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$792 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT)

View $792 flight on Mon, Mar 8, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Cape Town (SFO-CPT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $792 for one-way flights and $1,248 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Singapore Airlines
Tue, Feb 9 - Tue, Feb 23
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,248 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,248
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Singapore Airlines flight, departing Tue, Feb 9 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Tue, Feb 23, priced at $1,248 found 1 hour ago
Singapore Airlines
Wed, May 19 - Tue, May 25
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,252 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$1,252
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Singapore Airlines flight, departing Wed, May 19 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Tue, May 25, priced at $1,252 found 3 days ago
Singapore Airlines
Wed, Feb 10 - Wed, Feb 24
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,275 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,275
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Singapore Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 10 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Wed, Feb 24, priced at $1,275 found 6 days ago
Condor
Tue, Sep 22 - Wed, Sep 30
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,310 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$1,310
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Condor flight, departing Tue, Sep 22 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $1,310 found 18 hours ago
Kenya Airways
Sat, Jan 30 - Wed, Feb 3
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,362 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,362
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Kenya Airways flight, departing Sat, Jan 30 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Wed, Feb 3, priced at $1,362 found 2 days ago
Iberia
Tue, Jan 12 - Wed, May 12
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,388 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,388
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Iberia flight, departing Tue, Jan 12 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Wed, May 12, priced at $1,388 found 1 day ago
United
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,520 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$1,520
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $1,520 found 6 hours ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Sat, Oct 10 - Tue, Oct 20
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,561 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$1,561
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $1,561 found 16 hours ago
Turkish Airlines
Wed, Aug 26 - Wed, Sep 30
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,584 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,584
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 26 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $1,584 found 2 days ago
Lufthansa
Mon, Oct 5 - Sun, Oct 11
SFO
San Francisco
CPT
Cape Town
$1,611 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$1,611
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Lufthansa flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from San Francisco to Cape Town, returning Sun, Oct 11, priced at $1,611 found 3 days ago

Alternative airports near Cape Town

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Cape Town Intl. CPT. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 16 minutes. Flights from $5,632
CPT
Cape Town Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $5,632

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $1,246 - $1,443 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Francisco Intl. to Cape Town Intl.

San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT) at a glance

Embark on an exciting journey from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT) with a range of airlines offering various options for this long-haul international route. Whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly choices, you can easily compare flights to discover an itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans. Explore the key details for flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) as you prepare to experience the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Cape Town.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 22h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 5h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 10,300 miles (16,580 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $425–$1480, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Francisco to Cape Town, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. A common layover option is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), with a typical layover time of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. This allows you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive service airline, United provides one-stop flights with one-way ticket prices generally ranging from $735 to $6440. This carrier accounts for about 26% of the departures on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 22 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of around 28 hours, including layovers.
  • Turkish Airlines: Another full-service option, Turkish Airlines features one-stop services with one-way fares usually between $515 and $3605. This airline represents approximately 16% of all departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 22 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 28 hours, factoring in layovers.
  • British Airways: Known for its full-service offerings, British Airways provides one-stop flights, with one-way prices typically ranging from $605 to $1735. This airline constitutes about 15% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 22 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of roughly 28 hours, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: With both one-stop and multi-stop services, American Airlines presents one-way fares generally ranging from $515 to $1075. This carrier accounts for around 11% of the departures on this route, with a standard journey of 22 hours and 15 minutes of in-flight time, culminating in a total travel duration of approximately 28 hours.
  • Virgin Atlantic: Offering one-stop services, Virgin Atlantic is a full-service airline with one-way fare ranges typically between $425 and $1235. This airline makes up about 9% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 22 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey time of around 28 hours, including layovers.

Travelers can enhance their journey from San Francisco to Cape Town by upgrading their flight. United Airlines offers both Business Class and Premium Economy, while Turkish Airlines provides Business Class options for a more comfortable experience.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Cape Town are January, February, and December, when peak temperatures in Cape Town reach up to 70.7°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 64.6°F. For better deals, April usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $727. Flight availability peaks in June, September, and December, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: April usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $727, roughly 32% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: November, January, and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $741.
  • Most flight options: June, September, and December have the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Cape Town, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January70.7°F (21.5°C)High8$740
February70.7°F (21.5°C)High7$2080
March68.5°F (20.3°C)Average7$915
April64.6°F (18.1°C)Average7$727
May60.4°F (15.8°C)Average7$942
June57.0°F (13.9°C)Average10$1406
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Average8$1441
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Low7$746
September57.7°F (14.3°C)Average10$946
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Low9$991
November64.6°F (18.1°C)Low7$736
December68.2°F (20.1°C)High10$1264

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT)

  • Oakland to Cape Town (OAK-CPT): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), providing easy access for travelers heading to Cape Town.
  • San Jose to Cape Town (SJC-CPT): Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is about 30 miles away from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), offering another convenient departure point for flights to Cape Town.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Cape Town is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Morning departures from 5 am to 12 pm generally offer lower prices, while evening flights from 6 pm to 12 am are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday provides both cheaper rates and is the favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Cape Town International Airport from San Francisco International Airport

Cape Town welcomes travelers from San Francisco with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Cape Town efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cape Town, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Cape Town International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cape Town International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Cape Town International Airport, Heideveld Station, a metro station, is located about 2.5 miles away by car, while Cape Town Bellville Station, a train station, is approximately 7.5 miles from the airport and is also best reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $792 and cheap return flights from $1,248 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $1145 to $6986, and return flights typically cost between $1680 and $9289. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
February is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT), with average return fares around $1,158. This is about 31% lower than the average price, likely due to lower travel demand after the holiday season. Other budget-friendly months include March and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Enter SFO to CPT and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Condor is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,750. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
When flying from San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT), February and March are the best months, with average return fares around $1,158. Although December is a popular month, traveling in early spring can provide you with better prices and a chance to explore Cape Town's stunning landscapes.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) typically departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by United Airlines. This seasonal service is available in April, allowing you to start your adventure in South Africa bright and early. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT) are in the evening, from 6pm to 9pm. About 21% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and Turkish Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is beneficial as it allows you to depart after a day of activities in San Francisco.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
Flights from SFO to CPT with one stop typically take around 21 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 10,252 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
You can fly business class between SFO and CPT. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • United Airlines
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • Air France
  • Delta Air Lines

First class cabins are available on:

  • Emirates
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Cape Town from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
If you're planning to travel to Cape Town from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Cape Town Intl. (CPT) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), ZRH (ZRH) before reaching Cape Town. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) Cape Town Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
San Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
Cape Town Intl.
Airlines serving
Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Condor, Delta, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Iberia, KLM, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$1,247
Distance
10251 mi

Book with confidence

San Francisco to Cape Town Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Cape Town

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from San Francisco to Cape Town are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Cape Town with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Cape Town

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco to Cape Town: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from San Francisco to Cape Town

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from San Francisco to Cape Town in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $792 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap San Francisco to Cape Town flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your San Francisco to Cape Town airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

San Francisco to Cape Town Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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