How long is the flight from California to South Africa?

The flight from California to South Africa depends on which airports you’re departing and arriving from and whether or not you have a layover. If you fly from San Diego (a popular airport in California) to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (the most popular airport in South Africa), then the flight time is 20h 40m on average. If you fly from San Francisco (another popular airport in California) to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, then the average flight time is 22h 10m.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from California to South Africa?

Qatar Airways, United Airlines, and British Airways are the most popular carriers operating from California to South Africa

What airlines fly to South Africa?

Turkish Airlines, British Airways and Delta are the top three most popular airlines that fly to South Africa from California according to our data. Turkish Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 30% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to South Africa. Keep in mind that there are 15 different airlines that fly to South Africa on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to South Africa?

Prices for flights from California to South Africa were last updated today.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to South Africa?

There are 15 operators available for flights from California to South Africa as of December 2025.

How old do you have to be to fly from California to South Africa?

The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from California to South Africa.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Africa?

The required travel and health documents for your South Africa trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at South Africa. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

$597 Cheap Flights from California to South Africa in 2025/26

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Find the cheapest flights from California to South Africa

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

6:50 pm - 10:50 am

SFO

JNB

30h 00m1 stop

7:05 pm - 4:45 pm

JNB

SFO

31h 40m1 stop

$1,015Turkish Airlines

Tue, Jan 13 - Wed, Feb 11

6:50 pm - 10:50 am

SFO

JNB

30h 00m1 stop

7:10 pm - 4:45 pm

JNB

SFO

31h 35m1 stop

$1,026Turkish Airlines

Thu, Jan 29 - Thu, Feb 5

11:46 am - 7:00 pm

SFO

JNB

21h 14m1 stop

9:55 pm - 9:55 pm

JNB

SFO

34h 00m1 stop

$1,057Delta

Tue, Jan 13 - Wed, Jan 28

6:00 am - 7:00 pm

SFO

JNB

27h 00m1 stop

9:55 pm - 7:54 pm

JNB

SFO

31h 59m1 stop

$1,058Delta

Tue, Feb 3 - Sat, Feb 14

7:00 am - 6:35 pm

SNA

JNB

25h 35m2 stops

10:00 pm - 6:41 pm

JNB

SNA

30h 41m2 stops

$1,137United Airlines

Fri, Jan 30 - Fri, Feb 6

5:00 am - 4:10 pm

ONT

CPT

25h 10m2 stops

8:50 pm - 10:57 pm

CPT

ONT

36h 07m2 stops

$1,137United Airlines

Sat, Feb 14 - Sun, Feb 22

10:25 am - 10:05 pm

LAX

JNB

25h 40m2 stops

11:59 pm - 8:39 pm

JNB

LAX

30h 40m2 stops

$1,158KLM

Thu, Jan 15 - Thu, Jan 22

7:45 am - 10:05 pm

LAX

JNB

28h 20m2 stops

11:59 pm - 8:18 pm

JNB

LAX

30h 19m2 stops

$1,161KLM

Wed, Jan 21 - Fri, Jan 30

7:00 am - 3:50 pm

LAX

JNB

46h 50m2 stops

5:00 pm - 10:51 pm

JNB

LAX

39h 51m2 stops

$1,169Multiple Airlines

Sun, Jan 11 - Sun, Jan 18

1:05 pm - 11:50 am

LAX

CPT

36h 45m1 stop

3:20 pm - 11:10 am

CPT

LAX

29h 50m2 stops

$1,206Multiple Airlines

Tue, Jan 13 - Tue, Jan 20

Turkish Airlines flights from California to South Africa

Our best Turkish Airlines deals on California to South Africa flight tickets

Turkish Airlines

Jan 13

SFO6:50 pmSan Francisco

30h 00m

1 stop

JNB10:50 amJohannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 11

JNB7:05 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

31h 40m

1 stop

SFO4:45 pmSan Francisco

$1,015

Find similar

Turkish Airlines

Jan 14

SFO6:50 pmSan Francisco

30h 00m

1 stop

JNB10:50 amJohannesburg OR Tambo

Jan 28

JNB7:05 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

31h 40m

1 stop

SFO4:45 pmSan Francisco

$1,042

Find similar

Turkish Airlines

Apr 30

SFO12:50 pmSan Francisco

36h 45m

1 stop

JNB10:35 amJohannesburg OR Tambo

May 12

JNB5:55 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

31h 50m

1 stop

SFO4:45 pmSan Francisco

$1,045

Find similar

Delta flights from California to South Africa

Our best Delta deals on California to South Africa flight tickets

Delta

Jan 13

SFO11:46 amSan Francisco

21h 14m

1 stop

JNB7:00 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

Jan 28

JNB9:55 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

34h 00m

1 stop

SFO9:55 pmSan Francisco

$1,057

Find similar

Delta

Feb 3

SFO6:00 amSan Francisco

27h 00m

1 stop

JNB7:00 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 14

JNB9:55 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

31h 59m

1 stop

SFO7:54 pmSan Francisco

$1,058

Find similar

Delta

Jan 17

SFO9:55 amSan Francisco

23h 05m

2 stops

JNB7:00 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

Jan 28

JNB9:55 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

25h 00m

1 stop

SFO12:55 pmSan Francisco

$1,062

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Tue 1/13

6:50 pm-10:50 am

1 stop30h 00m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 2/11

7:05 pm-4:45 pm

1 stop31h 40m

$1,015

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Thu 1/29

6:50 pm-10:50 am

1 stop30h 00m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 2/5

7:10 pm-4:45 pm

1 stop31h 35m

$1,026

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Tue 1/13

11:46 am-7:00 pm

1 stop21h 14m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 1/28

9:55 pm-9:55 pm

1 stop34h 00m

$1,057

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Tue 2/3

6:00 am-7:00 pm

1 stop27h 00m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sat 2/14

9:55 pm-7:54 pm

1 stop31h 59m

$1,058

Santa AnaJohannesburg

SNA - JNB

SNAJNB

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Fri 1/30

7:00 am-6:35 pm

2 stops25h 35m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Fri 2/6

10:00 pm-6:41 pm

2 stops30h 41m

$1,137

OntarioCape Town

ONT - CPT

ONTCPT

Ontario

Sat 2/14

5:00 am-4:10 pm

2 stops25h 10m

Cape Town Intl

Sun 2/22

