Distance from Johannesburg to Cape Town

About This Route

1,262 km is the great-circle distance between the two city centres, calculated with the haversine formula. Flight paths are usually somewhat longer because aircraft follow air-traffic routes, and airports are not in the city centres. From Johannesburg, Cape Town lies to the southwest.

Flights

This is one of Africa's busiest air routes, with frequent daily flights by several South African airlines (including SAA, FlySafair and Airlink). Flights take about 2 hours.

The flight time shown (2 h 05 min) assumes a nonstop flight at an average of 800 km/h plus about 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Airports: O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

By Road and Land Borders

The N1 highway links the two cities via Bloemfontein and Beaufort West: about 1,400 km and 14–16 hours of driving, usually split over two days. Intercity coaches take around 18–20 hours. Trains also run: the Shosholoza Meyl long-distance service (about 26–28 hours) and the luxury Blue Train and Rovos Rail.

About Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africa's largest city and economic centre, founded after the 1886 Witwatersrand gold rush. O.R. Tambo is the busiest airport in Africa by passenger numbers in most years and the main hub for southern Africa.

About Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's legislative capital (seat of Parliament) and second-largest city, between Table Mountain and Table Bay. Pretoria is the executive capital and Bloemfontein the judicial capital.

Practical Tips

• Time: Johannesburg and Cape Town are on the same time.
• Currency: Both cities use the South African rand (ZAR).
• Documents: This is a domestic route; South African citizens need an ID for flights, and foreign visitors their passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Johannesburg from Cape Town?

Johannesburg is 1,262 km (784 miles) from Cape Town in a straight line. By road the distance is about 1,400 km.

How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town?

A nonstop flight takes about 2 h 05 min, based on 1,262 km at an average 800 km/h plus about 30 minutes for take-off, climb and landing. Scheduled times vary with winds and routing.

Can you travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town by road?

Yes. The N1 highway via Bloemfontein is about 1,400 km, 14 to 16 hours of driving. Coaches take about 18 to 20 hours, and long-distance and luxury trains also run.

What is the time difference between Johannesburg and Cape Town?

Johannesburg and Cape Town are on the same time.