Snapshot
South 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.
Before your layover here
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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.
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.
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.
Food
- Mugg & Bean, Steers, Ocean Basket, and other South African chains.
- Limited options late at night; lounges are better for after-hours eating.
Showers
- Bidvest Premier Lounges (domestic and international) have shower facilities.
Luggage Storage
- Luggage storage available at the airport; approximately ZAR 80–120 per bag per day.
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.
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.
