Book Flights to Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg — Africa's largest city, financial capital of the continent, and the city built on gold — sits at 1,750 metres on the Highveld plateau, 2 hours from the Kruger National Park and at the centre of southern Africa's aviation network. Founded in 1886 following the discovery of the Witwatersrand gold reef (which yielded a third of all gold ever mined), Johannesburg grew into a city of extraordinary energy and contradiction: the Apartheid Museum and Soweto's Mandela House tell the story of one of the 20th century's great injustices and its eventual defeat, while the Constitution Hill complex embodies South Africa's democratic redemption. OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is Africa's busiest aviation hub — the gateway to Kruger, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and the wider continent.
JNB is served by British Airways (London LHR nonstop), Emirates (Dubai DXB), KLM (Amsterdam AMS), Air France (Paris CDG), Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), Kenya Airways (Nairobi), and Delta (New York JFK). FareOptic compares all fares to find the cheapest flights to Johannesburg.
Cheap Flight Deals to Johannesburg
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Recommended for your next trip
Based on popular routes and current airfare deals
Why Visit Johannesburg, South Africa?
Johannesburg combines the Apartheid Museum, Soweto's liberation history, Constitution Hill, the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO site, and gateway access to Kruger National Park — all in Africa's most dynamic and complex city.
Apartheid Museum
The World's Best Museum on Institutionalised Racism — and Its EndThe Apartheid Museum — opened in 2001 on the edge of the Gold Reef City theme park, south Johannesburg — is widely regarded as one of the world's finest historical museums: a 22-exhibition journey through the rise, implementation, and eventual dismantling of South Africa's apartheid system (1948–1994) using photographs, film, objects, and testimonies of extraordinary power. The entrance experience — visitors are randomly assigned a 'white' or 'non-white' ticket and separated through different doors — physically replicates the discrimination experience.
The '22 Pillars of Democracy' Entry Experience
The Apartheid Museum's entrance sequence requires visitors to walk through a dedicated gate based on the racial classification printed on their randomly-assigned ticket — physically replicating South Africa's Group Areas Act and apartheid separation. The 22 concrete pillars of the entrance represent the 22 values enshrined in South Africa's post-apartheid Constitution (1996). This architecture of experience — making the visitor briefly enact the system rather than merely observe it — makes the museum's opening uniquely powerful
Soweto
South Africa's Most Historically Significant Township — Birthplace of LiberationSoweto (South Western Townships) — a cluster of townships 25 km southwest of central Johannesburg, established under apartheid to house Black Africans expelled from Johannesburg — is the birthplace of the anti-apartheid movement: Nelson Mandela's former home at 8115 Orlando West (now the Mandela House Museum), Desmond Tutu's house on the same street (the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates), the Hector Pieterson Museum (commemorating the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when police shot schoolchildren protesting Afrikaans-medium education), and the Vilakazi Street area.
The Soweto Uprising, 16 June 1976
On 16 June 1976, an estimated 20,000 Soweto schoolchildren marched in protest against the government's requirement to learn in Afrikaans — the language of the apartheid government. Police opened fire; Hector Pieterson, aged 12 or 13, was among the first killed. The photograph of Mbuyisa Makhubo carrying Pieterson's body became one of the defining images of the 20th century and triggered the international isolation of the apartheid regime. 16 June is now National Youth Day in South Africa
Cradle of Humankind
The World's Most Important Early Human Fossil Site — UNESCO World HeritageThe Cradle of Humankind — a UNESCO World Heritage Site 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, encompassing 47,000 hectares of dolomitic caves — is the world's most productive site for early human fossils: over a third of all known early human ancestor fossils have been found here. The Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves (where Mrs Ples, a 2.3-million-year-old Australopithecus africanus skull, was found in 1947) offer one of the most remarkable prehistoric experiences in Africa.
Mrs Ples and Little Foot
Sterkfontein Cave, within the Cradle of Humankind, has yielded more early hominid fossils than any other site: Mrs Ples (Sts 5 — a virtually complete Australopithecus africanus skull, 2.3 million years old, found 1947) and Little Foot (StW 573 — a remarkably complete Australopithecus skeleton, 3.67 million years old, embedded in rock for over 15 years of painstaking excavation 1997–2012) are among paleoanthropology's most significant discoveries
Constitution Hill
Johannesburg's Apartheid-Era Prison Transformed into South Africa's Constitutional CourtConstitution Hill — a complex in central Johannesburg comprising the Old Fort Prison (where both Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were imprisoned), the women's jail (Number Four), and the newly built Constitutional Court of South Africa (opened 2004) — is one of the world's most remarkable transformations of a site of oppression into a symbol of justice. The Constitutional Court building incorporates bricks from the demolished prison and artworks by 250 South African artists, including a foyer artwork made from recast prison keys.
