St. Helena sits 1,200 miles off the coast of Africa in the South Atlantic Ocean. Until 2017, the only way to reach this remote island was by boat, a five-day journey from Cape Town. Now you can fly, but tickets don’t come cheap.
Finding affordable flights to St. Helena takes planning. Routes are limited, and prices fluctuate wildly based on season and availability. Here’s how to get there without emptying your savings account.
Understanding Your Flight Options to St. Helena
Only one airline flies to St. Helena Airport. Airlink operates the route from Johannesburg, South Africa, with a brief stop in Windhoek, Namibia. The flight runs once per week on Saturdays.
This monopoly means prices stay high compared to more accessible destinations. Expect to pay $800 to $1,400 for a round-trip ticket from Johannesburg. Peak season rates in December and January can hit $2,000 or more.
Your total trip cost includes getting to Johannesburg first. Most travelers fly into Johannesburg from Europe, the U.S., or other African cities, then connect to the St. Helena flight.
Best Times to Book for Lower Fares
Book your St. Helena flight 4 to 6 months in advance. The weekly service has limited seats, and they fill up fast during popular travel periods.
Avoid December, January, and Easter week if you want cheaper flights. These peak periods see prices jump 40 to 60 percent above normal rates. May through September offers the best combination of lower fares and decent weather on the island.
Watch for special promotions from Airlink. They occasionally run sales during shoulder seasons in April, May, and September. Sign up for their email alerts to catch these deals when they appear.
Combining Flights to Save Money
Your biggest savings come from booking smart connections to Johannesburg. Don’t buy your St. Helena ticket separately from your international flight.
Search for multi-city options that include both legs in one booking. Many airlines offer better rates when you book the full journey together. This also protects you if your international flight delays and you miss the St. Helena connection.
Consider flying into Cape Town instead of Johannesburg if international fares are significantly cheaper. You can book a separate domestic South African flight to Johannesburg, though this adds complexity to your trip.
Why St. Helena Is Worth the Journey
This tiny island offers something you can’t find anywhere else: complete isolation with British charm. You’ll walk where Napoleon spent his final years in exile. You’ll meet the world’s oldest living land animal, Jonathan the tortoise, at 192 years old.
The island has dramatic volcanic landscapes, excellent hiking trails, and some of the friendliest people you’ll encounter anywhere. With fewer than 5,000 residents and limited tourist infrastructure, you get an authentic experience that disappeared from most destinations decades ago.
What You Need to Know Before Booking
St. Helena requires advance entry permission for all visitors. Apply for this at least four weeks before your trip. Don’t book flights until you receive approval, or you risk losing money on tickets you can’t use.
Baggage allowances on the St. Helena route are strict. You get 20kg checked and 5kg carry-on. Excess baggage fees cost $10 per kilogram, so pack light or pay premium rates.
The flight schedule changes seasonally. Airlink adjusts departure times and sometimes adds extra flights during peak periods. Check the current schedule before making hotel or activity bookings on the island.
Book Your St. Helena Flight Today
Ready to visit one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands? Start searching for flights now. The limited weekly service means waiting costs you money and availability.
Check Searchnfly.com for the latest St. Helena flight deals and compare prices across different travel dates. Your adventure to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean starts here.