Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB) Flights & Flight Status

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) sits in Kempton Park, Gauteng, about 14 miles northeast of Johannesburg and 29 miles south of Pretoria. Named after anti-apartheid activist Oliver Reginald Tambo, it’s the second-busiest airport on the African continent.

I lived in South Africa for almost 10 years and flew through OR Tambo countless times, both domestically and internationally, in my role as a freelance travel writer. It’s a modern and generally efficient travel hub with all the amenities you’d expect from a major international airport, though it does come with some safety considerations worth knowing about upfront.

Understanding the OR Tambo layout

OR Tambo has two main terminals: Terminal A for international flights and Terminal B for domestic flights, with a Central Terminal acting as a covered walkway between them. Despite not being that big, it can be confusing to navigate for first-time visitors because the terminals are spread over four floors and often referred to by different names.

Level 0 houses International Arrivals in Terminal A and Domestic Arrivals in Terminal B. Level 1 hosts International Departures and check-in counters in Terminal A. Level 2 is where you’ll find both Domestic Departures and the domestic check-in counters in Terminal B.

Here’s where it gets tricky: domestic check-in counters are located separately on Level 2, and the Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge is also located in the domestic departures area.

A series of lifts connects the levels, and walking between the two terminals is easy.

The first time I flew out of OR Tambo, I got completely turned around because there are exceptions to the rule. Check-in desks for all South African Airways flights, for example, are in Terminal B no matter if you’re flying locally or long-haul. Always double-check your boarding pass and don’t be shy about asking the helpful information desks if you get lost.

Getting to and from the airport

If you’re staying locally, I highly recommend booking a hotel or B&B that offers a secure airport transfer. That’s because most forms of public transport in South Africa aren’t considered safe for tourists, and it’s better to have a trusted ride lined up.

Gautrain

There is an exception: the Gautrain, an express rail system serving the Gauteng area. The Airport Service runs between OR Tambo and the Johannesburg suburbs of Sandton and Marlboro, with connections to other destinations including Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria Central and Hatfield.

The Gautrain stays safe with 24-hour security at all stations, CCTV at the stations and on the train, and secure fencing along the entire route.

The Gautrain station is an elevated station that integrates with the Central Terminal Building, and its concourse connects directly to the departures level. You can purchase a Gautrain Card from the station ticket office or vending machines, or use your own contactless card to pay by tapping in and out at either end of your journey.

The train operates daily between 5:30am and 8:30pm, running every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak hours.

Airport transfers

Alternatively, you can arrange secure airport transfers from the information desk in the arrivals halls, where staff can assist with accredited meter taxi services to destinations throughout the Gauteng area.

When arranging transfers through official channels, look for authorized representatives in the arrivals area.

I’d steer clear of the unaffiliated touts on the concourse outside the entrance, and I wouldn’t suggest using Uber to travel from the airport, especially at night.

Staying safe at JNB

OR Tambo has an unfortunate reputation for petty theft, particularly with checked luggage. I’ve had my bags tampered with here on several occasions, so this warning comes from direct experience.

I strongly recommend investing in hardshell, cut-proof luggage with a sturdy lock or having your suitcases wrapped before travel. Where possible, pack any items of value or particular importance in your hand luggage.

A wealth of shopping opportunities

OR Tambo has shops throughout both terminals, located before and after security, which I love because there’s always somewhere to while away time between flights. Browse book stores and luggage shops, stock up on essentials in the newsagents or splash out on everything from South African diamonds to international designer clothing labels.

I always visit the Big 5 Duty Free in International Departures, and I especially love Out of Africa for last-minute gifts. If you decide to stock up on the country’s edible delicacies, just be sure to check if you’re allowed to travel with them to your next destination. I once bought a stash of biltong (cured meat) for my Dad only to have it confiscated by UK customs hours later. A real travel tragedy.

Dining for all tastes

OR Tambo offers plenty of dining outlets, from South African and international fast food brands to cafés and restaurants. Head to the food court in Terminal B for budget options like Wimpy or Spur, or check out Steers in Terminal A. You can also grab gourmet snacks to go from the Woolworths branch in Central Terminal.

My personal favorite for draught beers and sit-down meals with an emphasis on South African produce is Aircraft Brewers in Terminal B.

Pay-per-use and airline lounges

One thing OR Tambo lacks is comfortable, free seating, especially before you go through security. If I have an hour or so to kill, I usually hang out at one of the restaurants. For longer layovers, though, it’s definitely worth investing in a lounge pass. There are six pay-per-use lounges to choose from, all offering complimentary refreshments, beverages, showers and Wi-Fi.

In the domestic departures area of Terminal B, you’ll find the Bidvest Sky Lounge and Bidvest Domestic Lounge. In the international departures area of Terminal A, there’s the Aspire Lounge, Menzies Shongololo Lounge, and Bidvest Premier Lounge. The Menzies Mashonza Lounge is also in the domestic departures area of Terminal B. Airlines like South African Airways, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Emirates also offer exclusive lounges for their top-tier passengers.

Other useful services

All travelers get four hours or up to 1GB of free internet at OR Tambo, and after that, you can buy more time. Getting online is usually easy, just connect and follow the steps to register with your email.

Other useful amenities include banks, a travel clinic, a post office and porter services.

Here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way. Don’t count on buying a local SIM card at the airport. Although there are cell phone shops, SIM cards in South Africa require registration that can be complicated for tourists. Instead, look into affordable roaming packages or invest in a portable hotspot.

Official airport hotels

There are six official airport hotels located either right in the airport precinct or a few minutes away via a free hotel shuttle. The closest is the 5-star InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, just a few steps outside the main entrance. Heads up, the Protea Airport Transit Hotel (once in Terminal A) is now closed, even though it might still be listed on some websites.

If you don’t want to pay 5-star rates, check out the 3-star Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport or 4-star options like Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport, Premier Hotel OR Tambo, and the Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo Airport. The Protea Hotel by Marriott is about 3km from the terminals with a complimentary shuttle service taking approximately 10 minutes, and they’re all convenient for a late arrival or early departure.

Car rental companies at JNB

Although driving in South Africa takes some getting used to, I love the freedom of having your own wheels, especially in a country where self-drive safaris are a thing and public transport is unreliable. You can choose from many rental companies at OR Tambo, including Europcar, Bluu (formerly Bidvest), Hertz, and Sixt. Their offices are in the dedicated Car Rental Terminal opposite the Domestic Arrivals area.

Short- and long-stay car parks

There are multiple car parks in the airport precinct, offering a range of options from pick-up and drop-off lots to short- and long-stay multi-story parkades.

You can book and pay for some in advance using the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) app, while others require payment on the day. If you need long-term parking, booking ahead can get you a significant discount.

For most visitors, the pick-up and drop-off spots are what matter. These are on different, clearly marked levels at Parkade 2 South (right in front of the Central Terminal), with Level 2 designated for pick-ups and Levels 3 and 4 for drop-offs. And in a rare move for a major international airport, they offer a generous grace period of 30 minutes before hourly rates kick in.