London to Cape Town distance
The flight distance from London to Cape Town is 9,671 km (6,009 miles), about 12 h 35 min in the air.
- Kilometres
- 9,671 km
- Miles
- 6,009 mi
- Nautical miles
- 5,222 nmi
- Flight time (est.)
- 12 h 35 min
- Initial heading
- 165° SSE
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About this route
9,671 km is the great-circle distance, the shortest path over Earth's surface between the two city centres. On a long route like this the shortest path bends noticeably toward the pole on a flat map, which is why flights from London to Cape Town can pass over places that look out of the way.
The distance is the same in both directions.
Frequently asked questions
How far is London from Cape Town?
The straight-line (great-circle) distance from London to Cape Town is about 9,671 km, or 6,009 miles (5,222 nautical miles).
How long is a flight from London to Cape Town?
A non-stop flight takes roughly 12 h 35 min based on a typical 800 km/h cruise speed plus take-off and landing. Actual scheduled times vary with wind and routing; westbound flights across the Atlantic or Pacific are usually slower because of the jet stream.
Which direction is Cape Town from London?
Leaving London, the shortest route starts on a heading of about 165° (SSE).