CHI - CPT

$763 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Cape Town - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$1,111
Typical prices: $1,173-$1,859
Turkish Airlines
Thu 10/25Sat 11/10
ORD - CPT • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$763
Typical prices: $896-$1,523
Turkish Airlines
Sat 11/17
ORD - CPT • 1 stop
Nonstop flights
Not available
There are currently no direct flights between Chicago and Cape Town. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
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Top routes
MDW - CPT
Cheapest • 28% average savings
ORD - CPT
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
22 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 22 weeks in advance save around 31% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
April
Cheapest • 24% price drop
December
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Istanbul (IST)
Cheapest • Avg $1,225 (round-trip)
Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD)
Shortest trip • 19h 40m (one-way)
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Cape Town (CHI-CPT)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Cape Town

Sun, Oct 25 - Tue, Nov 10
Turkish Airlines Logo
12:45 pm - 11:00 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
27h 15m1 stop Istanbul
Turkish Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 10:00 amCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
24h 45m1 stop Istanbul
$1,111Turkish Airlines
Sun, Oct 25 - Mon, Nov 9
Turkish Airlines Logo
9:15 pm - 11:00 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
42h 45m1 stop Istanbul
Turkish Airlines Logo
12:55 am - 6:20 pmCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
25h 25m1 stop Istanbul
$1,113Turkish Airlines
Mon, Feb 1 - Wed, Feb 10
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:45 am - 11:00 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
27h 15m1 stop Istanbul
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:00 pm - 10:00 amCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
28h 00m2 stops Johannesburg OR Tambo Istanbul
$1,207Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 26 - Thu, Dec 3
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:15 pm - 12:05 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
31h 50m1 stop Istanbul
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:00 pm - 10:00 amCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
28h 00m2 stops Johannesburg OR Tambo Istanbul
$1,207Multiple Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Tue, Oct 6
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 am - 2:10 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
20h 55m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
1:50 pm - 8:15 amCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
25h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
$1,238Ethiopian Air
Thu, Sep 24 - Sun, Oct 4
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 am - 2:10 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
20h 55m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
1:50 pm - 8:15 amCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
25h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino
$1,264Ethiopian Air
Sun, Jan 3 - Wed, Jun 30
Iberia Logo
9:50 pm - 12:10 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
30h 20m1 stop London Heathrow
Iberia Logo
6:50 pm - 6:15 pmCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
30h 25m1 stop London Heathrow
$1,308Iberia
Sun, Jan 3 - Wed, Jun 30
Iberia Logo
9:50 pm - 12:10 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
30h 20m1 stop London Heathrow
Iberia Logo
6:50 pm - 2:25 pmCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
50h 35m2 stops London Heathrow Madrid Barajas
$1,314Iberia
Mon, Oct 12 - Mon, Oct 19
Qatar Airways Logo
7:20 pm - 10:15 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
31h 55m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
9:00 am - 3:05 pmCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
37h 05m2 stops Johannesburg OR Tambo Doha Hamad Intl
$1,440Qatar Airways
Wed, Oct 7 - Sat, Oct 17
Qatar Airways Logo
7:20 pm - 10:15 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl
31h 55m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
6:05 am - 3:05 pmCPT  Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
40h 00m2 stops Johannesburg OR Tambo Doha Hamad Intl
$1,460Qatar Airways
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago to Cape Town flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Chicago to Cape Town with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Chicago to Cape Town?

Round-trip flights from Chicago to Cape Town start at $1,111. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $1,173 to $1,859. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $1,111 on Turkish Airlines.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Cape Town flight route?

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Cape Town (CPT) is the cheapest Chicago to Cape Town route, averaging $806 round-trip. Other Chicago to Cape Town routes average $1,439, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Cape Town?

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Cape Town, it is 12% cheaper than the average day. Friday is the most expensive day with flight prices 13% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Cape Town?

  • April is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Cape Town at $1,088 round-trip.
  • December ($1,853) and June ($1,638) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 70% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Chicago to Cape Town the cheapest?

Flights from Chicago to Cape Town are cheapest 22 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 31% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Find deals

Key details for Chicago to Cape Town flights

Low season

August

Cheapest flight

$763
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 3% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 29% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Cape Town

When to book flights from Chicago to Cape Town

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Cape Town based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Chicago to Cape Town flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • How can I easily get out of Cape Town Airport to the city center?

    After arriving in Cape Town from Chicago through the CPT Airport, one of the most convenient methods of transportation that will easily get you to the city center from the airport is using a taxi. Even though you can easily get around town with public transit, you can consider renting a car.

