Travelling from Johannesburg to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Johannesburg's main base, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB), is where plenty of awesome adventures begin. Explore the departure options from here when searching for a flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles.
Hop off your plane in Los Angeles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Los Angeles is ten hours behind Johannesburg and follows the UTC-8 timezone.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your Johannesburg to Los Angeles flight.
Travelling during a popular month such as April? Public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues and delays at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Los Angeles
To find cheap Johannesburg to Los Angeles flights, book as early as you can. Airlines tend to offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price in each month when looking for your plane ticket from Johannesburg to Los Angeles.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Johannesburg to Los Angeles.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Johannesburg to Los Angeles flights.
Flying from Johannesburg
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB)
We make it a cinch to find a Johannesburg to Los Angeles flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
New York Newark Airport (EWR)
JNB is around 23 kilometres from central Johannesburg. If you're catching a taxi, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 35 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your journey? Stay near Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of the departures from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, 75% touch down on time at their destination.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 19 kilometres from central Los Angeles. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 35 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near LAX:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz to explore Los Angeles and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Los Angeles International Airport about one week ahead can help you get the best possible rate.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is around 27 kilometres from central Los Angeles. Following your flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles, it'll take you approximately 35 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 15 minutes or so.
After your flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles, rest your head at a hotel near VNY. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Budget, Dollar and Hertz make collecting a Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport rental car simple. These reliable suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Get the vehicle you prefer, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from VNY ahead of your arrival. You'll also avoid last-minute price surges, especially during peak travel times.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles. July is the most popular month to travel to Los Angeles. If you want a quieter vibe, go in March.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC and 32ºC. Book your Johannesburg to Los Angeles ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Los Angeles right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
San Diego is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be explored after you've seen Los Angeles. Around 177 kilometres to the southeast, popular attractions include San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
Around 499 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles, San Jose is another essential stop in the United States. Start your sightseeing at Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley.