Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB) Flights & Information

If you’re planning on visiting southern Africa for work or pleasure, chances are you’ll fly into Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). The airport is the African continent’s biggest and busiest, serving 21+ million passengers annually. It’s the gateway to not only South Africa but to nearby countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, which receive few (to zero) long-distance international flights.

Truth be told, Johannesburg functions as little more than a transit destination. With high crime rates and limited tourist attractions, few choose to linger here and use it simply as a springboard to Africa’s more impressive destinations and sights.

Getting between the airport and the city center

While I’m typically a fan of rideshare services, JNB is one airport where I don’t recommend it. Once in the arrival terminal, you’ll likely be hounded by unofficial taxi drivers and hagglers claiming they’re there to assist with luggage and transport (Well, they’re not, unless they are official airport employees). The situation can feel overwhelming.

A smart solution is to set up an airport transfer with your chosen hotel and ask them to wait in the arrival area with a sign. It will cost more than an Uber, but your safety and peace of mind should be top priorities. Alternatively, take an official taxi. You can go to the towering information counter in the arrival terminal for guidance and they’ll direct you to the legitimate taxi drivers.

The neighborhoods surrounding the airport are questionable at best. Most hotels, including ones by trusted chains and boutique brands, are in the suburbs of Rosebank and Sandton. The ride to these areas takes over an hour during peak traffic times.

Layover Lifesaver: InterContinental Johannesburg O.R.Tambo Airport, an IHG Hotel

As an Africa correspondent for several media outlets, I fly in and out of JNB regularly. Unfortunately, flight times for connecting destinations almost always require an overnight in Johannesburg.

While I used to dread this overnight layover and having to schlep all the way to Rosebank or Sandton to sleep (and then return ten hours later), everything changed after discovering InterContinental Johannesburg O.R.Tambo Airport, an IHG Hotel.

The hotel is found right on airport premises, in fact just across the street from the arrival terminal. Both above ground and underground walkways lead to the hotel entrance, and there are always smiling faces there to greet you.

The rooms are well appointed and feature super comfy beds and marble bathrooms (often with a deep soaking tub). A rooftop wellness area includes a swimming pool, full-service spa and gymnasium. Meanwhile, the lobby is home to a fun bar and an excellent, upscale restaurant called Quills, which even my local friends patronize for special occasions.

Nowadays, I truly look forward to checking in here to recharge my batteries with a great workout, swim, dinner, and sleep. It saves me the time, money, and hassle that goes into leaving the airport, plus it’s a miracle worker for my jetlag. Though the hotel doesn’t come cheap, it’s often available with IHG One Rewards points at good rates, which is my preferred method of payment.

Navigating Security lines

While it hasn’t always been the case, my last few times going through security at JNB were frustrating. Everyone must pass through the same lines (read: no TSA PreCheck equivalent, dedicated business class lanes, or the like), and at an airport with hundreds of flights daily, lines can get long, fast.

On my mid-day flight from Johannesburg to Dubai in May 2024, there was just one person working the entire international security area entrance and only two security lanes in operation. It took far longer than I had anticipated to pass security and had me nervous about missing my flight. I have now vowed to arrive at the airport 3 hours ahead, instead of taking any chances with my usual 2 hours.

Arriving at JNB

Though usually long, the immigration at JNB moves fast thanks to plenty of immigration officers on duty. If you have a valid passport and visa (or are from a country that doesn’t need a visa), you’ll breeze through the line in no time. One thing to be aware of, however, is that South Africa requires travelers to have a minimum of two consecutive blank pages in their passports upon arrival. Failure to do so will likely result in denied entry.

Furthermore, many of the southern African countries that connect through Johannesburg have similar—if not more stringent—requirements. For example, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, each require three blank pages. Be sure to have plenty of blank pages before traveling through Johannesburg airport, whether your final destination in South Africa or elsewhere.

Lounges & alternatives

Once past security, JNB is one of the world’s best airports for lounges. There are over a dozen at press time, scattered between the international and domestic terminals. Given South Africa takes its food and drink game seriously, you can expect solid cuisine and great beer and wine at all of them.

While some of JNB’s lounges require a business or first-class ticket, most do not. In fact, for those who have a Priority Pass membership, there are plenty to choose from. Though it’s possible to buy a Priority Pass membership directly, it’s also a complimentary benefit of most premium credit cards.

With a Priority Pass Select membership granted through credit cards, travelers can enter affiliated lounges on their day of travel, regardless of fare or class, and with two guests, free of charge. Moreover, many airport lounges at JNB offer day passes available for purchase in advance or at the door.

International Terminal A

JNB’s international terminal features four lounges in the Priority Pass network: Aspire Lounge, Bidvest Premier Lounge, Mashonzha Lounge and Shongololo Lounge. Of this group, I’m partial to Shongololo Lounge. While it’s typically busy—it’s the contracted lounge for business class passengers of Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Qantas, after all—it has a nice selection of hot dishes plus a large, refrigerated wall with self-service options of sushi rolls, salad plates, and bistro-style sandwiches.Space permitting, entry to Shongolo Lounge is also available for purchase without any airline or Priority Pass affiliation.

Domestic Terminal B

JNB’s domestic terminal also houses two lounges in the Priority Pass network: ORT Sky Lounge and Bidvest Premier Lounge. Here, I’ll always go to Bidvest thanks to its spacious interiors (individual seating pods included) and epic food spreads, which span multiple long tables. In the mornings, I can’t wait for the piping hot, crispy-yet-gooey muffins and the strong espresso; in the afternoons, I’m all about balancing healthy salads with less healthy flights of South African wines.

For those seeking paid lounge access in the domestic terminal, ORT Sky Lounge offers day passes.

Alternative airports that you would recommend

While most international air traffic passes through JNB, there are an increasing number of airlines flying directly to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). If you have the option of JNB or CPT, go for the latter. Africa’s worldliest city, Cape Town teems with restaurant, hotel, and cultural offerings of a major European metropolis while cast over striking topographical contrasts of awe-inspiring mountains, lush winelands, and quaint coastal enclaves. Suffice to say, it’s a destination worth exploring, and not just as a layover.

Cape Town airport feels more modern, bright, and efficient than its Johannesburg counterpart. In my experience, the immigration and arrival process are far smoother as is the departure process. While I don’t have the stats on hand to back my observations and experiences, I’d say trust me on this one!

Luggage storage

I’ve never needed luggage storage more than I do in Johannesburg. Why? I’m typically connecting to more remote safari destinations on light aircraft that strictly limit baggage weight to 15-20kg (33-44 lbs) total, but I tend to visit Africa for weeks at a time—and pass through JNB multiple times.

The solution: After staying at the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R.Tambo Airport, an IHG Hotel, I ask them to store my excess luggage until my next flight through Johannesburg. And they do so, free of charge. Other hotels are likely to offer the same service. In addition, those connecting on flights to safari destinations can typically arrange storage services at South Africa’s private terminals or with the safari outfitters themselves, typically at no extra cost.

VAT Refund for Shopping Purchases

International travelers can get a 15% VAT refund on eligible large-scale purchases, which makes big ticket souvenirs from South Africa even more enticing. Start at the time of purchase by ensuring the store provides VAT refund forms with your receipt and have your passport ready. Note that some smaller shops may not offer VAT refunds.

Upon departure, at the airport you’ll visit the Customs kiosk outside security to get your forms stamped; be prepared to show your items. After security, go to the VAT Refunds Office for final processing. Bring your banking details to expedite the process and expect slow service. Refunds are issued to your account within 90 days.