Crossing brief
How far is it from United States to South Africa?
Washington, D.C. to Pretoria
- Distance
- 13,034 km
- In miles
- 8,099 mi
- Flight time
- 17 h 53 min
- Time change
- 6 h east
Distance is the great-circle distance between the capitals (Washington, D.C. and Pretoria); flight time is an estimate for a non-stop route at cruising speed. Real schedules vary with routing, winds and connections.
This is a ultra-long-haul route: among the 59 countries we cover, South Africa is the #50 closest to United States, making it one of the more distant destinations.
Crossing from United States to South Africa
The practical differences you will notice on this specific trip.
| Time on arrival | You fly east and lose 6 h. On arrival your body clock reads 6 h behind local time — eastward trips take a little longer to adjust to. |
|---|---|
| Power | Pack a plug adapter — South Africa uses Type C/D/M/N sockets your United States plugs do not fit. Voltage changes from 120V to 230V, so check single-voltage devices. |
| Money | 1 USD = 16.378 ZAR — exchange US Dollar for South African Rand before or on arrival. |
Common questions
How far is United States from South Africa?
About 13,034 km (8,099 miles) in a straight line between the two capitals.
How long is the flight from United States to South Africa?
A non-stop flight takes roughly 17 h 53 min, though actual times depend on the exact airports and routing.
Will I be jet-lagged flying to South Africa?
You fly east and lose 6 h. On arrival your body clock reads 6 h behind local time — eastward trips take a little longer to adjust to.
Updated July 2, 2026