Travelling from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Washington DC: what you need to know
The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-4. The city is six hours behind Cape Town, where Cape Town International Airport is located.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most popular route, with three flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from CPT to IAD is with United Airlines at 20:50. Choose the first departure with United Airlines at 20:00 if you want to fly out earlier.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your CPT to Washington DC flight.
Planning to travel during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You can book a direct Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC ticket. Begin your journey at CPT and land at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
United Airlines is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC.
We make it easy to book plane tickets from CPT to Washington DC with a stopover. To see all the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Well-traveled stopover hubs include:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Central Cape Town to CPT is around 11 miles. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 20 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
In search of a hotel near CPT? If you're catching an early flight from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Cape Town International Airport scores top marks for on-time performance. 81.65% of flights that depart CPT reach their destination without delay.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Washington DC
£451 is currently the best price for a one-way Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC flight. A return plane ticket starts from £634. These fares may change based on demand.
Lock in cheap flights from CPT to Washington DC by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for finding a bargain.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC tickets. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
You don't need to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's an even better deal on cheap flights from CPT to Washington DC.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is around 5 miles from central Washington DC. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive takes roughly 15 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes around 45 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to DCA if you have a late flight from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC. Settle into one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and discover Washington DC and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are well-known companies to choose from here.
Reserving your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks before your flight from CPT to Washington DC can help you lock in the best possible rate.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is roughly 35 miles from central Washington DC. After your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC, it'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport will take around 1 hour 10 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near IAD. Settle in and get cosy after your CPT to Washington DC flight at one of these well-located options:
Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt make collecting a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car simple. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from IAD one week in advance often means better prices and a greater range of vehicles.
You'll find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Hop off your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC and make your way to your hotel or start discovering the city right away. Central Washington DC is around 30 miles from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and usually takes 50 minutes to reach driving.
If you're using public transport, the journey will take you around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Choose a hotel near BWI and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late CPT to Washington DC flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these stays bring comfort closer to you:
Put yourself in the driver's seat of the next part of your trip by picking up a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget are some companies you can book with.
Around two weeks before your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC is the ideal time to book your ride from BWI. You're likely to find a better rate or even pick up some early bird discounts.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Plan your trip to Washington DC in peak season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices may be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Before locking in your Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC plane ticket, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from CPT to Washington DC around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Washington DC, explore our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. The White House, White House Historical Association and National Mall are top attractions which should feature on any good Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
New York is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored after you've seen Washington DC. Around 200 miles away to the north-east, top sights here include Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Philadelphia is another well-known destination in United States and is around 120 miles north-east of Washington DC. No trip is complete without experiencing Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.