Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Johannesburg: what you need to know
San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco. Based in the UTC+2 timezone, Johannesburg is nine hours ahead of San Francisco.
To avoid missing your SFO to Johannesburg flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Planning to travel during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight ticket from SFO to Johannesburg. All you need to do is uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Located around 18 kilometres from central San Francisco, SFO can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). Travelling on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near SFO. Whether you're boarding an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
Of the flights that depart from San Francisco International Airport, 77.36% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Johannesburg
₹ 77,000 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg flight. A round-trip ticket right now is ₹ 119,533. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
To find cheap flights from SFO to Johannesburg, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer lower prices when tickets first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, check out the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price across every month when searching for your San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg ticket.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from SFO to Johannesburg by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg.
Airports in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
The distance from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg is roughly 29 kilometres. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there on public transport will take you around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near JNB if you're coming in on a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg. Settle into one of these accommodation options and make arrival day easier:
Travel at your own pace with an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Carwiz, Alamo or Green Motion and chase adventure across Johannesburg and beyond.
For the best deal, book your ride from O.R. Tambo International Airport about three weeks ahead of your flight from SFO to Johannesburg.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Lanseria International Airport (HLA) is about 48 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg. Following your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg, it'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
After stepping off your SFO to Johannesburg flight, unwind at a hotel near HLA. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Lanseria International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire or Firefly powered by Hertz and be on your way in a flash.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from HLA four weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg. The city buzzes during peak season, but prices are typically higher and top attractions can be crowded. Plan your trip to Johannesburg in the off-season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in a San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg flight ticket with a departure in January if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 15ºC to 30ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from SFO to Johannesburg in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 20ºC.
More about Johannesburg
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Johannesburg right here. Browse these options after locking in your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Johannesburg:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Maboneng Precinct, Constitution Hill and Johannesburg Zoo are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Johannesburg itinerary.
Explore more of South Africa
Pietermaritzburg is just one of the many cities in South Africa waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Johannesburg. Around 451 kilometres away to the south-east, well-known attractions include KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Comrades Marathon House and The Old Prison.
Around 370 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg, Bloemfontein is another essential stop in South Africa. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Naval Hill Planetarium, Bloemfontein Zoo and Anglo Boer War Museum.
