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R9 874 Find Cheap Flights to San Francisco – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
R15 249
Typical prices: R16 358-R21 595
Virgin Atlantic
Sat 6/10Sun 28/10
CPT - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way flight
R9 874
Typical prices: R12 546-R18 702
Qatar Airways
Thu 15/11
CPT - SFO • 1 stop
Top airlines
Best reviews • 8,1 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
Top routes
Cheapest • 10% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 22 weeks in advance save around 26% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 9% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to San Francisco

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

Recent return flight deals to San Francisco

Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 28
Virgin Atlantic Logo
20:05 - 23:56CPT  Cape Town Intl-SFO San Francisco
36h 51m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Virgin Atlantic Logo
18:38 - 12:05SFO  San Francisco-CPT Cape Town Intl
32h 27m2 stops Los Angeles Los Angeles London Heathrow
R15 249Virgin Atlantic
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 28
Virgin Atlantic Logo
20:05 - 21:55CPT  Cape Town Intl-SFO San Francisco
34h 50m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Virgin Atlantic Logo
17:40 - 12:05SFO  San Francisco-CPT Cape Town Intl
33h 25m1 stop London Heathrow
R15 249Virgin Atlantic
Fri, Oct 2 - Sun, Oct 18
Multiple Airlines Logo
20:05 - 16:54CPT  Cape Town Intl-SFO San Francisco
29h 49m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:55 - 12:40SFO  San Francisco-CPT Cape Town Intl
33h 45m2 stops London Heathrow Johannesburg OR Tambo
R16 646Multiple Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Tue, Oct 20
Multiple Airlines Logo
20:05 - 17:02CPT  Cape Town Intl-SFO San Francisco
29h 57m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:55 - 12:40SFO  San Francisco-CPT Cape Town Intl
33h 45m2 stops London Heathrow Johannesburg OR Tambo
R16 662Multiple Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Tue, Dec 8
United Airlines Logo
20:00 - 12:30CPT  Cape Town Intl-SFO San Francisco
25h 30m2 stops Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Los Angeles Los Angeles
United Airlines Logo
5:00 - 18:00SFO  San Francisco-CPT Cape Town Intl
27h 00m2 stops Chicago O'Hare Intl Newark
R16 711United Airlines
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 28
United Airlines Logo
20:00 - 19:24CPT  Cape Town Intl-SFO San Francisco
32h 24m2 stops Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Houston George Bush Intcntl
United Airlines Logo
6:35 - 18:00SFO  San Francisco-CPT Cape Town Intl
26h 25m2 stops Chicago O'Hare Intl Newark
R16 711United Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Tue, Oct 20
KLM Logo
7:40 - 11:45CPT  Cape Town Intl-SFO San Francisco
37h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
KLM Logo
13:45 - 12:40SFO  San Francisco-CPT Cape Town Intl
37h 55m2 stops Amsterdam Schiphol Johannesburg OR Tambo
R16 727KLM
Wed, Oct 7 - Tue, Oct 27
KLM Logo
7:40 - 11:45CPT  Cape Town Intl-SFO San Francisco
37h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol
KLM Logo
14:50 - 12:40SFO  San Francisco-CPT Cape Town Intl
36h 50m2 stops Amsterdam Schiphol Johannesburg OR Tambo
R16 727KLM
Thu, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 25
Turkish Airlines Logo
18:50 - 16:30JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
31h 40m1 stop Istanbul
Turkish Airlines Logo
18:35 - 10:55SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
30h 20m1 stop Istanbul
R16 808Turkish Airlines
Thu, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 25
Turkish Airlines Logo
18:50 - 16:30JNB  Johannesburg OR Tambo-SFO San Francisco
31h 40m1 stop Istanbul
Turkish Airlines Logo
18:35 - 10:55SFO  San Francisco-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo
30h 20m1 stop Istanbul
R16 825Turkish Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for South Africa to San Francisco flights

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

What is the cheapest flight to San Francisco?

Cape Town to San Francisco is the cheapest route at R15 249 return, found in the past 5 days on KAYAK. Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to San Francisco is the most popular connection with return deals from R16 808.

