Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB) Flights & Flight Status

Named after anti-apartheid activist Oliver Reginald Tambo, South Africa’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is located in Kempton Park, Gauteng – approximately 14 miles northwest of Johannesburg and 30 miles south of the administrative capital, Pretoria. I lived in South Africa for almost 10 years, during which time I flew in and out of OR Tambo countless times both domestically and internationally in my role as a freelance travel writer. Certain safety issues aside (more on that below), it’s a modern and generally efficient travel hub that offers all the amenities you’d expect from the second-busiest airport on the African continent.

Staying safe at JNB

Before we delve into the details, a word of warning: OR Tambo does have an unfortunate reputation for petty theft and on several occasions I have had my checked luggage tampered with at this airport. 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.

Understanding the OR Tambo Layout

Given that OR Tambo is not that big compared to say, London Heathrow (LHR), it can be confusing to navigate for first-time visitors. That’s because the terminals are spread over four floors and often referred to by different names. In reality, there are two main terminals: Terminal A (for international flights) and Terminal B (for domestic flights), with a Central Terminal that acts as a covered walkway in between them.

On Level 0, you’ll find International Arrivals in Terminal A and Domestic Arrivals in Terminal B. Level 1 hosts International Departures and check-in counters (Terminal A) and Domestic Departures (Terminal B). However, the domestic check-in counters are located separately on Level 2. Level 3 is reserved for the Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge. Levels are connected by a series of lifts, and walking between the two terminals is easy.

The first time I flew out of OR Tambo, I got completely confused by the fact that there are exceptions to the above rule. Check-in desks for all South African Airways and Qantas flights, for example, are located in Terminal B regardless of whether you’re flying locally or long distance. Be sure to check your boarding pass carefully, and make use of the helpful information desks if you get lost.

A wealth of shopping opportunities

One thing I love about OR Tambo is that there is no shortage of shops in which to while away time between flights, located before and after security in both terminals. Browse book stores and luggage shops, stock up on essentials in the newsagents or splash out on everything from South African diamonds to internationally renowned designer clothing labels.

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

Dining for all tastes

OR Tambo also 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, Spur or Steers; or 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 Terminal B’s Aircraft Brewers.

Other useful services

All passengers are entitled to four hours or up to 1GB of free internet at OR Tambo, after which you can buy additional time on a pay-as-you-go basis. Getting online is usually easy – just connect and follow the steps to register using your email address. Other useful amenities available at the airport include banks, foreign exchange bureaus, pharmacies, a clinic and several designated smoking areas.

Do not (as I did on my first visit) count on being able to purchase a local SIM at the airport. Although there are cell phone shops, all SIM cards in South Africa must be RICA’d, a registration process that requires you to provide proof of your full name and local residential address. Instead, look into affordable roaming packages, invest in a portable hotspot or prepare to rely on Wi-Fi.

Pay-per-use and airline lounges

One thing OR Tambo lacks is an abundance of comfortable, free seating especially prior to passing through security. If I have an hour or so to kill I usually spend it at one of the many excellent restaurants; but for longer layovers it’s definitely worth investing in a lounge pass. There are six pay-per-use lounges to choose from, all of which offer complimentary refreshments, beverages, showers and unlimited Wi-Fi.

In Terminal B there’s the Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge on Level 1 and the Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge on Level 3. In Terminal A, you have the Aspire Lounge and the Shongololo Premium Lounge on Level 1, and the Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge or the Mashonzha Premium Lounge on Level 2. South African Airways, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Emirates also offer exclusive lounges for their top-tier passengers.

Official airport hotels

There are five official airport hotels located either within the airport precinct or a few minutes away via free hotel shuttle. The closest is the 5-star InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, which is located just a few steps outside the airport’s main entrance. Unfortunately the Protea Airport Transit Hotel (once located in Terminal A) is now closed despite still being listed on the airport website.

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 including Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport, Premier Hotel OR Tambo and the Protea Hotel OR Tambo Airport. The furthest is a five-minute drive away, making all options convenient for a late night arrival or early morning departure.

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 are not considered safe for tourists.

Gautrain

There is an exception: the Gautrain, an express rail system serving the Gauteng area that offers 24-hour security at all stations, CCTV at the stations and on the train, and secure fencing along the entire route. The Gautrain’s Airport Service runs between OR Tambo and the Johannesburg suburbs of Sandton and Marlboro. From either of these stations, you can connect to other destinations including Midrand, Centurion and Pretoria.

The Gautrain station is located on Level 2. 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, secure airport transfers can be booked in advance on the airport website or on the day from licensed transport desks in the arrivals halls. This service offers set rates in USD to destinations within the Gauteng area (including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Midrand and Sun City) for a variety of vehicles from micro cars for couples to 10-seater mini buses for groups with a lot of luggage.

If you book this service in advance, you will be greeted at arrivals by an official with your name on a sign. I do not recommend accepting a ride with one of the unaffiliated touts on the concourse outside the entrance, and neither would I suggest using Uber to travel from the airport, especially at night.

Car rental companies at JNB

Although driving in South Africa takes some getting used to, I love the freedom of having your own wheels in a country where self-drive safaris are a thing and public transport is so unreliable. There are many rental companies to choose from at OR Tambo including Europcar, Bidvest, Hertz, Dollar and Sixt. Their offices are located at the far side of the dedicated rental car park, directly outside the entrance.

Short- and long-stay car parks

There are seven car parks within the airport precinct, offering a range of options from pick-up and drop-off lots to short- and long-stay multi-storey parkades. Some can be booked and paid for in advance using the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) app, while others require payment with cash or card on the day. If you require long-term parking, booking in advance can give you a significant discount.

Of most relevance to visitors are the pick-up and drop-off parking sites. These are located on different, signposted levels at Parkade 2 South (directly in front of the Central Terminal) and unusually for a major international airport, offer a generous grace period of 30 minutes. After that, hourly rates apply.