8:50 pm-10:57 pm

2 stops36h 07m

$1,137

Los AngelesJohannesburg

LAX - JNB

LAXJNB

Los Angeles

Thu 1/15

10:25 am-10:05 pm

2 stops25h 40m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 1/22

11:59 pm-8:39 pm

2 stops30h 40m

$1,158

Los AngelesJohannesburg

LAX - JNB

LAXJNB

Los Angeles

Wed 1/21

7:45 am-10:05 pm

2 stops28h 20m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Fri 1/30

11:59 pm-8:18 pm

2 stops30h 19m

$1,161

Los AngelesJohannesburg

LAX - JNB

LAXJNB

Los Angeles

Sun 1/11

7:00 am-3:50 pm

2 stops46h 50m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 1/18

5:00 pm-10:51 pm

2 stops39h 51m

$1,169

Los AngelesCape Town

LAX - CPT

LAXCPT

Los Angeles

Tue 1/13

1:05 pm-11:50 am

1 stop36h 45m

Cape Town Intl

Tue 1/20

3:20 pm-11:10 am

2 stops29h 50m

$1,206

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from California to South Africa

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to South Africa?

In general, March is the cheapest month to fly from California to South Africa. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around $1,168. The month of May is another great option to travel to South Africa, with average flight prices from California averaging around $1,179.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to South Africa?

The cheapest day to depart on your flight to South Africa is on a Tuesday when prices can be found for as low as $1,220. This is often the case because there is less demand to fly during this day of the week. Be sure to avoid booking your departure on a Friday as prices are generally higher than usual. According to our data, the average ticket price to South Africa on Friday is $1,474.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to South Africa?

The cheapest time of day to fly to South Africa is in the evening when flights can be purchased for as low as $1,244. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to South Africa is at noon when prices are around $1,506.

How far in advance should I book a flight to South Africa?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to South Africa from California when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to South Africa for around $1,301 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to South Africa from California for as low as $1,199 on momondo.

Can stopping save me money on California to South Africa flights?

You could potentially save up to 2% on your flight if you consider stops on a California to South Africa flight.

Cheap California to South Africa flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from California to South Africa

Fastest flight time	20h 34m
Direct flights	None

The fastest flight from California to South Africa takes 20h 34m

There are no direct flights from California to South Africa. There are no popular flight routes from California to South Africa.

Search flight deals

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to South Africa?
Prices for flights from California to South Africa were last updated today.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to South Africa?
There are 15 operators available for flights from California to South Africa as of December 2025.
How old do you have to be to fly from California to South Africa?
The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from California to South Africa.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Africa?
The required travel and health documents for your South Africa trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at South Africa. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

Best airlines flying from California to South Africa

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from California to South Africa with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
SWISS	PriceFrom $484	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.5 1,817 reviews	Search SWISS flights
Turkish Airlines	PriceFrom $776	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.3 4,103 reviews	Search Turkish Airlines flights
Cathay Pacific	PriceFrom $967	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.6 1,095 reviews	Search Cathay Pacific flights
Singapore Airlines	PriceFrom $1,005	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.1 1,414 reviews	Search Singapore Airlines flights
British Airways	PriceFrom $1,007	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.7 7,586 reviews	Search British Airways flights
Qatar Airways	PriceFrom $1,009	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 3,686 reviews	Search Qatar Airways flights
Virgin Atlantic	PriceFrom $1,013	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.5 675 reviews	Search Virgin Atlantic flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $1,015	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 11,054 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $1,039	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,095 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
KLM	PriceFrom $1,070	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.7 1,428 reviews	Search KLM flights

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from California to South Africa?

Finding the right flight to South Africa from California is quick and easy when you have a range of options in front of you, from reputable agents and recognisable airlines. Options that can then be filtered down to find the best fit. That is what momondo does. We make finding flights to South Africa quick and easy, saving you time and money.

Can I find flights from California to South Africa with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. All flights to South Africa from California on momondo can be compared and filtered by various policies on offer, including flexible booking.

How can momondo help me find flights from California to South Africa?

Once you have performed a search for California to South Africa flights, momondo helps you find the right one by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

I’m not ready to book a flight from California to South Africa right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Of course. momondo tracks the price of California to South Africa flights. All you need is a valid email address and we will do the rest; it is that quick and easy.