Direct (nonstop) flights from Cape Town to New York

1 airline flys nonstop from Cape Town International (CPT) to Newark Liberty International (EWR). It's 7,817 miles (12,580 km), about 16h in the air. Operated by United Airlines.

CPT
Cape Town International
🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa
EWR
Newark Liberty International
🇺🇸 New York, USA
Flight Time
16h
Distance
7,817 mi
12,580 km
CO₂/pax
1195 kg
−80 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
United Airlines
Time Diff
-6h
Operated by United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
CPT → EWR
Flight Time
16h
Distance
7,817 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Cape Town to New York with one stop · direct emits 1195 kg CO₂ per passenger

CPT IAD (Dulles) EWR
Leg 1: 15h 55m (7,924 mi) Leg 2: 1h 29m (211 mi) Total: ~17h 24m 🍃 1275 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → IAD
15h 55m · 7,924 mi
View CPT to IAD flights →
Leg 2
IAD → EWR
1h 29m · 211 mi
View IAD to EWR flights →
CPT JNB (Johannesburg) EWR
Leg 1: 2h (790 mi) Leg 2: 16h 20m (7,990 mi) Total: ~18h 20m 🍃 1393 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → JNB
2h · 790 mi
View CPT to JNB flights →
Leg 2
JNB → EWR
16h 20m · 7,990 mi
View JNB to EWR flights →
CPT ATL (Atlanta) EWR
Leg 1: 16h 20m (8,130 mi) Leg 2: 2h 12m (745 mi) Total: ~18h 32m 🍃 1406 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → ATL
16h 20m · 8,130 mi
View CPT to ATL flights →
Leg 2
ATL → EWR
2h 12m · 745 mi
View ATL to EWR flights →
CPT GRU (Sao Paulo) EWR
Leg 1: 9h 3m (3,953 mi) Leg 2: 9h 50m (4,757 mi) Total: ~18h 53m 🍃 1356 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → GRU
9h 3m · 3,953 mi
View CPT to GRU flights →
Leg 2
GRU → EWR
9h 50m · 4,757 mi
View GRU to EWR flights →
CPT LHR (London) EWR
Leg 1: 12h (5,994 mi) Leg 2: 8h 5m (3,466 mi) Total: ~20h 5m 🍃 1471 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → LHR
12h · 5,994 mi
View CPT to LHR flights →
Leg 2
LHR → EWR
8h 5m · 3,466 mi
View LHR to EWR flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Cape Town to New York?

A nonstop flight from Cape Town (CPT) to New York (EWR) takes approximately 16 hours. The distance is 7,817 miles (12,580 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Cape Town to New York?

Just United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Cape Town to New York?

Yes. 1 airline: United Airlines.

How far is Cape Town from New York?

The flight distance from Cape Town to New York is 7,817 miles (12,580 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What is the time difference between Cape Town and New York?

New York is 6 hours behind Cape Town. (Africa/Johannesburg vs America/New_York.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from Cape Town to New York?

Probably — 6-hour time difference means moderate jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying westward is generally easier to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from Cape Town to New York?

At 16h, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from South Africa to USA?

Depends on your passport. Check with the USA embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Cape Town to New York?

Roughly 1195 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 5,975 km.

Is the return flight from New York to Cape Town also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Cape Town to New York?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Cape Town International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.