If you’re facing a layover and looking for things to do at Cape Town Airport, expectations matter. Cape Town International Airport mainly serves regional and daytime flights, so the terminal is fairly calm, especially at night. With a growing number of long-haul arrivals from Europe, some travellers now find themselves with several hours to fill. While amenities are limited compared to larger international hubs, the airport is manageable for a short layover, a meal, some light shopping, or a bit of rest if you’re staying overnight.
1. Eat
Food options are modest but generally reliable for a short stop. You’ll find a mix of cafés, casual restaurants, and grab-and-go counters spread throughout the terminal. South African travellers will recognise Vida e Caffè, a popular choice for espresso drinks, light meals, and pastries. For packaged meals, snacks, and travel-friendly treats, Woolworths Food is useful for sandwiches, salads, chocolates, and local snack brands.
Sit-down options typically lean toward Italian-style dishes, seafood, and deli fare rather than destination dining. Don’t expect late-night service: most food outlets close by around 9:00 pm, sometimes earlier. If you’re staying late or overnight, it’s wise to eat earlier or pick up snacks in advance.
2. Lounge
Two airport lounges are open to all travellers, regardless of airline or class of service. Entry generally includes food, Wi-Fi, and access to showers. You can usually pay at the door, book a single-visit pass online, or use an eligible lounge membership program. Locations, access rules, and current hours are covered in our Cape Town Airport Guide.
3. Shop
Shopping outweighs dining at Cape Town Airport, though the overall selection remains fairly compact. Alongside duty-free, bookstores, convenience shops, and mobile or electronics retailers, there are a few stores worth browsing if you’re interested in local products.
Shops such as Africa Eco, Out of Africa, and Made in SA focus on South African crafts, souvenirs, and gift items, while Cape Farm & Wine highlights regional wines and food products from the Western Cape. These stores are a good place to pick up locally made goods without leaving the terminal, though prices and availability vary. As with food, most shops close in the evening, so browsing earlier in the day offers the best selection.
4. Freshen up
Showers are available in the airport lounges, which may be the simplest option if you just want to freshen up between flights. For something more substantial, the Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport is a short walk from the terminal. Day-use or wellness packages may include access to showers, a pool, gym, and on-site dining, depending on availability.
5. Get connected
Stay connected to friends and family, update your social media accounts or surf the internet during your layover. WiFi is free, with a couple of caveats: you’ll need an email address and contact number to register, and it’s only good for 4 hours or 1GB of data, whichever you reach first. Plan your Netflix binge accordingly.
6. Sleep
Airport staff generally tolerate overnight sleepers, as late-night traffic is limited. With some patience, you can usually find a quieter corner to rest, though seating is mostly designed for short stays. Lighting stays bright overnight, so a sleep mask or eyeshades are strongly recommended. Travellers report that certain areas feel calmer than others, but comfort varies depending on crowds and security activity.
For proper rest, on-site hotels are the most reliable option. The Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport is located on airport property but does not offer day rooms. Hotel Verde is within walking distance and also provides a shuttle, with short-stay or “freshen-up” style access sometimes available. Full details are listed in our Cape Town Airport Guide.
Updated 13 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Cape Town Airport. Visit our Cape Town Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.