There are a few nonstop options from the United States to Kotoka International Airport (ACC), and they mainly depart from the East Coast. The most established nonstop route is the daily flight from New York (JFK) operated by Delta Air Lines. Travelers on the East Coast usually find this the most convenient option because it avoids long connections. If you’re departing from other US cities, you can still reach Accra with one stop through European or Middle Eastern hubs, which often provide more flexibility in schedule and price.
Many US travelers choose one-stop connections because they offer more flight options and sometimes better fares than nonstop flights. Top carriers include KLM through Amsterdam, British Airways through London, Brussels Airlines through Brussels, Qatar Airways through Doha and Turkish Airlines through Istanbul. These hubs run frequent flights into Accra, and the transit airports are known for efficient connections and wide destination coverage across West Africa.
Flight times vary depending on the departure city and the type of itinerary you choose. Nonstop flights from New York (JFK) usually take around 9 to 10 hours. If you’re traveling from the Midwest or West Coast with one connection through Europe or the Middle East, total travel time typically ranges from 14 to 18 hours. Carriers like KLM, British Airways and Qatar maintain regular schedules that help keep layovers manageable.
Flights to Accra tend to be more affordable during the early-year travel window from January through March. Demand rises around summer and the Christmas season, especially for Ghanaians traveling home. If you're planning a peak-season trip, booking 6 to 9 months ahead usually provides the best prices. Travelers also see good deals during shoulder seasons like April–May and September–October.
Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Ghana. Tourist visas must be arranged before arrival and can be processed through the Ghanaian Embassy or consulates in the United States. Ghana also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers, so it’s important to plan ahead and keep documentation with your passport. If you’re connecting through Europe or the Middle East, your layover country may have separate transit rules, so it’s best to check those in advance.
New York (JFK) is the main gateway because of its nonstop service. Washington DC (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), Houston (IAH) and Los Angeles (LAX) also provide strong one-stop itineraries through European hubs or Doha and Istanbul. Travelers on the West Coast often find that Middle Eastern carriers provide smoother schedules compared to connecting through Europe.
Amsterdam, London, Brussels and Frankfurt are among the most dependable transit points for Accra-bound travelers. Airlines like KLM, British Airways, Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa run regular services into Accra, making these airports reliable for both tight connections and same-day arrivals. Their networks also allow easy access from a wide range of US cities.
Business Class deals appear throughout the year, but the best rates typically show up for travel during April–June or September–October. Booking two to four months in advance usually locks in the lowest fares outside the festive season. Gulf carriers and Turkish Airlines often run competitive sales that can significantly undercut direct flights, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
Most long-haul carriers on US–Accra routes include one or two checked bags in the fare, depending on your ticket type. Delta’s nonstop service from JFK usually includes at least one checked bag. Carriers like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and KLM tend to offer generous baggage limits on economy and business fares. It’s always a good idea to review the airline’s specific rules when booking, especially for multi-airline itineraries.
Yes. Kotoka International Airport is one of the key aviation hubs in West Africa. From Accra, travelers can easily reach destinations like Lagos, Abidjan, Freetown and Monrovia through regional airlines. This makes Accra a practical entry point for business travel, family visits or multi-country trips within West Africa.