JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | GUIDE TO JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JNB)

Located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, Johannesburg Airport (also known as OR Tambo International Airport)( IATA: JNB, ICAO: FAOR) serves as South Africa's principal airport. It can handle up to 28 million people annually, making it the busiest airport in Africa. There are two airport terminals, one for domestic and one for international flights.

There are 11,500 parking spaces available at the airport, including short-term lots near the terminals and long-term lots off-airport that offer complimentary shuttle service. Public transportation options at the airport include the fast Gautrain, traditional taxis, and hotel shuttles. OR Tambo International Airport is one of only four airports worldwide to offer nonstop connections to all six inhabited continents. Its clean and efficient facilities have earned it a stellar reputation. In 2006, the airport was given the name of Oliver Reginald Tambo, an anti-apartheid leader, to recognize his efforts.

OR Tambo International Airport, formerly Jan Smuts Airport, was established in 1952 near Kempton Park on Johannesburg's East Rand. The airport was constructed to take the place of the Palmietfontein International Airport. In 1994, the airport was called Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport. In 2006, the name was changed back to Johannesburg International Airport.

Nowadays, Airports Corporation South Africa owns and operates the airport, which acts as a hub for South African Airways, with over 28 million passengers traveling through its two terminals each year. The airport has a museum, a medical center, banks, an accommodation counter, 40 stores, and approximately ten restaurants. It also has business services, a chapel, and religious places for Muslim visitors.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Johannesburg Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Johannesburg Airport
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• See all airlines and routes that serve Johannesburg Airport

Transfer Services at Johannesburg Airport

Johannesburg Airport offers a variety of transfer services. Shuttle services, metered taxis, and the Johannesburg Gautrain Service are among them. SIXT ride also provides fixed-price shuttles to famous places such as Johannesburg's city center, Sandton, and Pretoria, with the option of selecting a vehicle class and arranging a professional English-speaking driver.

Shuttle services to and from the airport and adjacent areas are also available, provided by various firms in the Johannesburg/Pretoria area. Tourists can also arrange private transportation to Sun City or take half-day and full-day tours of Soweto and the Pilanesberg National Reserve. Some firms provide luxury vehicles and customized attention. The cost fluctuates depending on the number of people and the length of the journey.

Rental Car Services at Johannesburg Airport

Thrifty, Avis, Hertz, 1First Car Rental, GREEN MOTION, Woodford, Keddy by Europcar, and Tempest Car all have rental car services available at Johannesburg Airport. To rent a car, you must be at least the minimum age given by the provider and have a valid driver or international driving license. It's good to check with your rental car company about age restrictions and any extra services they may provide, such as navigation systems or baby seats. See and compare all rental car companies at Johannesburg Airport.

It is also advisable to avoid peak traffic hours of 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. to save time and prevent delays. The cost of a rental automobile varies depending on the type of vehicle, the time of year, and the company you choose. It is best to reserve ahead of time to secure a car and discover the most reasonable option.

Taxi Service at Johannesburg Airport

Official taxi services are offered at Johannesburg Airport and may be found in the central taxi waiting area. The meter computes and charges a taxi fare depending on the distance traveled and time is taken. A cab ride from the airport to the city center costs roughly 600 ZAR ($40), not including a tip.

It's essential to watch out for taxi drivers who don't have licenses because they may try to charge more. Only use official taxi services. Private airport transfer services, such as Welcome Pickups, are also available, with pricing similar to traditional taxis and the added convenience of an English-speaking driver, flight monitoring, and customizable to vehicle sizes. Booking ahead is usually advised to ensure the best pricing and prevent hidden fees. See more information about taxis at Johannesburg Airport.

Bus Service at Johannesburg Airport

Five bus lines to the city leave from the airport twice a day. Metrobus and Putco run these lines. The Gautrain bus service is also available. It runs every 12 to 20 minutes, making getting to Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria, and other places easy. There is also a hop-on, hop-off city tour by open-top bus with a history and sightseeing guide. Check schedules and book ahead of time, especially when there are a lot of people traveling. More information about buses to and from Johannesburg Airport.

Train Service at Johannesburg Airport

The Johannesburg Airport is connected to the city by the Gautrain. The airport is connected to Johannesburg and Pretoria by train. Trains run on a consistent schedule during peak and off-peak times. The rail system is linked together and meets international safety and security standards. Commuters can get to the East-West commuter line from Sandton and Marlboro stations. More information about train services near Johannesburg Airport.

The trip from Sandton to the airport only takes 12 minutes, so it's quick and easy. Travelers can buy tickets at stations from machines that only take pennies. Also, Park Station in Johannesburg is Africa's biggest train station. It has both local and long-distance trains that go to many places. Especially during busy travel times, it's best to check train times and buy tickets ahead of time.

