South Africa
ZAR

SFO - JNB

R12 710 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
R19 854
Typical prices: R18 795-R28 701
Multiple Airlines
Sat 20/10Mon 12/11
SFO - JNB • 2 stops
Cheapest one-way flight
R12 710
Typical prices: R13 657-R18 176
Multiple Airlines
Fri 9/11
SFO - JNB • 2 stops
Direct flights
Not available
There are currently no direct flights between San Francisco and Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
Insights
Insights
When to book
17 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 17 weeks in advance save around 52% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
February
Cheapest • 25% price drop
May
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Hong Kong Intl (HKG)
Cheapest • Avg R18 532 (return)
Newark (EWR)
Shortest trip • 23h 38m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg (SFO-JNB)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from San Francisco to OR Tambo

Tue, Oct 20 - Thu, Nov 12
Multiple Airlines Logo
23:59 - 15:50SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
30h 51m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 13:40JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
30h 40m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R19 854Multiple Airlines
Sat, Nov 7 - Thu, Nov 19
Kenya Airways Logo
20:55 - 15:50SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
32h 55m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Kenya Airways Logo
12:05 - 14:14JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
36h 09m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R19 887Kenya Airways
Tue, Oct 27 - Sat, Nov 7
Kenya Airways Logo
22:55 - 10:55SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
51h 00m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Kenya Airways Logo
12:05 - 13:40JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
35h 35m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R19 904Kenya Airways
Sat, Oct 24 - Sun, Nov 8
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:07 - 15:50SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
46h 43m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 19:31JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
36h 31m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R20 004Multiple Airlines
Mon, Jan 18 - Thu, Jan 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
23:35 - 15:50SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
30h 15m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 20:30JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
37h 30m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R20 020Multiple Airlines
Mon, Jan 18 - Thu, Jan 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
23:35 - 15:50SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
30h 15m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 20:30JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
37h 30m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R20 037Multiple Airlines
Tue, Nov 10 - Tue, Dec 1
Multiple Airlines Logo
20:55 - 0:25SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
41h 30m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 10:04JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
51h 04m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R20 053Multiple Airlines
Tue, Nov 10 - Mon, Nov 30
Kenya Airways Logo
22:25 - 10:55SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
50h 30m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Kenya Airways Logo
1:35 - 12:44JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
45h 09m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R20 452Kenya Airways
Thu, Mar 18 - Thu, Apr 8
Kenya Airways Logo
7:00 - 15:50SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
47h 50m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Kenya Airways Logo
17:00 - 16:30JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
32h 30m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R20 635Kenya Airways
Sat, Oct 31 - Sat, Nov 7
Multiple Airlines Logo
22:20 - 15:50SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
32h 30m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 22:42JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
39h 42m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl
R20 917Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Sunday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. It’s 18% cheaper than the average day, while Thursday is the most expensive, with prices 14% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

•February is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport at R17 794 return.
•July (R32 481) and December (R30 803) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 82% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport are cheapest 17 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 52% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Find deals

Key details for San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

R12 710
Beat the crowds with an average 17% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 118% increase in traveller numbers.
One-way flight from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

When to book flights from San Francisco to OR Tambo

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to OR Tambo based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Your San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport:

    • Economy class
    • Business Class

  • How long is a flight from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    A direct flight from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport takes 00m, covering 27 304 km.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport flight?

    Return flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport range from R18 795 to R28 701, with an average of R23 582 over the past 12 months. Anything below R18 795 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 30% above the R23 582 route average. Book 17 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Have flight prices from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, return flight prices on this route showed a wide range, from about R19 854 to R183 572. That means the highest observed fare was about 9x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about R13 157, which is 19% below the typical average for this route.

  • Which car hire options are available at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB)?

    Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around R113 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • GREEN MOTION
    • Europcar
    • Woodford
    • Alamo
    • Sixt

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    Flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and arrive at Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport most commonly connect through:

    • London Heathrow (LHR) – 42% of one-stop connections
    • Istanbul (IST) – 15% of one-stop connections
    • Dubai Intl (DXB) – 12% of one-stop connections
    • Doha Hamad Intl (DOH) – 10% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 29% on flights from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Sunday is the cheapest departure day at R19 472 return on average, while Thursday is the most expensive at R27 048, a difference of R7 576.

    Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    Flying via Newark (EWR) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 23h 38m, compared to 24h 04m via Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) and 27h 09m via London Heathrow (LHR).

  • What is the time difference between San Francisco and Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport is 9 hours ahead of San Francisco (South Africa Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    Some of the most popular sights in Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport are Gold Reef City, Gallagher Convention Centre, and Sandton Convention Centre. These are among the most viewed places in Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport on KAYAK.

  • How can I get to SFO from the Financial District?

    There are various ways you can get from downtown San Francisco to SFO. You can use the cheapest way, which involves boarding the Sam Trans bus. The fastest option is using a taxi, Lyft, or Uber because they offer curbside options. You can also use BART, which takes approximately 30min to get to the airport.

  • Where can I wait for my flight departure time at SFO if it's delayed?

    You can wait for your flight at some of the lounges in SFO that offer various services. Some of the lounges are Air France,KLM, and Centurion. The Air France lounge is located at international terminal A, past security on your left turn. You can grab snacks and drinks as you wait for your flight. The lounge also offers WI-FI services, security, flight monitors, and premium food.

  • How can I access special needs assistance at JNB?

    JNB offers accessibility programs to people with special needs. If you need equipment like wheelchair assistance, you can contact the airline you are flying with 48h before your trip. The airline representative can note on your reservation form that you need special assistance, and they can make the necessary arrangements for you to be picked up when you land at JNB.

  • Are there car rental services at JNB?

    Yes. There are several companies inside JNB that offer car rental services. They include Hertz rental company located in the airport at Kempton Park. SIXT car rental is located at the Storey parking near the domestic terminal. You can also rent a vehicle online at KAYAK and pick it up when you reach Johannesburg.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Sunday departure and avoid flying on Thursday. On this route, Sunday flights average R19 472, about R7 576 less than Thursday fares (28% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 17 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 52% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport trip for February. Fares historically average R17 794 return in that month – typically R14 687 less than the most expensive month, which is July (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport.

    • Southern Sun Or Tambo International Airport
    • Garden Court Or Tambo International Airport
    • Aero Guest Lodge
  • If you are willing to travel to Johannesburg with your pet, you can inquire about their pet policies with the airline you are traveling with from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). If your airline allows pets, ensure you carry them in their carriers or crates as the SFO pet policy recommends.
  • You don't have to worry about where to park your vehicle at SFO when traveling for a short or extended trip. There are several on-site parking spots in all the terminals, which include short-term or long-term parking options, and you can book before your trip for convenience.
  • Traveling to Johannesburg with kids? You don't have to worry about how to coordinate them as you check in at SFO. There is a kid's play spot in terminal 3, post-security at gate 87A. Another spot in Terminal 2, near gates 54 A and B, has cool playing features for kids.
  • While on the flight to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), you can stream shows, music, podcasts, and movies since it's a long flight. Some airlines like Qatar allow passengers to use unlimited Wi-Fi packages once they are on board.
  • Once you arrive at JNB, you can pick up either a taxi, shuttle, train, or order a ride from Uber. The train is the fastest way to get to the city center from JNB because it takes about 15 to 20min. The train station is situated at the central terminal building inside the airport.

More options for your flight from San Francisco to OR Tambo

Complete your trip to Johannesburg with a hotel stay or car hire

Car hire in Johannesburg
Hotels in Johannesburg