How Long is a Flight to Africa? Everything You Need to Know

Depending on where you’re flying from, your journey can take anywhere from 8 hours (if you’re leaving from Europe or the U.S. East Coast and heading to North Africa) to 20+ hours (from the U.S. West Coast or East Asia with connections). This wide range is due to factors like layovers, flight routes, and which part of Africa you’re visiting. Direct flights are typically shorter than those with connections.

The Complete Guide how long is the flight to Africa

Planning a trip to Africa can feel both exciting and overwhelming—especially when figuring out flight times. As someone who’s hopped across the Atlantic more times than I can count, let me walk you through everything I’ve learned about how long it takes to get to this incredible continent. We’ll tackle actual flight durations, hidden factors that can add hours to your journey, and practical tips for booking more efficient routes.

1. Why Flight Times Vary So Much

Africa is enormous—second in size only to Asia—and flight durations change drastically depending on your departure airport and final destination. A flight to northern countries like Morocco or Egypt could be much shorter compared to a trip down to South Africa, Kenya, or Ghana. Other factors that influence flight time include:

1. Direct vs. Connecting Flights: Nonstop flights cut down total travel time but are typically more expensive.
2. Airline Hubs: Many airlines funnel passengers through a central hub in Europe or the Middle East, which can extend your trip.
3. Winds and Weather: Believe it or not, strong headwinds or tailwinds can shift flight times by an hour or more.
4. Airport Efficiency: Large hubs like London Heathrow or Dubai International can sometimes have longer layovers due to high air traffic.

2. Average Flight Times by Region

North America

• East Coast (e.g., New York, Boston, Washington D.C.)
  • To North Africa (Morocco, Egypt, etc.): Approximately 8–10 hours nonstop.
  • To West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal): About 10–15 hours with a possible stop in Europe.
  • To Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana): 15–20 hours, often including a layover in Europe or the Middle East.
• West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco)
  • To North Africa: Usually 15+ hours with at least one stop.
  • To West Africa: Around 18+ hours with connections in Europe or the Middle East.
  • To Southern Africa: Can stretch beyond 20 hours, especially with two layovers.

Europe to

• North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria): Around 3–5 hours.
• East Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania): Roughly 7–9 hours, depending on direct or connecting flights.
• Southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe): About 11–14 hours, sometimes direct, other times with one layover.

From the Middle East

• Major hubs like Dubai or Doha offer flights to almost every part of Africa, ranging from 4 to 10 hours. If you’re heading to South or West Africa, expect at least one layover if you can’t snag a direct flight.

From Asia

• East Asia (Japan, China, South Korea): Typically 15–20 hours with a layover in the Middle East or Europe.
• South Asia (India, Pakistan): About 8–13 hours, often routing through places like Dubai, Doha, or direct on select airlines (e.g., Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways).

Key Factors Affecting Flight Time from USA to Africa:

1. Departure City: Flights from East Coast cities in the U.S. are generally shorter than those from the West Coast.
2. Destination in Africa: Northern African destinations like Morocco or Egypt are closer to the U.S., while flights to Southern Africa (e.g., South Africa) take significantly longer.
3. Flight Route: Direct flights save time compared to connecting flights, which may include layovers in European or Middle Eastern cities.
4. Airline and Stops: The airline’s hub and partnerships influence routing and layover duration.

Average Flight Durations from USA to Africa

Here is a table of average flight times from major U.S. cities to key African destinations:

Best and Affordable Deals from USA to Africa:

Finding the best deals from the USA to Africa involves comparing airlines, exploring major hub airports, and keeping an eye out for discounts. Non-stop flights are faster but often pricier, while one-stop flights can offer significant savings. When planning a connecting flight, remember that you may need to go through customs at the first entry point into the destination country. Below is a table of some of the best deals and routes:

Insider Tips to Make Your Journey Easier

1. Consider Flight Hubs: If you’re aiming for Southern Africa, you might find it easier to connect through Johannesburg or Addis Ababa, where many regional flights operate. For West Africa, look into airports like Accra (Ghana) or Lagos (Nigeria) that serve as regional gateways.
2. Off-Peak Travel: Flights are often cheaper and less crowded if you avoid the busy summer and winter holiday seasons. Early spring or late winter can offer lower fares and calmer airports.
3. Direct Flights: If you value convenience over cost, look for airlines that offer nonstop options to key African destinations—though they may only operate on certain days of the week.
4. Check Layover Airports: Some airports, like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle, are notorious for long connection times. Plan carefully to avoid 6- to 10-hour waits.
5. Stay Comfortable: Long-haul flights can be tough on your body. Wear comfy clothes, stay hydrated, and pack a travel pillow. Trust me, it makes a difference when you’re in the air for 10 hours or more.

Major Airlines & Example Routes to Africa

1. Delta Air Lines

• Route Examples:
  • New York (JFK) → Accra (ACC)
  • Atlanta (ATL) → Johannesburg (JNB)
  • Washington, D.C. (IAD) → Dakar (DSS) (often via New York)
• Typical Round-Trip Price Range:
  • Off-Peak Seasons (Jan–Mar, Sep–Nov): $800–$1,400
  • Peak Seasons (Summer & Holiday Periods): $1,200–$2,000+

2. United Airlines

• Route Examples:
  • Newark (EWR) → Cape Town (CPT) (seasonal direct flight)
  • Washington, D.C. (IAD) → Lagos (LOS) (usually with connections)
• Typical Round-Trip Price Range:
  • Off-Peak: $900–$1,600
  • Peak: $1,300–$2,200+

3. Ethiopian Airlines

• Route Examples:
  • Chicago (ORD) → Addis Ababa (ADD) (often direct or one-stop)
  • New York (JFK) → Addis Ababa (ADD)
• Typical Round-Trip Price Range:
  • Off-Peak: $700–$1,200
  • Peak: $1,000–$1,800+
• Why Choose Ethiopian? They offer numerous onward connections to East, West, and Southern Africa via their main hub in Addis Ababa, often making total trip times shorter.

