Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Johannesburg: what you need to know
The timezone in Johannesburg is UTC+2. The city is ten hours ahead of San Francisco, where San Francisco International Airport is located.
To avoid rushing for your SFO to Johannesburg flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
We make it a breeze to book plane tickets from SFO to Johannesburg with a stopover. To see the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight that has a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. The most sought-after stopovers include:
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Located around 18 kilometres from central San Francisco, SFO can be reached in about 25 minutes by car. The journey on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near SFO. Whether you've booked an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
When it comes to San Francisco International Airport's on-time performance, 78% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Johannesburg
R 11,379 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg flight. A return ticket right now is R 20,373. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from SFO to Johannesburg if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird rates.
Scoring cheap tickets from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg is more likely if you're flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' function to access the lowest prices across every month and land an awesome deal.
Finding a cheap flight from SFO to Johannesburg is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you as soon as a deal gets even better.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg.
Airports in Johannesburg
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg takes around 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 35 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg. Book one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Booking your ride from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport about three weeks in advance of your flight from SFO to Johannesburg can help you get the lowest rate.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
The centre of Johannesburg is around 40 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA). After your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 45 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 15 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near HLA. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your SFO to Johannesburg flight:
Get the pick of the lot. Booking your ride from HLA four weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg. April is the most popular month for a trip to Johannesburg. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in December.
The warmest month in Johannesburg is January, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Book your San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap tickets from SFO to Johannesburg in July if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 3ºC (37ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF) on average.
More about Johannesburg
After booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Johannesburg:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. Nelson Mandela Statue, Apartheid Museum and Top of Africa are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Johannesburg itinerary.
Explore more of South Africa
You've seen Johannesburg, now it's time to discover other corners of South Africa. Travel around 451 kilometres southeast to Pietermaritzburg to check off its leading attractions. From Sri Siva Soobramoiniar And Marriamen Temples to KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden and Butterflies for Africa, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're ready to explore another great destination in South Africa, head for Bloemfontein, roughly 370 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg. Naval Hill Planetarium, Naval Hill Nature Reserve and Kings Park Rose Garden are key highlights.