The Constitutional Court Building
The Constitutional Court of South Africa — the highest court in the land for constitutional matters, located on the former prison site — was designed by OMM Design Workshop and Urban Solutions as a deliberately open, light-filled building contrasting with the adjacent prison's oppression: the main entrance faces the street with no security barrier, and the building's 'great African tree' foyer motif uses surviving bricks from the demolished Number 4 Prison. It is required by the Constitution to be accessible to the public
Gold Reef City and the Witwatersrand Mining Heritage
The City Built on Gold — Johannesburg's Founding StoryJohannesburg — founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand reef — grew from a mining camp to Africa's largest city in under 50 years, driven by the world's richest gold deposit. Gold Reef City (a theme park built on a former mine, with underground mine tours) and the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the AngloGold Ashanti mining archives, and the Mine Dumps (now being removed as property developers extract remaining gold from the tailings) tell the story of the world's greatest gold rush.
The Witwatersrand — The World's Richest Gold Deposit
The Witwatersrand ('Ridge of White Waters') gold reef — running 400 km east–west beneath Johannesburg — produced approximately 50,000 tonnes of gold between 1886 and 2015: roughly one-third of all the gold ever mined in human history. At its peak in the 1970s, South Africa produced 70% of the world's gold. The mines under Johannesburg reach 3.5 km below the surface — the deepest mines in the world
How to Find Cheap Flights to Johannesburg
Book Johannesburg Flights 8–12 Weeks Ahead — UK and European Demand Is High Year-Round
The London–Johannesburg route is one of the world's busiest Africa long-haul connections, with consistent year-round demand from the South African diaspora in the UK and leisure travellers to southern Africa. Book at least 8–10 weeks ahead for best fares. December and January (South African summer/school holidays) are the peak season — book 4–6 months ahead for this period.
Emirates and Qatar Routing via Gulf Hubs Often Beats Direct UK Fares — Especially from North America
For North American travellers, flying Johannesburg via Dubai (Emirates) or Doha (Qatar Airways) typically produces significantly cheaper fares than routing via London or other European hubs. The Dubai–JNB flight (8.5 hours) is shorter than the London–JNB flight (11 hours), making the total journey via DXB competitive in both time and cost. Emirates' Dubai terminal (T3) is among the world's finest transit experiences.
May–September Is Johannesburg's Winter — Dry, Sunny, and the Best Time for Safari
Johannesburg has a temperate highveld climate (1,750 metres altitude): hot wet summers (November–March, 25–30°C with afternoon thunderstorms) and mild dry winters (April–September, 5–20°C, virtually no rain). The South African winter (May–September) is the best time for safari in the Kruger National Park (2 hours from Johannesburg): animals concentrate at water sources, vegetation is thinned, and malaria risk is reduced.
Use Johannesburg as a Hub for Southern Africa — Kruger, Cape Town, Victoria Falls
OR Tambo International (JNB) is the main hub for southern Africa: domestic flights to Cape Town (2 hours), Durban (1 hour), and George (Garden Route); international connections to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe, 2 hours), Livingstone (Zambia), Botswana (for Okavango Delta safaris), Mozambique (Maputo, Inhambane), and Mauritius. Johannesburg is best used as a hub, not just a destination.
Airlines Flying to Johannesburg (JNB)
British Airways & Virgin Atlantic
Direct London–Johannesburg — Africa's Most Competitive Long-Haul RouteBritish Airways operates London Heathrow (LHR) to Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) nonstop in approximately 11 hours — the most heavily trafficked Africa long-haul route from the UK, operated multiple times daily. Virgin Atlantic also operates this route (when active), creating one of the few genuinely competitive ultra-long-haul duopolies. Both carriers offer business class flat beds, premium economy, and economy on wide-body aircraft. The LHR–JNB route is one of the world's most operationally significant Africa links.
Key Routes
London LHR nonstop, ~11 hours (multiple daily via British Airways and seasonally via Virgin Atlantic)
Emirates & Qatar Airways
Gulf Hub Connections — Often the Cheapest Route from North AmericaEmirates connects Dubai (DXB) to Johannesburg (JNB) nonstop in approximately 8.5 hours, with onward connections from the Emirates global network of 160 destinations. For North American travellers, routing New York or Los Angeles via Dubai on Emirates is often significantly cheaper than nonstop alternatives, with excellent business class product and the Dubai connection experience at DXB's Terminal 3. Qatar Airways similarly routes through Doha (DOH) to JNB.
