O.R. Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg, South Africa · Since 1952
Last updated:
About JNB
The busiest airport in Africa and a major hub for South African Airways.
Terminals
Terminal A (International)
International departures and arrivals terminal. Features duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and international carrier check-in counters. Recently refurbished with improved passenger facilities.
Terminal B (Domestic)
Main domestic terminal serving all domestic carriers. Features shops, restaurants, and airline lounges. Handles the majority of daily flights.
Central Terminal Building
Connects Terminal A and B with check-in facilities, ground transportation, and the Gautrain station entrance. Houses main shopping and dining areas.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at JNB
South African Airways
Terminal A (International) Hub
British Airways
Terminal B (Domestic)
FlySafair
Terminal B (Domestic)
Kulula
Terminal B (Domestic)
Afrijet
Air Algerie
Air Austral
Air Botswana
Showing 8 of 46 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
R400-R600 (~$22-$33)
30-45 minutes to city center
Public Transport
R180 (~$10)
25-30 minutes to city center
Parking at JNB
Parkade (Covered Short Term)
Open Air Parking
ACSA Valet Parking
Park 'n Fly
Airport Lounges
South African Airways Premium Lounge
Terminal A (International)
SAA's flagship lounge with à la carte dining, premium South African wines, spa treatments, and sleeping suites. Star Alliance Gold access.
SLOW Lounge International
Terminal A (International)
Popular independent lounge in international departures with South African cuisine, premium bar, showers, and sleeping pods. Priority Pass accepted.
SLOW Lounge Domestic
Terminal B (Domestic)
Domestic departure lounge with local cuisine, craft drinks, comfortable seating, and shower facilities. Open to various card programs.
Bidvest Premier Lounge (International)
Terminal A (International)
Well-equipped international lounge with buffet, bar, business center, and shower rooms. Priority Pass and Diners Club accepted.
Bidvest Premier Lounge (Domestic)
Terminal B (Domestic)
Comfortable domestic lounge with South African snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and work stations.
Mango Lounge
Terminal B (Domestic)
Budget-friendly lounge for Mango Airlines passengers and walk-in guests. Basic snacks and beverages in a quiet environment.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo
Inside the airport complex, accessible without leaving the terminal
Conveniently located inside the airport terminal. Clean rooms, 24-hour reception, and restaurant. Perfect for transit passengers.
InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
Adjacent to international arrivals, connected via covered walkway
Luxury hotel connected to the airport with pool, spa, fitness center, and multiple restaurants. The best option for premium transit stays.
Nearby Hotels
Road Lodge OR Tambo Airport
Herman Road, Kempton Park, 3 km from airport
Budget accommodation with basic clean rooms. Free airport shuttle available. Good for overnight stays before early flights.
Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport
Airport perimeter, 1.5 km from terminal
Southern Sun hotel with restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool. Free shuttle runs every 30 minutes to the terminal.
Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport
Airport access road, 2 km from terminal
Modern Marriott property with outdoor pool, gym, restaurant, and free airport shuttle. Good mid-range option.
Food & Dining
Wimpy
Fast Food/South African
Terminal A (International) (Airside)
South African fast food institution serving burgers, toasted sandwiches, and their famous breakfast menu. Open 24 hours for late-night hunger.
24 hours
Mugg & Bean
South African/Cafe
Terminal A (International) (Airside)
Popular South African coffee chain with generous portions. Famous for their bottomless coffee, giant muffins, and all-day breakfast.
24 hours
Life Grand Cafe
International/Bar
Terminal A (International) (Airside)
Upscale restaurant and cocktail bar with South African wines, craft cocktails, and a menu of gourmet burgers, steaks, and seafood.
08:00-22:00
Kauai
Healthy/Smoothies
Terminal B (Domestic) (Airside)
Health-focused South African chain with smoothie bowls, wraps, salads, and fresh juices. Great for a light, nutritious meal.
06:00-20:00
Ocean Basket
Seafood
Terminal B (Domestic) (Airside)
South African seafood restaurant chain serving calamari, grilled fish, prawn dishes, and sushi. Fresh and flavorful.
06:00-21:00
Nando's
Portuguese/Chicken
Central Terminal Building (Landside)
World-famous South African peri-peri chicken chain. Try the famous flame-grilled chicken with their signature hot sauces.
06:00-22:00
Car Rental
Avis
Ground floor, International Arrivals area
Major rental company with good vehicle selection. South Africa drives on the left side of the road.
Europcar
Ground floor, International Arrivals area
Wide range of vehicles available. Useful for road trips to Kruger National Park (4-5 hours drive).
Hertz
Ground floor, International Arrivals area
Reliable international brand. Gold Plus Rewards members skip the queue.
Budget
Ground floor, International Arrivals area
Budget-friendly option. Check for online discounts and promotional rates.
First Car Rental
Ground floor, International Arrivals area
Local South African company with competitive rates. Good alternative to international brands.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Duty Free & Shopping
OR Tambo has extensive duty-free shopping with South African wines, biltong, rooibos tea, and African crafts. Good prices on local goods.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Nelson Mandela Square (Sandton)
Visit the iconic 6-meter bronze statue of Nelson Mandela in Sandton. Surrounded by shops and restaurants. Easy 15-minute Gautrain ride from the airport.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Peaceful 81-hectare garden with rose garden, succulent rockery, and indigenous plants. Good escape from the airport bustle on a longer layover.
Maboneng Precinct
Johannesburg's hippest neighborhood with art galleries, street art, craft markets, and trendy cafes. Best visited on weekends for the Arts on Main market.
Apartheid Museum
Powerful museum documenting the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa. Located near Gold Reef City, about 30 minutes from the airport by Gautrain and taxi.
Constitution Hill
Former prison complex where Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were held. Now home to South Africa's Constitutional Court. Deeply moving historical experience.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (30 minutes free, then paid)
- Power Outlets: Type M, Type N (South African standard)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: R80-R150 per day (~$4.50-$8)
- Showers: R100-R200 (~$5.50-$11)
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: ZAR (South African Rand)
Smoking Areas
Designated outdoor smoking areas outside terminal buildings
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+27 11-921-6262