Aerial view of Cape Town coastline, a popular destination for flights to South Africa

Explore a remarkable destination

Flights to South Africa from the UK– Compare Routes & Affordable Fares

Compare top airlines, routes and affordable fares to South Africa with Travel Campus UK.

Call +44 203 818 1875

Flights to South Africa from the UK – Compare Cheap Flights & Book

South Africa is one of the most diverse destinations in Africa, offering everything from Cape Town's coastal scenery to Johannesburg's business districts and Durban's beautiful beaches. Travel Campus UK helps you compare flights to South Africa from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

Compare cheap flights to South Africa and contact Travel Campus UK for a personalised quote.

Call +44 203 818 1875

Cheap Flights to South Africa from the UK

The cost of flights to South Africa depends on your departure airport, destination, travel dates, airline and booking time. London offers direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town, while travellers from other UK cities can choose connecting flights through Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam and other international hubs.

To find better fares:

  • Compare prices for different departure dates.
  • Check both direct and connecting flights.
  • Consider travelling outside peak holiday periods.
  • Compare one-way and return ticket prices.
  • Check baggage allowances before booking.
  • Book early when travelling during Christmas or school holidays.

Popular Destinations in South Africa

Discover South Africa's incredible cities

Johannesburg skyline – flights to Johannesburg

Flights to Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a major destination for business travellers, family visits and international connections. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) serves Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton and surrounding areas. Direct flights are available from London Heathrow, with connecting options from several other UK airports.

Explore our cheap flights to Johannesburg
Cape Town skyline – flights to Cape Town

Flights to Cape Town

Cape Town is popular for its beaches, Table Mountain, Cape Winelands and scenic coastal attractions. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) offers direct connections from London on selected airline services, alongside connecting flights from other UK airports.

Compare our cheap flights to Cape Town
Durban skyline – flights to Durban

Flights to Durban

Durban is known for its warm climate, Indian Ocean beaches and family-friendly attractions. King Shaka International Airport (DUR) serves Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region. Flights from the UK generally require at least one connection.

Call for fares

Flights to Port Elizabeth and George

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and George are convenient gateways to the Eastern Cape and Garden Route. UK travellers usually reach these destinations through connecting flights via Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Direct Flights to South Africa from the UK

  • Direct & Connecting FlightsWide choice of airlines and flexible routes.
  • Flexible Payment OptionsBook now, pay later on selected fares.
  • UK Travel SupportExpert advice before, during and after your trip.
  • Baggage GuidanceClear information on baggage allowances for your journey.

Direct flights to South Africa are available from London to selected destinations.

From (UK)To (South Africa)Flight typeApprox. duration
London Heathrow (LHR)Johannesburg (JNB)Direct11–11.5 hours
London Heathrow (LHR)Cape Town (CPT)Direct11.5–12 hours
London Gatwick (LGW)Cape Town (CPT)Direct (seasonal)11.5–12.5 hours
Manchester (MAN)Johannesburg (JNB)Connecting14–19 hours
Birmingham (BHX)Cape Town (CPT)Connecting15–20 hours
LondonDurban (DUR)Connecting14–20 hours

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate non-stop services on selected routes. Other direct flights may be seasonal.

Flight durations and availability depend on airline schedules and travel dates.

Flights to South Africa from Major UK Airports

London to South Africa

London Heathrow offers direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town. London Gatwick may also provide seasonal direct services to Cape Town.

Manchester to South Africa

Flights from Manchester typically connect through airports such as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Amsterdam.

Birmingham to South Africa

Travellers departing from Birmingham can reach Johannesburg and Cape Town through connecting international flights.

Edinburgh and Glasgow to South Africa

Passengers travelling from Scotland can choose connecting flights through London, European airports or Middle Eastern hubs.

Airlines Flying to South Africa

Airlines offering direct or connecting flights from the UK to South Africa include:

  • British Airways
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • KLM
  • Air France
  • Lufthansa
  • Norse Atlantic Airways

Available airlines and routes depend on your departure airport and travel dates.

Best Time to Book Cheap Flights to South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination, but flight prices and weather vary by season.

SeasonMonthsTravel highlights
SummerDecember–FebruaryBeaches, Cape Town holidays, outdoor activities
AutumnMarch–MayMild weather, sightseeing, wine regions
WinterJune–AugustDry-season safaris in many wildlife areas
SpringSeptember–NovemberNature, sightseeing, outdoor activities

December and early January can be expensive due to holiday demand. Travelling outside busy periods may help you find cheaper flights.

For more information, read our Johannesburg vs Cape Town flight price comparison.

Book now, pay later flights to South Africa

Flexible travel, greater possibilities

Book Now, Pay Later Flights to South Africa

Travel Campus UK offers flexible payment arrangements on eligible flight bookings. Depending on availability and booking conditions, you may be able to secure your travel arrangements with an initial payment and pay the remaining balance by an agreed deadline. Payment options, deposits and eligibility vary by booking.

Learn more about Book Now, Pay Later flights to Africa

South Africa Visa and Entry Requirements

British citizens travelling on a full British passport can generally visit South Africa without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Before travelling, check the following:

Entry Requirements

British citizens on a full British passport can generally visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days.

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your planned departure from South Africa.

Health & Travel Advice

Check applicable health and vaccination requirements before you fly.

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your planned departure from South Africa.
  • Your passport must have at least two blank pages.
  • Travellers using other nationalities' passports may require a visa.
  • Additional documentation may be required when travelling with children.
  • Complete any mandatory traveller declarations before departure.
  • Check applicable health and vaccination requirements.

Always verify the latest information through the UK government's South Africa travel advice.

Why Book Flights to South Africa with Travel Campus UK?

Travel Campus UK helps you find suitable international flight options with personalised booking assistance.

  • Direct and connecting flight options.
  • Competitive fares based on availability.
  • Economy, premium economy, and business-class bookings.
  • Assistance with flight routes and baggage requirements.
  • Flexible payment options on eligible bookings.
  • Support for family, individual and group travel.

Explore more destinations through our cheap flights to Africa page.

FAQs

Yes, direct flights operate from London to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Availability depends on the airline and travel dates.

Direct flights from London generally take around 11–12 hours. Connecting flights usually take 14 hours or longer, depending on the route and transit time.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and other international airlines offer flight options. The cheapest airline varies by travel date and destination.

There is no guaranteed cheapest month. Prices may be lower outside Christmas, school holidays, and other high-demand travel periods.

Yes, flights are available from Manchester to South Africa with connections through major international airports.

Full British citizen passport holders can generally visit South Africa visa-free for tourism or business for up to 90 days, subject to entry requirements.

Yes, Travel Campus UK offers flexible payment options on eligible bookings, subject to payment terms and availability.

Choose Johannesburg (JNB) for Johannesburg and Pretoria, Cape Town (CPT) for the Western Cape, or Durban (DUR) for KwaZulu-Natal. Other airports serve regional destinations.

Book Your Flights to South Africa with Travel Campus UK

Compare affordable flights to South Africa from the UK with Travel Campus UK. Whether you're flying to Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, our travel team can help you find suitable routes and fares for your journey.

Contact Travel Campus UK today for flight availability, prices, and booking assistance.

  • ✓ Direct & connecting flights
  • ✓ Economy to business class
  • ✓ Flexible payment options