Specializing in Cheap Flights to Johannesburg

Booking Flights to Johannesburg

Johannesburg flights heading to O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg International, or Jan Smuts Airport, are all taking you to the same place. The airport is still referred to by its former names, making it a bit confusing for first-time visitors, so just remember that the city has only one international airport.

Airlines which serve JNB include several African carriers like South African, Afriqiyah Airways, Air Malawi, and Air Zimbabwe, as well as other international carriers such as Delta, KLM, Lufthansa, Virgin, and British Airways.

Lanseria Airport (HLA) is also located near Johannesburg but is much smaller than JIA and caters primarily to regional charter traffic, as well as scheduled flights on Kulula, Mango, and British Airways, to destinations like Cape Town, Durban, Gaborone (in Botswana), and Maputo (in Mozambique).

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When to Go and Weather

The best time to visit South Africa depends largely on what activities you have in mind, or where your onward journey will take you from Johannesburg. Also remember you're in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are in reverse of what you're probably used to. Summer temperatures from October to April are pleasant at 23-25°C and winter temperatures aren't too severe either, dipping to about 16°C in June. Snow is rare but there is occasional frost and the nights can get very cold, so book your flights to Johannesburg and come prepared to dress in layers. Although airline tickets are cheaper from December to February, some visitors may find that the 30-35°C temperatures make the summer months too hot to enjoy the city's outdoor sights. But if you're heading off on a safari and can't change your travel dates, just remember to pack lots of sunscreen and a large hat.

Other Popular Routes to Johannesburg

• Penticton to Johannesburg

• North Bay to Johannesburg

• Charlottetown to Johannesburg

• Deer Lake to Johannesburg

• Fredericton to Johannesburg

• Grande Prairie to Johannesburg

• Kamloops to Johannesburg

• St. John to Johannesburg

• Whitehorse to Johannesburg

• Windsor to Johannesburg

Arriving in Johannesburg

Arriving at O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

The airport has three terminals —” International, Central, and Domestic. Ground transportation options are easily accessible from all three terminals so you won't have far to walk after your flight lands. Details on all the options listed below are available on the airport website.

Public Transit: The express Gautrain from the Airport on the Sandton route is a quick and cheap way to travel from the airport to the city. A one-way fare costs about $12 CAD and from Sandton, you can connect to the local bus network or take a cab to your final destination.

When the Gautrain is not in service, buses are available from the airport's bus terminal located behind the Airport Sun International hotel.

Airport Shuttle: Companies like Magic Bus and Airport Shuttle run shared-ride and private vehicle shuttle services from the airport. Rates vary depending on your destination, type of car, and the company you book with and you could pay as little as $40 CAD or as much as $120 CAD for a trip to the city.

Hotel Shuttle: If you've booked a room at a hotel which provides courtesy shuttle services from the airport, make your way to the shuttle pick-up areas at the airport's bus terminal.

Taxi: Taxi stands are located outside both airport terminals and only registered cab companies are allowed to transport passengers arriving on Johannesburg flights to destinations in and around the city. However, you may still be approached by drivers and guides who will offer you a "much cheaper" travel deal, but steer clear of them as you will most likely be taken for a longer ride than necessary. A trip from the airport to most destinations in downtown Johannesburg would cost between $45-$65 CAD.

Car Rental: Car rental companies like Avis, Budget, National, and Thrifty are located opposite the domestic terminal in a multi-level parkade. Given Johannesburg's limited public transit system, hiring a car is the most convenient way to travel around the city, as well as explore the rest of the country.

Other: You can also find intercity coach operators at the airport for trips to Durban and Capetown and several other regional destinations.

Arriving at Lanseria Airport (HLA)

As Lanseria Airport caters to only three scheduled carriers and a few charter airlines, international flights to Johannesburg prefer to use JNB as a landing point as it has more extensive infrastructure and services to deal with international travellers. Transport options from HLA are limited to taking a cab (which will cost you about $70 CAD) or hiring a car from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, or Tempest, all of which have booking counters at the airport.