Overview
Bloemfontein — the city of roses and South Africa's judicial capital — sits high on the Free State plains between Johannesburg and the Eastern Cape. It's an unhurried university city of grand sandstone buildings, good museums and city-centre game reserves, and a natural stop on a wider South African tour. This guide covers flights to Bloemfontein from the UK, when to fly and how to keep the fare down.
Best time to fly to Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein has a dry highveld climate. Summers (November to March) are warm to hot, often in the high 20s Celsius, with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (June to August) are sunny by day but cold at night, frequently below freezing. For comfortable sightseeing, aim for autumn (March to May) or spring (September to October).
Fares from the UK usually rise around the December festive season and in July and August, while the UK spring and autumn shoulder months tend to be cheaper. Check the When to book chart above for the current pattern before you commit.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Bloemfontein. The usual route is an overnight flight from London Heathrow to Johannesburg with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic (around 11 hours), then a domestic hop to Bram Fischer International with Airlink or FlySafair (about 1 hour 10 minutes). You can also connect through Johannesburg or Cape Town on Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines or KLM. Allow roughly 15 to 19 hours door to door, depending on the layover.
Things to do in Bloemfontein
A day or two is enough to enjoy the highlights.
- Naval Hill: A hill right in the city with sweeping views and a striking Nelson Mandela statue.
- Franklin Game Reserve: Free-roaming zebra, giraffe and antelope on Naval Hill, minutes from the centre.
- Oliewenhuis Art Museum: South African art in an elegant 1940s mansion set in wooded gardens.
- Anglo-Boer War Museum and National Women's Memorial: A moving account of the South African War and its civilian toll.
- Free State National Botanical Garden: Indigenous grassland, trees and birdlife on the city's northern edge.
At Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN)
Bram Fischer International lies about 10 km east of the city centre, a 15-minute drive. There are no rail or scheduled bus links, so most travellers hire a car (Avis, Europcar, Hertz and others have airport desks), take a metered taxi, or use Uber or Bolt, both of which operate in the city. Many hotels and guesthouses arrange transfers if you ask in advance.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bloemfontein
- Book the long-haul leg roughly three to six months ahead; the cheapest London–Johannesburg seats tend to sell early.
- Fly midweek and avoid the South African school holidays and the December festive rush.
- Use a flexible-date search and compare the through-fare against booking the UK and domestic legs separately.
- Compare British Airways and Virgin Atlantic against one-stop carriers using the price charts on this page.
Travel essentials
British passport holders don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days; your passport should have at least two blank pages and be valid for 30 days beyond your departure date, and you may be asked for proof of onward travel. The currency is the South African rand (ZAR); cards are widely accepted, though a little cash is handy for tips and markets. Bloemfontein and the Free State are malaria-free and no vaccinations are required for entry from the UK — check NHS Fit for Travel before you travel, and take out comprehensive insurance.
