Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town are about 6,060 km (3,766 miles) apart as the crow flies. The best way to travel between them is usually a flight (sometimes with a connection). Here are your options.
Distance
6,060 km
In miles
3,766 mi
Best way
flight (sometimes with a connection)
Ways to get from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town
FlightRecommended
~9.5h door-to-airport-to-door
Fastest for longer hops; book direct where possible.
Times are estimates from straight-line distance to help you plan, always check live schedules and whether a land route exists before booking.
Planning this trip?
Get a free day-by-day plan for Cape Town, or a two-city itinerary.
Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town: questions
How far is Cape Town from Rio de Janeiro?+
Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town are about 6,060 km (3,766 miles) apart in a straight line. The actual travel distance by road or air will be a little longer.
How long is the flight from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town?+
Allow about 9.5h door-to-airport-to-door in total. Actual flight time depends on the route and any connections; direct flights are quickest.
Can you travel overland from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town?+
At roughly 6,060 km apart, flying is the practical choice; overland travel would take a long time and may cross water.