Direct (nonstop) flights from Zurich to Cape Town

1 airline flys nonstop from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Cape Town International (CPT). It's 5,638 miles (9,073 km), about 11h 10m in the air. Operated by Edelweiss Air.

ZRH
Zurich Airport
🇨🇭 Zurich, Switzerland
CPT
Cape Town International
🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa
Flight Time
11h 10m
Distance
5,638 mi
9,073 km
CO₂/pax
862 kg
−51 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Edelweiss Air
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by Edelweiss Air Edelweiss Air

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Edelweiss Air WK Edelweiss Air
Route
ZRH → CPT
Flight Time
11h 10m
Distance
5,638 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Zurich to Cape Town with one stop · direct emits 862 kg CO₂ per passenger

ZRH WDH (Windhoek) CPT
Leg 1: 9h 35m (4,844 mi) Leg 2: 2h 5m (793 mi) Total: ~11h 40m 🍃 913 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ZRH → WDH
9h 35m · 4,844 mi
View ZRH to WDH flights →
Leg 2
WDH → CPT
2h 5m · 793 mi
View WDH to CPT flights →
ZRH MUC (Munich) CPT
Leg 1: 1h (162 mi) Leg 2: 11h 15m (5,681 mi) Total: ~12h 15m 🍃 924 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ZRH → MUC
1h · 162 mi
View ZRH to MUC flights →
Leg 2
MUC → CPT
11h 15m · 5,681 mi
View MUC to CPT flights →
ZRH FRA (Frankfurt) CPT
Leg 1: 1h 5m (179 mi) Leg 2: 11h 50m (5,815 mi) Total: ~12h 55m 🍃 947 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ZRH → FRA
1h 5m · 179 mi
View ZRH to FRA flights →
Leg 2
FRA → CPT
11h 50m · 5,815 mi
View FRA to CPT flights →
ZRH AMS (Amsterdam) CPT
Leg 1: 1h 40m (376 mi) Leg 2: 11h 20m (5,997 mi) Total: ~13h 🍃 1012 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ZRH → AMS
1h 40m · 376 mi
View ZRH to AMS flights →
Leg 2
AMS → CPT
11h 20m · 5,997 mi
View AMS to CPT flights →
ZRH JNB (Johannesburg) CPT
Leg 1: 10h 50m (5,210 mi) Leg 2: 2h 15m (790 mi) Total: ~13h 5m 🍃 968 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ZRH → JNB
10h 50m · 5,210 mi
View ZRH to JNB flights →
Leg 2
JNB → CPT
2h 15m · 790 mi
View JNB to CPT flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Zurich to Cape Town?

A nonstop flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Cape Town (CPT) takes approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes. The distance is 5,638 miles (9,073 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Zurich to Cape Town?

Just Edelweiss Air.

Is there a nonstop flight from Zurich to Cape Town?

Yes. 1 airline: Edelweiss Air.

How far is Zurich from Cape Town?

The flight distance from Zurich to Cape Town is 5,638 miles (9,073 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What type of aircraft flies from Zurich to Cape Town?

At 11h 10m, 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 Switzerland to South Africa?

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

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

Roughly 862 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,310 km.

Is the return flight from Cape Town to Zurich 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 Zurich to Cape Town?

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 Zurich Airport for this flight?

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