Flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Johannesburg: what you need to know
The timezone in Johannesburg is UTC+2. The city is nine hours ahead of Los Angeles, where Los Angeles International Airport is located.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your LAX to Johannesburg flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow some extra wiggle room. A good rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling and maybe even tick off a new city. When searching for flight tickets from LAX to Johannesburg, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located around 19 kilometres from central Los Angeles, LAX can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
Searching for a hotel close to LAX? If you're catching an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
Los Angeles International Airport gets top marks for its on-time performance. 81.05% of flights that depart LAX arrive at their destination without delay.
LAX's address is One World Way.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Johannesburg
Rs215,198 is currently the best price for a one-way Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg flight. A return flight ticket starts at Rs329,514. These fares may change based on availability and demand.
To find cheap flights from LAX to Johannesburg, book early. Airlines generally offer their most competitively priced fares when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg throughout the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from LAX to Johannesburg by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg.
Airports in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to the centre of Johannesburg takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 29 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg. Check in to one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Carwiz, Alamo or Green Motion and experience the lesser-explored corners of Johannesburg and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle from O.R. Tambo International Airport around three weeks ahead of your flight from LAX to Johannesburg.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
The centre of Johannesburg is around 48 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA). After your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 50 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places to park your luggage (and yourself) near HLA. Unwind and get cosy after your LAX to Johannesburg flight at any of these perfectly located options:
No time to waste? The fastest 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 make a speedy getaway.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from HLA four weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
Visit Johannesburg during high season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg during low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Before locking in your Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. January is the warmest month in Johannesburg, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 30ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from LAX to Johannesburg in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC and 20ºC on average.
More about Johannesburg
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Johannesburg right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Johannesburg:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Maboneng Precinct, Constitution Hill and Johannesburg Zoo are essential stops on your Johannesburg itinerary.
Explore more of South Africa
Pietermaritzburg is just one of the many places in South Africa waiting to be discovered once you've seen Johannesburg. Around 451 kilometres away to the south-east, its top attractions include KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Comrades Marathon House and The Old Prison.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in South Africa, head for Bloemfontein, about 370 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg. Naval Hill Planetarium, Bloemfontein Zoo and Anglo Boer War Museum are highlights.