Key Routes
Dubai DXB nonstop ~8.5h via Emirates; Doha DOH nonstop via Qatar Airways; enables North American and Asian connections
KLM, Air France & African Carriers
European and Pan-African Connections to JohannesburgKLM connects Amsterdam (AMS) to Johannesburg nonstop — one of KLM's longest routes (10.5 hours) and historically one of its most profitable. Air France connects Paris CDG nonstop. Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways serve Johannesburg as part of pan-African hub networks: Ethiopian from Addis Ababa (ADD) enables connections from across East Africa and beyond (Ethiopian's Star Alliance membership enables worldwide connections), while Kenya Airways connects from Nairobi (NBO).
Key Routes
Amsterdam AMS nonstop via KLM; Paris CDG nonstop via Air France; Addis Ababa ADD via Ethiopian; Nairobi NBO via Kenya Airways
Things to Do in and around Johannesburg, South Africa
Important Information Before You Fly to Johannesburg
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR / R) — 1 USD ≈ R18 approx.
Language
11 official languages; English widely used in business
Time Zone
SAST (UTC+2) — South Africa does not observe daylight saving
Country Code
+27 (South Africa)
Airport Code
JNB — OR Tambo International (24 km from Sandton)
US Entry
No visa required for US citizens; valid passport + 2 blank pages
Power Plugs
Type M (South African 3-pin large round) — 230V / 50Hz
Emergency Number
10111 (Police) / 10177 (Ambulance) / 10177 (Fire)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Johannesburg
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Johannesburg, South Africa
What airlines fly to Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB)?
Johannesburg OR Tambo International (JNB) is served by British Airways (London LHR, nonstop), Emirates (Dubai DXB, nonstop), KLM (Amsterdam AMS, nonstop), Air France (Paris CDG, nonstop), Lufthansa (Frankfurt FRA and Munich MUC), Qatar Airways (Doha DOH), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa ADD), Kenya Airways (Nairobi NBO), Delta Air Lines (Atlanta ATL and New York JFK, seasonal nonstop), and South African Airways (multiple African cities and select European routes).
How do I get from Johannesburg Airport to the city?
OR Tambo International (JNB) is 24 km east of Sandton (the main business district). The Gautrain rapid rail connects the airport to Sandton station in 15 minutes for R215 (approximately $12). Taxis and Uber cost R300–500 (€15–25) to Sandton or R450–700 to Rosebank/Melville. The Gautrain is the recommended option — fast, safe, and connects to the broader metro rail network.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Johannesburg, South Africa?
No — US citizens do not need a visa to visit South Africa for stays up to 90 days. A valid US passport with at least 30 days validity beyond your stay is required, plus two blank visa pages. South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR); the emergency number is 10111 (Police) or 10177 (Ambulance). Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow fever country.
Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Johannesburg has a high crime rate and requires more precaution than most international tourist cities. Key advice: use reputable transport (Uber, Gautrain) rather than metered taxis or walking in unfamiliar areas; stay in recommended areas (Sandton, Rosebank, Melville, Maboneng); avoid ostentatious display of jewellery or phones; don't walk alone at night in the CBD. With appropriate precautions, millions of tourists visit Johannesburg safely each year. Most tourist experiences (Apartheid Museum, Soweto tours, Sandton) are well-managed.
What is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
May–September (South African winter) for the best weather (clear, sunny, 5–20°C days; cold nights), best game viewing in Kruger and other parks, and lower rain probability. April and October are transitional shoulder months with pleasant temperatures. November–March brings afternoon thunderstorms (dramatic but brief), hotter days (25–32°C), and green, lush landscapes.
How far is Johannesburg from Kruger National Park?
Kruger National Park's western gate (Phabeni Gate, the closest to Johannesburg) is approximately 380 km from Johannesburg — roughly 4 hours' drive. The nearest major towns are Hazyview and White River. Alternatively, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Nelspruit has direct flights from Johannesburg (1 hour, multiple daily). Pilanesberg Game Reserve (Big Five) is 2 hours from Johannesburg — a practical day trip or overnight safari option.
24/7 Post-Flight Booking Assistance
With our 24/7 Post-Flight Booking Assistance, you will never have to manage travel challenges alone. Our highly trained travel experts are available day and night to support you with any changes, cancellations, or additional services you may require. From updating passenger details to securing special requests, we make the process smooth and stress-free.
Should your plans shift, we will walk you through every step of the cancellation and refund process, ensuring clarity and timely resolutions. In today's unpredictable travel environment, flexibility is essential, and we pride ourselves on delivering expert solutions quickly. Contact us anytime and travel with confidence knowing we will handle the details while you focus on what matters most — your journey.