4. EgyptAir

• Route Examples:
  • New York (JFK) → Cairo (CAI)
  • Washington, D.C. (IAD) → Cairo (CAI)
• Typical Round-Trip Price Range:
  • Off-Peak: $600–$1,000
  • Peak: $900–$1,600+
• Why Choose EgyptAir? Good for those heading to North Africa or connecting onward to other African cities.

5. Royal Air Maroc

• Route Examples:
  • New York (JFK) → Casablanca (CMN)
  • Boston (BOS) → Casablanca (CMN) (seasonal or with one stop)
• Typical Round-Trip Price Range:
  • Off-Peak: $650–$1,200
  • Peak: $1,000–$1,700+
• Why Choose Royal Air Maroc? Casablanca is a strategic hub for access to North and West Africa.

6. Turkish Airlines (Via Istanbul)

• Route Examples:
  • Los Angeles (LAX) → Istanbul (IST) → Nairobi (NBO)
  • New York (JFK) → Istanbul (IST) → Lagos (LOS)
• Typical Round-Trip Price Range:
  • Off-Peak: $800–$1,400
  • Peak: $1,200–$2,000+
• Why Choose Turkish? Istanbul is a major transit point with frequent connections to most big African cities.

7. Qatar Airways (Via Doha)

• Route Examples:
  • Dallas (DFW) → Doha (DOH) → Johannesburg (JNB)
  • Philadelphia (PHL) → Doha (DOH) → Cape Town (CPT)
• Typical Round-Trip Price Range:
  • Off-Peak: $900–$1,500
  • Peak: $1,400–$2,200+
• Why Choose Qatar? Quality in-flight service and extensive African network via Doha.

8. Emirates (Via Dubai)

• Route Examples:
  • New York (JFK) → Dubai (DXB) → Johannesburg (JNB)
  • Los Angeles (LAX) → Dubai (DXB) → Dar es Salaam (DAR)
• Typical Round-Trip Price Range:
  • Off-Peak: $900–$1,600
  • Peak: $1,300–$2,400+
• Why Choose Emirates? Offers a comfortable transit experience in Dubai with multiple daily flights to various African destinations.

1. Direct Flights: Delta Airlines and United Airlines offer direct routes to African cities like Lagos and Accra.
2. Connecting Flights: Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates provide excellent service and often have competitive prices for layovers in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.

Price Factors to Keep in Mind While Traveling to Africa

1. Seasonality: Prices typically surge during peak travel periods, such as summer vacations (June–August) and winter holidays (November–January).
2. Advance Booking: Ticket prices often climb within 6 to 8 weeks of departure. Booking 2–3 months in advance can help lock in better deals.
3. Layover vs. Nonstop: Nonstop flights cost more but save a lot of time. Connecting flights can be cheaper—especially with layovers in Europe or the Middle East—but can add several hours (or more) to your journey.
4. Weekend vs. Midweek Travel: Flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays can sometimes yield lower fares compared to weekend departures.
5. Promotional Sales: Watch out for airline “flash sales” or special deals around major U.S. holidays (like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or July 4th).

Which option do you prefer while traveling from the USA to Africa?

• For Time Efficiency: Choose direct flights from East Coast cities if available.
• For Budget: Opt for connecting flights with airlines known for affordability, like Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways.
• For Comfort: Business or premium economy on long-haul flights is worth considering, especially for routes exceeding 15 hours.

Final Thoughts

Flying from America to Africa can be a lengthy journey, anywhere from 8 hours to 20+ hours, depending on where you’re starting and where you’re headed. Prices also run a wide spectrum, but there’s almost always a sweet spot if you know where (and when) to look. If you’re traveling with budget airlines like Spirit, you can book a Spirit flight and still get a refund under certain conditions, giving you added peace of mind. Always compare prices, consider layover durations, and keep an eye on sales, you can find a fare that suits both your wallet and schedule.

Remember, Africa’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking wildlife make every hour in the air worth it. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect flight at a fair price, so you can embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Safe travels!

FAQS

How far in advance should I book to get the best deal?

Aim for 2–3 months before your travel dates. This sweet spot often yields a balance of good prices and decent seat availability.

Are there any budget airlines from the U.S. to Africa?

True budget carriers are rare for transatlantic flights to Africa. However, carriers like Royal Air Maroc, TAP Air Portugal (via Lisbon), or Turkish Airlines sometimes offer more competitive rates.

Is it worth paying more for a direct flight?

If you’re short on time or hate long layovers, paying extra can be well worth it. If budget is your priority, you could save hundreds by choosing a connecting itinerary.

What about seat upgrades or premium economy?

For flights over 10 hours, premium economy can be a more comfortable experience, offering extra legroom and better amenities—often at a fraction of the business-class cost. Watch for upgrade specials at online check-in or at the airport.