The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Table Mountain and Cape Town's coastline dominate the departure, while the Magaliesberg range frames the arrival into Grand Central, giving it more consistent scenic value than the right side's flatter suburban and Karoo views.
Flown CPT to GCJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cape Town to Johannesburg is 793 miles (1,276 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Cruise passes over the semi-arid Great Karoo plateau, scattered dry riverbeds, and the rolling farmland of the southern Free State before descending into the Gauteng highveld.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPT
LEFTDeparting CPT on runway 01, the aircraft climbs north over Table Bay before banking right onto its northeasterly track toward Johannesburg. That turn keeps Table Mountain, the City Bowl, and Robben Island in view on the left side for several minutes, one of the most recognizable skylines from the air anywhere in Africa.
Landing at GCJ
LEFTOn approach into Grand Central, the aircraft descends from the southwest and typically aligns for a northerly landing, putting the Magaliesberg mountain range and the Hartbeespoort Dam area out to the left as the plains of Midrand pass below. The right side mostly shows flat highveld suburbs with less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cape Town International (CPT) to Grand Central (GCJ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to Johannesburg. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Table Mountain and Cape Town's coastline dominate the departure, while the Magaliesberg range frames the arrival into Grand Central, giving it more consistent scenic value than the right side's flatter suburban and Karoo views.
What can I see during takeoff from Cape Town International in Cape Town?
During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CPT on runway 01, the aircraft climbs north over Table Bay before banking right onto its northeasterly track toward Johannesburg. That turn keeps Table Mountain, the City Bowl, and Robben Island in view on the left side for several minutes, one of the most recognizable skylines from the air anywhere in Africa. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Table Bay and the Atlantic coastline, Cape Town City Bowl, Robben Island.
What can I see when landing at Grand Central in Johannesburg?
When landing at Grand Central (GCJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Grand Central, the aircraft descends from the southwest and typically aligns for a northerly landing, putting the Magaliesberg mountain range and the Hartbeespoort Dam area out to the left as the plains of Midrand pass below. The right side mostly shows flat highveld suburbs with less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Magaliesberg mountain range, Hartbeespoort Dam in the distance, Cradle of Humankind valley system.
How long is the flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg?
The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to Grand Central (GCJ) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 793 miles (1,276 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cape Town to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Cruise passes over the semi-arid Great Karoo plateau, scattered dry riverbeds, and the rolling farmland of the southern Free State before descending into the Gauteng highveld.