Rideshare Services at Johannesburg Airport

There are many rideshare services at Johannesburg Airport. Uber is available at the airport and provides rides to and from the airport. Depending on the terminal, pick-up points are in different places. Also, RideGuru keeps track of rideshare services in Johannesburg, and Gauteng, such as Uber, Lyft, Didi, and Ola. Drivers keep most of each fare, while the rideshare company takes a commission and a booking fee.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Johannesburg Airport

Several hotels in Johannesburg have shuttle services to and from the airport. Several choices are available, many providing complimentary shuttle services if you conduct a quick search. Shuttle services are also available at popular hotels like The Residence Boutique Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg. Some hotels, like Aero Guest Lodge, offer discounts on thousands of other hotels if you sign in.

When booking a place to stay, it's a good idea to find out if the hotel has an airport shuttle and if there are any extra fees or rules. To make sure you arrive and leave on time, it's also important to plan and book shuttle services in advance.

Parking Services at Johannesburg Airport

Travelers can choose from different parking options at Johannesburg Airport. The airport has nine parking lots with different prices depending on how long you park. Short-term parking starts at about R20 per hour, while long-term parking starts at R85 for 24 hours. Travelers can save up to 60% on ACSA's on-site parking rates if they book parking online. See more information about short and long term parking at Johannesburg Airport.

The airport offers limited parking options that can be booked online or paid on-site, with penalty tariffs for lost tickets or leaving vehicles unattended in a pickup and drop-off parking zones. There are also several places to park your car, including an underground lot, a multi-story garage, and four lots on the ground level. Free shuttle buses run every five minutes to connect the farthest parking lots to the terminal.

Other Services at Johannesburg Airport

There are a lot of services and amenities for travelers at Johannesburg Airport, with over 40 shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars with a wide range of food and drinks. The airport provides public wifi in both the domestic and international terminals, banking and ATM options, foreign exchange services, a Christian Chapel, a Muslim prayer facility, a conference center, resources for people with disabilities, flight information, check-in kiosks, restrooms with baby-changing amenities, public phones, and the Vodacom Superstore and other mobile phone stores which rent out mobiles.

There are also places to sleep overnight in the airport, such as benches, lounges, or nearby hotels. Lounges can be reached in domestic and international terminals by paying at the door, being a member of a lounge membership program, or having a ticket for a higher class of service.

Disabled Services at Johannesburg Airport

Johannesburg Airport has several services for disabled travelers, such as help with wheelchairs, pickup, and drop-off zones, accessible toilets, and phones that people with disabilities can use. People with disabilities can also call their airlines for help getting on and off the plane or to get a wheelchair at the airport.

JODOGO Airport Assistance offers services like wheelchair assistance and priority check-in and check-out at airports to ensure people with special needs have a smooth trip. All airports in South Africa, including OR Tambo International Airport, meet minimum standards for disabled travelers. This means there are travelators, ramps, lifts, and wheelchair access to shops, restaurants, and viewing areas.

Wifi Services at Johannesburg Airport

Passengers can use the free wifi at Johannesburg Airport for up to 240 minutes. Passengers must sign up and fill out a form with their information to use the wifi. Once they have signed up, they can use the wifi for up to 240 minutes. In the boarding areas of their nine airports, passengers can use free wifi for up to 4 hours or 1GB/500MB of data. This service is available for free. To connect to the wifi, passengers must choose the #AIRPORTS FREE network and enter their email address for verification.

Baggage Claim at Johannesburg Airport

At Johannesburg Airport, you need to go to the area where you can get your bags. If you arrive on a domestic flight or have already gone through customs on an international flight, you do not need to go through customs again. Just go to the luggage carousel and get your bags.

If you are coming into South Africa for the first time on an international flight, you must go through immigration, get your bags, and go through customs before leaving the baggage claim area. If you have any problems with your bags, you can ask for help from the airport's Lost and Found department. The number to call to get in touch with the department at the airport is +27 (0)11 921 6911.

Information Desks at Johannesburg Airport

Information desks are located throughout Johannesburg Airport. International Arrivals, International Departures, and Domestic Arrivals all have information desks. All terminal buildings have information desks operated by Info Africa and the South African Tourist Board.

Smoking Areas at Johannesburg Airport

At Johannesburg Airport, you can only smoke in certain places outside the terminals. After going through security, you can smoke in Terminal A, a smoking lounge on the mezzanine level. But the smoking area on the airside of Terminal A closes at 8 p.m., and Terminal B has no smoking areas. Several restaurants offer dedicated smoking areas, but guests must purchase food or beverages to smoke. In South Africa, smoking is prohibited in all public places, including the airport.

Lost and Found at Johannesburg Airport

If you lose something at Johannesburg Airport, you could ask for help from the Lost Property Office. Call the Lost Property Office at +27 (0)11 921 6262. The airport's contact information can also be used for general questions about lost items and luggage. Go to the Mezzanine Level via the escalator to the Lost Property Office in the International Arrivals Terminal. For the Lost Property Office to be able to help you quickly, you must give a detailed description of the lost item.

