Cape Town International Airport Code (CPT)

The Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town, also known by its airport code CPT, is always in progress, much like its home city. The pandemic’s aftereffects are still being felt in the hub, but most of the operations and services that were shut during the outbreak have resumed now.

Let’s understand what facilities are open, what are new inclusions, and how you make the most of CPT airport –

Quick CPT Airport Info

• Airport – Cape Town International Airport
• Terminals –  2 (T1 & T2)
• Airport address – Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
• Distance from Downtown Cape Town – Approximately 10.9 miles
• Phone number – +27 21 937 1200

Airlines operating from Cape Town International Airport

Air Belgium, Air Botswana, Air France, Airlink, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, CemAir, Condor, Edelweiss Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, FlyNamibia, FlySafair, Kenya Airways, KLM, LIFT Airline, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, and Singapore Airlines.

CPT Airport Terminals

The rectangular Cape Town International Airport is connected with I-678 and CPT Expressway and is merging on all ends to the terminals through a spaghetti junction. 

• Terminal 1 – 12 gates make up Terminal 1, which is divided into 4 areas. The departure level has check-in counters. The ground floor level has a food court. The concourse level has a security checkpoint, airline lounges, shops, restaurants, and departure gates.
• Terminal 2 – Gates C60–C70 is located in Terminal 2. Along with restaurants and shopping, it features security checks.

Security and Customs at CPT

Cape Town International Airport has separate security checkpoints for each of its five terminals. Passengers are advised to check in 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international departure.

Refer to the airport website for the boarding cut-off and security times. 

• TSA Pre Check – Each terminal at CPT has a dedicated TSA PreCheck facility. Passengers need to enroll online and need to pay an 85 USD service fee. The pRe Check counter is located at Terminal 1. 
• Global Entry kiosks – Passengers who have been accepted for Global Entry can use the kiosks at CPT for quicker clearance. Candidates must submit an online application and schedule an interview at the departure/arrival airport.
• Mobile Passport – For quicker passage by US Customs and Border, CPT has designated Mobile Passport Control lanes. A passport and the required information must be submitted by eligible participants upon arrival at CPT. In return, they will receive an instant receipt that may be shown to a Customs and border protection agent.

CPT Airport Lounge

There are in total 24 airport lounges in the Cape Town International Airport that are airline and non-airlines operated. We have listed below the dependent business lounges that offer access to the nonfrequent flyers members and passengers traveling with any airline. 

How to access CPT Airport Transportation?

Passengers arriving at or departing from CPT airport have access to a variety of transit choices, the majority of which are located outside of each terminal.

• Bus from CPT – Another excellent and cost-effective option is to take the fast bus from CPT airport into the city. The bus picks up passengers in Terminal 1. and then puts them off at Times Square and Grand Central Station. This is a fantastic choice, but be aware that traffic in Cape Town City can be unexpected. The trip could take longer than two hours if you enter the city during rush hour.
• CPT airport car service – Car services to and from CPT to different parts of the city and other airports are offered both privately and in groups. Reservations can be made at the Main Lobby of each terminal when arriving at the airport. Before matching other travel arrangements, be careful to inquire about car services from your airport hotel or Parking lot. 
• CPT airport taxi – A flat fare of $52 is charged by taxis from the airport to Downtown, and they are available outside of each terminal.

Best Places to Eat, Shop, and Unwind CPT

CPT airport features about 140 restaurants, pubs, and cafés between the terminals and pre-or post-security. Let’s delve into every terminal to understand what is the best option for you – 

Terminal 1

If you can get in, the T1 airline lounges provide business or first-class travelers a luxury area to until. In addition, there is a Prime class lounge available to Priority Pass holders that provides complimentary food and beverages as well as a calm setting away from the bustle. 

The dining is mostly QSR here, and the options include – 

• Starbucks
• The Local
• Martini Bar

Terminal 2

Since is the only airline using this terminal. The airline is planning to transfer all of its operations there by mid-2023.  The terminal consists of a few fast food restaurants, a McDonald’s, and 24*7 convenience stores.