How much is a flight to San Francisco?

A return flight to San Francisco costs R18 193 on average, based on data over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Return fares from Cape Town average R17 828, while Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport runs a bit higher at R18 047.

What is the cheapest day to fly to San Francisco?

Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly to San Francisco at R17 620 return on average over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Saturday is the most expensive at R19 910.

What is the cheapest month to fly to San Francisco?

•March is the cheapest month to fly to San Francisco with an average price of R16 516 return.
•April (R22 785) and June (R21 210) are the most expensive.
•Based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to San Francisco?

Night flights to San Francisco are the cheapest at R17 783 return on average. Morning flights are the most expensive at R20 982.

What is a good deal for flights to San Francisco?

Flights under R16 358 are considered a good deal. 25% of KAYAK users found return flights to San Francisco at or below these prices, with the lowest fares from:
•Cape Town R15 977
•Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport R16 358.

When are flights to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights to San Francisco are cheapest 22 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 26% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for flights to San Francisco

Low season

August

Cheapest flight

R9 874
Best time to beat the crowds (3% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 5% lower on average.
Flights from Cape Town to San Francisco

When to book flights to San Francisco

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

Your questions about flights to San Francisco, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking questions.

  • How do I know if a flight to San Francisco is a good deal?

    A good deal on a flight to San Francisco is around R16 358 return. This fare is in the lowest 25% of return flight prices searched on KAYAK, averaged across the cities most often searched as origins by KAYAK users.

  • Where can I fly from to get the cheapest fares to San Francisco?

    Based on fares booked in the past 5 days, the cheapest flights to San Francisco are from:
    • Johannesburg, from R16 808 return

  • How expensive are last-minute flights to San Francisco?

    Last-minute fares to San Francisco – booked within 2 weeks of departure – run 19% above the average return fare of R18 193.

  • What is the difference between the most popular and the most frequent airline at San Francisco?

    British Airways operates the most flights from South Africa to San Francisco at 0 per week, while United Airlines is the airline most often selected by KAYAK users searching for flights from South Africa to San Francisco. The two are often different because flight volume reflects an airline's schedule, while popularity reflects traveller choice.

Your guide to booking San Francisco flights

From booking to airport arrival, find tips to help you plan your flight with more confidence.
  • For the best chance at a low fare to San Francisco, aim to book around 22 weeks before you fly. That window historically saves about 26% versus last-minute pricing based on KAYAK booking data over the last 12 months.
  • For flights to San Francisco, recent KAYAK data shows that stronger deals tend to be around R16 358 return. If you see a fare below that threshold, it's a good deal – book before the price climbs back up.
  • If you can choose when to go, aim to travel to San Francisco in March. Return fares historically average R16 516 that month – typically the cheapest month to travel based on the last 12 months.
  • Before you book:

    • Check the route's typical price range so you can spot a deal.
    • Confirm baggage fees and seat selection costs on budget carriers.
    • Verify whether you need any travel documents beyond an ID.
    • Pick a departure airport, since your nearest may not be the cheapest origin.
  • Shift your departure to evening to save up to R3 199 per return. Evening flights to San Francisco average R17 783 compared to R20 982 for morning flights. See the time-of-day chart above for the full breakdown.
  • Once you arrive in San Francisco, a great place to start is Fisherman's Wharf. It is popular with first-time visitors and can give you a good feel for the area.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to San Francisco

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with to San Francisco? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8,1
EmiratesOverall score based on 3663 reviews
8,4Crew
8,0Comfort
8,2Entertainment
7,9Food
8,1Boarding
Airline reviews

Good service. I wish there was more legroom. The food could be improved with additional options.

8,0 ExcellentRekha, Aug 2026
Read more Emirates reviews

Good service. I wish there was more legroom. The food could be improved with additional options.

