA Galleries Lounge | BA/oneworld biz/elite | No | Light food, drinks, quiet | Not sold at door |
Bidvest lounges are the go-to for PP holders on both domestic and international sides. SLOW Lounge is popular with South African bank card holders.
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Traveler notes
- International flight selection is limited — many connections go via Johannesburg (JNB).
- Immigration is generally quick; e-gates available for SA passport holders.
- Load shedding (power cuts) can occasionally affect services — the airport has backup generators.
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Sleep / Rest
- No airside sleep facilities or transit hotel.
- City Lodge Hotel at the airport is landside, a few minutes' walk from the terminal.
- Road Lodge nearby for budget overnight stays.
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Food
- Mugg & Bean, Steers, Ocean Basket, and other South African chains.
- Limited options late at night; lounges are better for after-hours eating.
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Showers
- Bidvest Premier Lounges (domestic and international) have shower facilities.
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Luggage Storage
- Luggage storage available at the airport; approximately ZAR 80–120 per bag per day.
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Transit to City
- MyCiTi Bus: Route A01 to Civic Centre (city center), ~30 min, ~ZAR 100 ($6 USD). Runs 05:00–22:00.
- Taxi/Uber: ~20–25 minutes to city center, around ZAR 250–400 ($14–22 USD).
- No rail connection to the airport.
- Buffer: Back at CPT 3h international, 2h domestic.
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Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Vodacom and MTN in arrivals; tourist SIMs ~ZAR 50–100. eSIM works well.
- ATMs: Available in arrivals and departures; withdraw ZAR. Watch for card skimmers.
- Wi‑Fi: Free (30 min blocks, repeatable), decent speed.
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