Restrooms at Johannesburg Airport

At the airport, there are restrooms in all of the terminal buildings. People should be able to find bathrooms in all of the airport terminals easily. There are showers in some parts of the airport, but not in the public restrooms. There are showers in the Aspire Lounge, which is on the airside of Terminal A. You can pay at the door to get into the lounge.

ATMs and Currency Exchange at Johannesburg Airport

Johannesburg Airport has multiple money exchanges. Travelex Global Money Foreign Exchange, Bidvest Bank/Rennies Foreign Exchange, American Express Foreign Exchange, and Inter Africa Bureau de Change. Standard Bank, ABSA Bank, Nedbank, and First National Bank have airport ATMs. These ATMs allow cash withdrawal, deposit, and banking.

Credit cards, bank accounts, and Priority Passes allow admission to several airport lounges. The International Arrivals terminal's public concourse and the Domestic terminal's shopping concourse include ATMs. Neither hotels or stores, ATMs, or currency exchange offices offer the greatest exchange rates.

Shops and Restaurants at Johannesburg Airport

There are many shops and restaurants for people to enjoy at Johannesburg Airport. There are duty-free shops selling luxury goods, souvenir shops selling gifts made in the area, and shops selling gifts only. You can buy clothes, shoes, arts and crafts from Africa, health and beauty products, and duty-free items.

There are also banks, places to exchange money, pharmacies, a clinic, a post office, and a place to get your VAT back. There are maps and directories at the airport that can help you find your way around. There are also several restaurants and cafes at the airport, such as Cafe Marchetti, Cafe Public, and Cappello.

History of Johannesburg Airport

Johannesburg Airport has a long history that goes back to 1952, when it was called Jan Smuts Airport, after a former South African Prime Minister. The airport was built on the East Rand near Kempton Park. It replaced Palmietfontein International Airport, which needed to catch up with the growing demand for air travel in the area. After the end of apartheid and the start of a democratic government in South Africa in 1994, the airport was given a new name: Johannesburg International Airport. In 2006, the airport's name was changed again to honor Oliver Reginald Tambo, a well-known politician who fought against apartheid and former head of the African National Congress.

Over the years, Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport has grown in several ways to keep up with the growing number of people who fly. Today, the airport has two main runways and some airside and ground facilities. It can handle up to 28 million passengers each year. The airport is South Africa's main airport for both domestic and international travel. It is also a hub for South African Airways.

About Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg (Jozi or Joburg), is a significant gold and diamond trade center on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand hills. Democracy, apartheid, and mining shaped the city. Gauteng's capital, Johannesburg, is the largest. 5,635,127 lived there in 2019. Johannesburg has mild winters and summers. It has a rich culture, museums, theaters, and art galleries. It generates 16% of South Africa's GDP and employs 12%.

Mining, manufacturing, finance, and services employ Johannesburgers. South Africa's financial center is Africa's largest Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Johannesburg's economy depends on gold and diamond mining. The city makes textiles, clothes, electronics, and food. Tourism, banking, and retail employ many Johannesburgers. Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City, and Nelson Mandela Square attract tourists. FNB Joburg Art Fair and Johannesburg International Mozart Festival.

Johannesburg is milder, drier, and sunnier from May to September, which is great for outdoor activities and touring. June temperatures are three °C (38°F), and September temperatures are 27°C (81°F), with occasional hot days reaching 31°C (88°F).

Fall has the most holidays and near-perfect weather from March to May. December–February is hot and rainy. Avoid January, the rainiest month. Nights are cold in June–August.

Useful Contact information

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, and Johannesburg is no exception. In case of an emergency, it is essential to know what to do for your safety. In Johannesburg, South Africa, the best thing to do in an emergency is 011 37 55 911, which is the number for all emergency services, available day and night, seven days a week, including ambulances, fire trucks, and metro police.

Hospital

Helen Joseph Hospital

Address: Rossmore, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa

Tel No. +27 11 489 1011

Police

South African Police Service

Address: 1 Commissioner Street Johannesburg 2000

Tel. No. 011-4977000

Johannesburg Airport Contacts

Address: 1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, South Africa

Information: +27 11 921 6262

Cargo Customer Service: +27(0)60 969 7505

Lost and Found: +27 21 935 3737

Customer Assistance: +27 (0)11 921 6262

Website: https://ortambo-airport.com/index.html

Local Information

Drive on: Left

Electricity: 230V/50GHz

Plug Type: C, D, M, N

Time at Airport: GMT +2

Currency: South African Rand/ZAR

Language: isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, English, and Afrikaans

Wifi At the Airport: Johannesburg Airport offers free wifi for 240 minutes. Wifi requires registration and a form. Signing up gives them 240 minutes of wifi. Passengers can utilize free wifi for 4 hours or 1GB/500MB at their nine airport boarding zones. Free service. Passengers must select #AIRPORTS FREE and verify their email address to use the wifi.