Flying from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Dubai: what you need to know
Hop on a direct flight from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai and you'll be in the air for around 9 hours 42 minutes.
The timezone in Dubai is UTC+4. The city is 2 hours ahead of Cape Town, where Cape Town International Airport is located.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Dubai Airport (DXB) is the most popular route, with 20 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from CPT to DXB is with Emirates at 18:25. Choose the first departure operated by Emirates at 13:05 if you want to fly out earlier.
To ensure you get on your flight from CPT to Dubai, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Be prepared for longer lines during popular months such as June and other peak periods. Arriving up to fours hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Direct flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Dubai are available for booking. Dubai Airport (DXB) is where you'll complete your journey.
Look out for promotions from Emirates. This carrier operates direct flights from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even tour another city. When browsing flights from CPT to Dubai, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
If you have a passport from South Africa, you will need an e-visa to enter United Arab Emirates. This applies when booking a cheap ticket from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai for tourism purposes. The rules may be different if you're travelling for work or other reasons. Always consult official visa guidelines ahead of booking and definitely before flying.
Central Cape Town to CPT is around 19 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 21 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
Want a handy hotel near CPT? If you're boarding an early flight from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
How to find the cheapest flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Dubai
R 5,504 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai. Return flights start at R 9,313. These prices can change depending on availability and demand.
To secure cheap tickets from CPT to Dubai, book your trip 5 months ahead of your planned departure.
Plan your trip for January. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll be notified straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you time checking for cheap tickets from CPT to Dubai every day.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai. Simply enter your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Airports in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) to central Dubai is roughly 14 kilometres. It takes around 16 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It takes around 49 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near DXB:
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is roughly 56 kilometres from central Dubai. After your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai, it'll take you around 45 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can also travel by public transport, which will take around 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near DWC. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from CPT to Dubai:
Best time to go to Dubai
July is the most popular month for flights from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai. To escape the crowds, head for Dubai in April when it's quieter.
Lock in your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai for July to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 30ºC to 42ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from CPT to Dubai in January when temperatures average between 14ºC and 25ºC.
More about Dubai
Start your Dubai trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall Heart are just two of the top-rated attractions to add to your Dubai to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Desert safari tourism.
Complete your Dubai trip with a car rental
Select one of our car rentals in Dubai and explore the city in your own time. Easily compare companies in one place to find your perfect ride after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Cape Town International Airport to Dubai.