Flying from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) to Cape Town Airport (CPT): what you need to know
Cape Town is seven hours ahead of Washington DC and follows the UTC+2 timezone.
Your DCA to CPT flight won't wait if you're running late, so be at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're travelling internationally.
Flying during a peak time such as August? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
If you want to tour another city along the way, look for a flight with a stopover. To see your options for tickets from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Cape Town Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is a popular stop between DCA and CPT.
Handy information about Washington Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA)
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
71% of flights that depart Washington Ronald Reagan Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
Central Washington DC to Washington Ronald Reagan Airport is approximately 6 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 10 minutes to get there if you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving.
You can expect a journey time of about 25 minutes on public transport.
Need a convenient hotel close to DCA? If you're boarding an early flight from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Cape Town Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
Arriving at Cape Town Airport (CPT)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Cape Town Airport flight. Reserve one of these accommodation options near CPT instead:
Travel at your own speed with a Cape Town Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Europcar, Carwiz or First - Car Rental and discover more of Cape Town and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Cape Town Airport around one week before your trip.
Getting from Cape Town Airport (CPT) to central Cape Town
Cape Town Airport to central Cape Town has a drive time of around 25 minutes. It's approximately 19 kilometres away.
It takes roughly 35 minutes to get there using public transport.
When to fly to Cape Town Airport (CPT)
It's time to pick your travel dates for your flight from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Cape Town Airport. November is the busiest month to head to Cape Town. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in March.
When reserving your flight from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Cape Town Airport, consider the type of weather you like. February is the warmest month in Cape Town, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from DCA to CPT in July if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 6ºC and 18ºC on average.
Explore more of South Africa
Cape Town has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of South Africa waiting to be discovered. About 56 kilometres north-east of Cape Town, a trip to Paarl will keep you busy. Start with leading sights like Zandwijk Wines, Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and Landskroon Wines.
Around 97 kilometres east of Cape Town, Worcester is another favourite stop in South Africa. Start your sightseeing at Karoo Desert Garden, Kleinplasie Living Open Air Museum and Beck House Museum.