  • Which neighboring cities close to Cape Town I can easily connect to?

    Upon your arrival in Cape Town, there are various neighboring cities which you can consider visiting to create unforgettable memories. These cities include Bellville, Stellenbosch, Atlantis, Somerset Wes, and Malmesbur, South Africa. Renting a car when in Cape Town will help you easily navigate from one city to another without any restrictions.

  • Which is the popular layover when flying from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Booking with Delta Air Lines for your flight from Chicago to Cape Town generally provides one popular layover along this route. Amsterdam International Airport will be your layover airport along this route. However, the number of layovers you will have for your journey depends on the airline you book your flight with.

  • Which is the suitable airline for the reduced mobility passengers?

    Delta Air Lines is one of the top-rated airlines flying from Chicago to Cape Town that is mobility friendly. It offers wheelchair assistance to passengers with reduced mobility to enhance their movement through the airport and on the plane. It also has an onboard staff that is always ready and willing to offer assistance whenever it is required.

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Flights from Chicago to Cape Town may depart from several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD). Flights usually arrive at Cape Town Intl (CPT).

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago to Cape Town:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Chicago to Cape Town pass through?

    One-stop flights from Chicago to Cape Town most commonly connect through:

    • Istanbul (IST) - 33% of one-stop connections
    • London Heathrow (LHR) - 26% of one-stop connections
    • Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD) - 8% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 8% of one-stop connections

    Istanbul (IST) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 22% on the Chicago to Cape Town route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $1,277 round-trip on average, while Friday is the most expensive at $1,635, a difference of $358. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What popular places can I visit in Cape Town?

    Some of the most popular sights in Cape Town are Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town International Convention Centre and Sea Point Pavilion. These are among the most viewed places in Cape Town on KAYAK.

  • How expensive are last-minute Chicago to Cape Town flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 15% above the route average of $1,439. Book 22 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Cape Town?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago to Cape Town takes 0h 00m, covering 8,497 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How are flight prices from Chicago to Cape Town looking right now?

    One-way fares from Chicago to Cape Town are currently higher than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $1,630, which is 47% above the typical average for this route.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Flying via Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 19h 40m, compared with 19h 41m via Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) and 19h 41m via Newark (EWR).

  • What is the time difference between Chicago and Cape Town?

    Cape Town is 7 hours ahead of Chicago (South Africa Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available at Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT)?

    Cape Town Intl Airport (CPT) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $3 for economy cars. Top options include:
    • Europcar
    • Sixt
    • GREEN MOTION
    • Hertz
    • Woodford

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Chicago to Cape Town flight?

    Round-trip flights from Chicago to Cape Town range from $1,173 to $1,859, with an average of $1,439 over the past 12 months. Anything below $1,173 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking Chicago to Cape Town flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure instead of Friday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $1,277 - about $358 less than Friday (22% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 22 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 31% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to Cape Town trip for April. Fares historically average $1,088 round-trip in that month - typically $765 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Cape Town Intl Airport.
    - Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
    - Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
    - Mbalentle
  • If you’re looking for an eco-friendly airline when you’re planning to travel from Chicago to Cape Town, consider RwandAir. This airline is dedicated to upholding trustworthiness, general integrity, and honesty when working with its stakeholders. It is also committed to reducing carbon emissions around the world.
  • For those passengers located in Downtown Chicago who want to connect to the airport for their flight to Cape Town, they have a variety of options to explore according to their personal needs. One of the best transport options you can choose is a train, and not just from the city to the airport. CTA Blue line operates 24 hours a day from downtown to the airport, so you will always be able to catch a train for your flight.
  • When you are planning for your trip from Chicago to Cape Town, you likely start your journey from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). However, you can still consider departing from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago and arrive in Cape Town via Cape Town Winesland Airport.
  • If you want to fly with your pet from Chicago to Cape Town, you will be required to book an airline that allows its passengers to come onboard with their animals. Qatar Airlines allows passengers to come onboard with a pet inside its carrier, and the maximum weight of the carrier with that of the pet should not exceed 165 lbs.
  • When you are traveling from Chicago to Cape Town with special dietary requirements, you need to consider booking Turkish Airline for your flight. It offers various specialized meals like gluten-free meals, vegetarian meals, diabetic meals, and vegan meals.

More options for your flight from Chicago to Cape Town

Complete your trip to Cape Town with a hotel stay or car rental

Car rentals in Cape Town
Hotels in Cape Town
Vacations in Cape Town