The crew was very attentive and delivered great service unlike any other airline. It was our first time with Emirates. Our only critique is the food. Pasta pesto is not very common. Tomato sauce would’ve been more of a crowd pleaser. Beef curry sounds bad because curry can be very tough on the stomach. We were in row 26 and the pasta ran out, meaning no one wanted the beef which says something. The beef was just ok… The rest of the food was very good and generous. The plane speaker sound could be better. It was tough to understand announcements even with headphones. Although we did not need them this time due to the purpose of our trip, we were surprised that 2 checked bags were included. That’d be great for the future. It was unpleasant though that our personal items were weighed (we’ve never had another airline do this), especially when we didn’t have checked bags and almost had our carry-ons checked. Overall it was a good experience, but we wish the prices were friendlier for such a short distance (Miami > Colombia).

It was very exlent flight and thanks a lot kayak

Flight was cancelled without notification. Information on flight status was not available on Emirates's website.

The stewardess took a picture as a gift , if you asked for it. Every thing was very good, Especially the food, big and tasty. The service was good, they served water several times, very frequent.

I would never have been able to make the transfer in time without asking for a wheelchair

I am going to be just factual, not bad mouthing nor complaining, but this was my experience. With 3 pieces of luggage, I was told the flight from Mumbai to Dubai was cancelled due to flood. This was told not by the airport board which still showed the regular time of departure, but general stuff at the airport. No Emirates stuff around to direct the transfer passengers of the cancelled flights. By the departure counters with crowds of people, one by one, angry, frustrated, urgent conversations were going on. No announcement were made, no postings being seen, just private conversations. I still have 5+ hours of layover, so I let more urgent people settled first. However, the fact that no communication of when, what and where I should go was very unsettling. Basically no time limit waiting means, no meal, no sleep, no step away, no planning, no change plan, no telling of the family what to do. Nobody was able to tell you anything but asked you to wait, no chair, no space, no facility to freshen up. That went on for 10+ (from 5) hour without warnings and accurate communications. Email received from Emirates asked me not to go to Dubai at all, or boarding at the time that was passed. In other words, communication were very untimely, after the fact. That created more confusion instead. After changing several of boarding time, we were given the gate # and a boarding pass. However, the boarding pass still have the original time of boarding, so again, not knowing walking 30 min in the airport to the gate would make you late or not, therefore, still dare not to eat a meal. The flight arriving to Dubai was uneventful and I gave a 4/5 rating. I just thought the layover at Dubai would just cut short from 8+ hours to 2+ hours. At Dubai airport, I saw people sleeping on cardboard, knowing, these people got stranded but they dared to sleep because they know when to board and I didn't. Or these kind of delay are just so normal that people know what to do to pass time. Then the worst service and crazy thing happened. The boarding time on board for LA and at gate A9 was clearly 8:50AM. At 8:40, surprised by not having any boarding activities, then one single staff showed up and said to a few passengers that the boarding would be delayed without a time frame. Since only a few people know, I asked another Emirates staff at another counter, who simply said basically non of his business. I was shocked with that indifferent attitude. Yet every boards I saw show the same boarding time. What kind of system failure was that to prepare delay situation! How confusing and unnecessary chaos and anger that provoke. That poor staff had to repeat himself so many times, answered questions that he had no power nor information to provide nor solved. One an only one stuff to show up for 10 min, leaving the counter non-staff with board showing 8:50AM boarding. This was purely irresponsible from top to bottom of the entire airline operation staff. What kind of leader in a service industry would allow this to happen to their customers. Without explanation, after changing 3 times the boarding times, again, means you should not go to eat a full meal, because, when you found a mob at the gate. People who were stranded for 2 days were afraid of not getting a seat with a full plane. That would not be happening if the airline provide adequate guidance to each person, instead of just having 4 staff yelling at the gate at the same time to "control" the crowd, threatening no boarding and delay boarding. Finally, I was on board, hungry and tired, not sleep for 36 hours. I was denied with a snack of fruit. By the time meal was served, it was an hour later. Half way of the trip, I felt sleep in fetus position and did not want to move, happy I finally could have some shut eyes time. However, when I got up to the bathroom, I felt very light headed. Having sleep deprived, constipated for 3 days, dehydrated, I knew it could happen since my blood pressure usually was low closed to 90/60. Any lower then that, I could have syncope. Sure enough, I was on the floor just 10 feet from my seat and 5 feet to the bathroom. However, nobody called for help. I asked for warm water and juice to hydrate, came only with cold and icy drinks which I wouldn't take. I asked for blankets, one was given. Yet my shivering, needs to cover my head and multiple requests did not hasten to take the two blankets that are at my seat 10 feet away. I waited 10 min for that. While 2-3 staff surrounded me, nobody did the vitals until after 15 min, just the spirometer only of which did not work due to my cold fingers. The first reading was 86 and oxygen was suggested. But another supervising personnel came, fussed over another reading, ignoring my comfort and needs. Seemingly the reading of spirometer was the priority. By then, no oxygen needed. I had this fainting experience before, and I knew how to help myself. However, I was not being listened to but to be told this and that. Finally, I got better and returned to seat. One kind flight attendant said she would check back with me in 15 min. She did not come back. I felt asleep in that fetus position again and this time I woke up with a bad cramp at my left leg. Yet I needed to go to bathroom, the cramp was too bad to walk. So I stepped back to seat. When I tried again the second time, the other front leg got cramp. This time I dare not move but massaged myself. For all these 5-10 min, I called for attention. Attendants passed me by because they were carried with heavy load of blankets and stuff. Nobody answered the light. Then came landing and off board. I was asked by two attendants how I felt. I smiled and said "fine".

