Cape Town, South Africa → Windhoek, Namibia · ✈ 2h 5min · 🚗 20h 39min
686 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: north
The distance from Cape Town to Windhoek is 1,271 km (790 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 5min.
The straight-line distance from Cape Town, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia is approximately 1,271 kilometers (790 miles or 686 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Windhoek is located north of Cape Town. Cape Town is in Africa, in the Western Cape region of South Africa, while Windhoek is in Africa, in Khomas, Namibia. Both cities are in Africa.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,271 km | ~2h 5min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,652 km | ~20h 39min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,525 km | ~12h 43min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Cape Town to Windhoek. For 1,271 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,652 km, fuel costs for driving from Cape Town to Windhoek are approximately $132–$248 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Cape Town sits at 33.9249°S, 18.4241°E, while Windhoek is located at 22.5609°S, 17.0658°E. The initial compass bearing from Cape Town to Windhoek is 354° (N), so a great-circle flight path leaves Cape Town heading roughly N. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 11.36° and the longitude difference is 1.36°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Cape Town and Windhoek is approximately 28.2446°S, 17.7087°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 636 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Cape Town and Windhoek share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Cape Town is a major city in South Africa with a population of approximately 4,618,000. Located in the Western Cape region, it is an important hub in Africa. Cape Town is a significant metropolitan area in South Africa with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Cape Town
Windhoek is a notable city in Namibia with a population of approximately 431,000. Situated in the Khomas region, it serves as a key destination in Africa. Windhoek is a popular destination in the Khomas region of Namibia, known for its unique character and attractions.
1,271 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,271 km, the Cape Town-Windhoek route is about 3.2% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 2h 5min.
The straight-line distance from Cape Town to Windhoek is approximately 1,271 kilometers (790 miles, 686 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 5min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 20h 39min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Windhoek is approximately Same timezone compared to Cape Town.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,652 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,271 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.