Durban to Cape Town
2h 00m The flight from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) covers 1,277 km (794 miles) and takes approximately 2h 00m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads south-west on an initial great-circle bearing of 244°, passing near 31.9° S, 25.0° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 2h 19m | 2h 45m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 1h 38m | 2h 03m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 1h 25m | 1h 50m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 1h 30m | 1h 55m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| DUR | CPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | King Shaka International Airport | Cape Town International Airport |
| City | Durban | Cape Town |
| Country | South Africa | South Africa |
| ICAO | FALE | FACT |
| Coordinates | -29.6144, 31.1197 | -33.974, 18.6043 |
| Elevation | 295 ft | 151 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Durban to Cape Town?
A non-stop flight from Durban (DUR) to Cape Town (CPT) takes about 2h 00m. The great-circle distance is 1,277 km (794 miles, 690 nautical miles), flying south-west on an initial bearing of 244°.
How far is Durban from Cape Town?
1,277 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 794 miles or 690 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between DUR and CPT?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 1,277 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.