Service needs to improve. Air hostess do not register flyers request and we need to keep on repeating our request to them on multiple occasions

More space all around is practically essential on long international fights, and Emirates definitely delivers. But food selection and taste was only average. Otherwise, the flight was smooth and the cabin crew service was fine.

I bought Business class ticket but they treated me like economic class. No lounge allowed at check inn I have to take stuff out while other passengers have more than 25 lb in bag. Because I bought tickets from other than airlines . It’s discriminations from airlines to passengers.

The flight itself was fine, food was expired and gross, staff were mostly amazing! KLM messed up rebooking for our first two flights that got cancelled and we almost didn’t make it to Amsterdam for an additional two days

I think I previously submitted my feedback about flight lead Katherine in a different field by mistake. Please see those comments. Comments for Hyd to AMS are it was good. The flight lead and service met expectations for satisfactory high quality service but the flight lead did not stand out as exceptional as did the leads on the other two flights so I don’t remember anything specific one way or the other besides the fact I was satisfied.

Flight lead was a gentleman with silver hair and he went out of his way to shake hands and interact with each passenger seated in business class. A medical emergency took place during our flight and he handled it with perfect poise and professionalism. He was gracious and confidently competent. Just what you want from a leader,

Crew is not the cheerful type. very slow meal service (this is their style as have flown this many times)

Legroom not all it could be, especially when the seat in front is reclined. Otherwise it was good, food and beverage were nice.

This fight left ahead of time which meant it arrived early which was great. Staff were very professional, but as with all these Short hop Flights the food was a disappointing snack There was no entertainment on this flight, but I did not expect any

I flew premium economy and this was a good option. Although the seats didn’t recline much, I was able to get some sleep with my head propped against the window. The food was good and the entertainment was wonderful The staff were very attentive and professional

Seats were nice and comfy. Crew was polite and attentive. Business class is awesome and worth the money.

It was operated by Delta. Boarding took a long time. How difficult can it be? Overall decent trip. Liked the Salt Lake City airport. Better option than Chicago for transfers.

We left one hour late because of technical difficulties. The economy comfort seats are great for the price. The crew was mediocre, they do not provide a pleasant experience, they just deliver food and drinks and give orders, not very amicable, no service and hospitality focus.

Delayed too much. 1.5 hrs in the airport and another 1 hr in the runway. Got too late in the night. There was no proper food available.

