FlySafair Johannesburg to Cape Town
FlySafair runs more Johannesburg–Cape Town flights than any other airline — about 21 a day — and it is the only one that also flies the route from Lanseria. Here is what you actually get on each fare, and when it is not the cheapest trip.
FlySafair on Johannesburg–Cape Town at a glance
| Airports | OR Tambo (JNB) or Lanseria (HLA) → Cape Town (CPT) |
|---|---|
| Flights a day | About 21 (147 a week), the most on the route |
| Flight time | About 2 hours non-stop |
| Aircraft | Boeing 737-800 |
| Cabin bag | 7 kg + one small personal item, every fare |
| Checked bag | None on Lite · 20 kg on Standard |
| Online check-in | Opens 24 h, closes 4 h before departure |
Distance about 1,270 km; flight time about 2 hours. Baggage and check-in rules are taken from FlySafair’s own published policy. Schedules change, so confirm times and fare inclusions on the booking page before you pay.
Lite or Standard: which FlySafair fare to book
FlySafair sells two economy fares on this route. Lite is the headline price and covers a 7 kg cabin bag (56 × 36 × 23 cm) plus a small personal item that fits under the seat — nothing in the hold. Standard adds one 20 kg checked bag and two penalty-free changes.
If you are flying a long weekend with a backpack, Lite is the cheapest way to Cape Town on almost any day. If you are checking a suitcase, compare Lite plus a bag against Standard on the same flight, and then against the bag-inclusive fares on SAA (23 kg) and Lift’s Economy Bag (23 kg). Add the bag when you book: FlySafair charges more for bags added later and for an over-size cabin bag at the gate.
Lanseria or OR Tambo?
This is FlySafair’s real advantage on JNB–CPT. No other airline flies Lanseria–Cape Town, and for Sandton, Fourways, Midrand and the West Rand, Lanseria is usually the shorter drive and a smaller terminal. A slightly dearer Lanseria fare can still be the cheaper trip once you count the ride or parking at OR Tambo.
From OR Tambo, the Gautrain runs straight into the terminal from Sandton and Pretoria and is the most predictable option at peak times. Whichever you choose, check that your return flight lands at the airport where you left your car.
Check-in and airport timing
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 4 hours before — earlier than Lift, SAA or Airlink, which close 2 hours out. Miss that window and you check in at the desk, which opens 2 hours before departure. If you only have a cabin bag, check in online the day before and go straight to security.
When FlySafair is not the best choice
- You are checking a 23 kg bag: FlySafair’s Standard bag is 20 kg. SAA and Lift’s Economy Bag fare both include 23 kg.
- You want Voyager miles: FlySafair has no frequent-flyer programme; SAA and Airlink earn Voyager miles.
- You want a bigger cabin: Lift flies the Airbus A320, which has a slightly wider cabin than the 737.
Check FlySafair fares from Johannesburg to Cape Town
Live fares for every airline on the route via Travelstart, so you can compare FlySafair with the alternatives on your date.
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Frequently asked questions
How many FlySafair flights are there from Johannesburg to Cape Town?
About 21 a day (147 a week) from OR Tambo, plus departures from Lanseria. It is the highest frequency of any airline on the route; exact times vary by day.
Does FlySafair include a checked bag to Cape Town?
Only on the Standard fare, which includes one 20 kg checked bag. The Lite fare includes a 7 kg cabin bag and a small personal item only.
Does FlySafair fly from Lanseria to Cape Town?
Yes. FlySafair is the only airline flying Lanseria to Cape Town, which can save time if you live in the north of Johannesburg.
When does FlySafair online check-in close?
Four hours before departure. Airport check-in desks open two hours before departure.