Additional services at Cape Town International Airport

Passengers get access to the following additional services at the Cape Town International Airport. 

• Travelers Aid – Travellers Aid desks can be found in all terminals of CPT. These can be found on the arrivals level at the Main Lobby.
• Children’s gaming zone – There’s a special children’s play area in Terminal with a gladiator playground near gate 20. There is another play area in Terminal close to the Business lounge. 
• Baby facilities – Cape Town International Airport has 6 nursing rooms.
• Pet relief center – There’s a pet relief center at each of the terminals. 
• Duty-free – The duty-free stores can be found at Terminals.
• Smoking areas – The CPT airport does not host any indoor smoking zone. There are authorized Smoking spots outside of the terminals.
• ATMs – Standalone ATMs are situated in Terminals. Other terminals have foreign currency ATMs. currency exchange services are available at all terminals.
• Baggage counter – On the departure level of Terminal 1, luggage wrapping services are available. In the arrivals area of Terminal 1, Meegan Services offers cloakroom services. 
• CPT Airport WiFi access – At Cape Town International Airport, Wi-Fi is available for free in all common spaces. Choose “Free unlimited wifi” and the network “_Free CPT WiFi” to connect. Call +27 21 937 1200 to reach customer service around the clock.
• Lost and Found Counter at CPT Airport – Depending on where you lost your baggage, the CPT airport has a lost and found a desk at Terminal 1. You must get in touch with the respective airline’s baggage service if your checked luggage was left in the terminal, at the curb, or aboard an aircraft.

Contact TSA Lost and Found at +27 21 937 1200 if you left something behind at a security checkpoint. The Port Authority Police can be reached at the Cape Town International Airport in Building 269. Call +27 21 937 1200 for assistance with any misplaced things outside of the terminal areas.

CPT Airport Parking

The Cape Town International Airport has 6 Parking areas. 5 of them are located outside the terminals and are best suited for a shorter duration. The AirTrain connects the terminals to Long Term Parking Lot 9. Visitors can check the Parking availability at the airport website.  These 6 Parking areas include – 

• Short duration Parking – The Blue, Green, Red, Orange, and Yellow Parking areas are where you can park near the terminal. Green Parking links to Terminal 1.

Parking lots Green, Orange, and Red cost 4 USD for the first half-hour, or 8 USD for the first hour. And, then 4 USD for each consecutive 30 minutes or up to a maximum of 35 USD for every 24 hours.

Blue and Yellow Parking charge 5 for the first 30 minutes, or 10 USD for the next 30 minutes with 5 USD for every additional 30 minutes. It costs a maximum of 39 USD every 24 hours. 

• Long-term Parking lot 9 – The main terminal building offers long-term Parking.  The fee for the first 24 hours is 18 USD, and 6 USD for each subsequent 8 hours. 

Car Rentals at Cape Town International Airport

Visit one of the car rental desks at the arrivals level to rent a car at CPT, or call one of them at the given numbers below.  Federal Circle Station outside the Main Terminal building is where you’ll rent cars.

• Hertz
• Alamo
• Budget
• Avis
• National
• Dollar
• Payless
• Thrifty

CPT Airport Hotels

With 1 on-site property and additional hotels ranging at 1.4 miles from the terminals, CPT offers a variety of 2- to 4-star lodging options. To assist you in matching your decision, we’ve provided each hotel’s Address, its star rating, and its proximity to the airport.

Conclusion

Cape Town International Airport is the prominent international airport serving the Cape Town city area. It is conveniently close to hotels and various attractions. CPT is home to 6 active airline terminals that are encircled by a double ring of auxiliary taxiways. The terminals are served by more than 125 airline gates. The airport is connected to Cape Town City and beyond by the fast, light-rail AirTran service.

Due to the accessible AirTrain that connects Cape Town International Airport to each terminal. Also, the rail network is also connected to the subway system and facilitates easy access to and from the airport.

Cape Town International Airport – Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]