For the Singapore to CA flight, nearly 16 hours long was miserable. We sat on the tarmac for one hour to burn fuel. The flight attendant girls were mean. They would yell at people who stood up to try to stretch their legs. One time the drinks came thru and the lady judged us and made a comment about how much sugar was in apple juice when we ordered it once. She was rude and inappropriate. The entire flight was frustrating. You'd think a long haul like that the airline would try to make you comfortable. I just don't understand why the ladies were so snappy. I have never experienced rude flight attendants like that. It was the longest flight I've had to sit on before. We were not impressed. Raymond on the other hand was amazing! By far the best person working that flight!

premium economy is expensive but worth it for the comfort and food on a long flight

Even though the incoming flight was delayed by 20 minutes they managed to get us to SFO 15 minutes early.

Boarding, time to take off, in flight offerings, and staff were all great. I recommend using UA for this short flight.

Good experience. Staff was friendly and helpful. Flight was slightly delayed due to airport construction, but they still arrived on time.

This is the worst airline I’ve ever been on in my life and I’ve been probably on 75% of them. I said 15 years ago I would never go on United again. I was an idiot. I booked a flight with them from Las Vegas to San Francisco and of course they screwed that up and cost me a day flying all over the world trying to get to Thailand. My luggage was gone for 35 hours all because they couldn’t make their route on time

The flight out of Fresno boarded 1.5 hour past scheduled and made me miss my connecting flight from SFO to SEA.

Airplane is not very clean, food quality and taste was not good. Lufthansa used to be good but nowadays went down. Overall experience is just okay, wouldn't fly again, prefer Turkish airlines.

I did bought anything… I don’t understand how this book appears to me . Ridiculous

Lounge was top notch h with great variety of food and drinks. Cabin crew were great. Smooth flight.

My seat 3G did not go down fully and the buttons were not working properly

Great staff, great experience, made a 2 hour delay very bearable

Food was the worst I’ve had on a VA flight. Normally it’s a lot better

The staff was not very polite but the flight was very very nice and comfortable and the entertainment was great

My ticket was for Premium Economy and all the seats were taken, I was placed in Economy class and I’m looking for a refund.

Unfortunately delayed 2 hrs due to faulty tyre.. which had to be changed, but better safe than sorry.

Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him.

Needed a 6 hour lay over in Atlanta. How can this be avoided ?

If I could fly Virgin Atlantic airlines to every place, I need to go, I would. Leaving Heathrow through the special virgin air entrance, security is completely white glove service. I love this airline. From ticketing agents to flight staff everyone tries to make it a wonderful & happy flight experience. I wish other airlines copied the positive culture of Virgin Airlines.

Paid $10 for wifi for full flight duration and the wifi wasn’t available after initial 2 hours

All the crew members were too slow and rude. Most of the times the registers were empty, while hundreds of customers were waiting in line, and it was impossible to get a supervisor. Despite being in line on time, I missed my freight, plus a some customers who were ahead and behind me.

Wasn’t allowed to continue with the purchased tickets because I hadn’t been able to go on the first scheduled leg.

Do I need to repeat my complaints about my lost carry on bag?

All over with Qatar airlines my experience was really bad due to delays and then putting me on different airlines and after 8 hours of wait I had to listen to their is no plane to fly for another 24 hours. Wore experience ever.

Transit , Too long for terminal change, for a moment I thought Qatar airlines going to Los Angeles by bus. Please make transit convenient and quick.

some sections of airport are too cramped. The screening of luggage was twice and a huge hassle. They kept saying my boarding the for my next flight was in 10 minutes but were dragging the screening too long. having a 2 hour connecting time with this much delays in screenings is not good. They could see I was traveling with special needs kid yet I was" randomly chosen" to be personally screened again.

Ambience of the aircraft was great. Spacious seats with sufficient leg room in economy class. The layover could have been shorter.

Just snacks, could have more options.boarding was good. Everything else was good. We had a very bad experience with Qatar airways. We were deplaned a few minutes after boarding the flight. Had to wait 8 hours at the airport for the next replacement aircraft to take off. Had a harrowing experience. Were offered coupons for a small meal at the airport. Uncertainty caused a lot of stress and I got a cold and flu like symptoms.

Seats were not comfortable and touch free remote wasn’t working.

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