O.R. Tambo International Airport

O.R. Tambo International Airport is not merely the air gateway to Johannesburg, but the largest and busiest aviation hub in all of Africa. Its history began in 1952, and in that same year, it entered aviation history by hosting the world's first commercial jet flight. Today, it is a modern complex that serves as the main hub for the national carrier of South Africa and acts as a key intersection for routes from around the globe. The airport was also the first on the continent to service the giant Airbus A380, highlighting its world-class technical facilities and strategic importance.

For the convenience of travellers, essential information about the airport is provided below.

A key feature of the airport is its location at an altitude of nearly 1,700 metres above sea level. This unique geographical position necessitates one of the longest runways in the world — exceeding 4,400 metres in length. Such a runway is essential to ensure the safe take-off of fully loaded long-haul airliners in the thin mountain air. The airport consists of several terminals, conveniently connected to one another, serving both international and domestic flights.

Everything necessary for passenger comfort is provided at O.R. Tambo Airport. Travellers have access to numerous shops, restaurants and cafes, currency exchange points, as well as free Wi-Fi with time or data limits. Convenient transport connections, including the high-speed Gautrain, allow for quick and easy access to the centre of Johannesburg and neighbouring Pretoria.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). We recommend verifying the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: www.airports.co.za — here you will find the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Help Desk Phone: +27 (0)11 921 6262 — for general enquiries related to airport operations.
• Airport Address: 1 Jones Road, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, South Africa.
• Email: customercare@airports.co.za — for feedback and questions to customer support.
• Social Media: The airport is present on various platforms where news and updates are published. For example, the official account on X (formerly Twitter): @ortambo_airport.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during a flight, you should first contact your airline's representative. For items left within the airport terminal, you can contact the Lost Property office.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance directly at the airport, please visit the information desks. For phone or email enquiries, please use the contacts listed above.

Reaching O.R. Tambo International Airport, the main transport hub of Johannesburg and all of South Africa, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. On average, a trip from the city centre takes between 30 to 60 minutes, but this time can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions.

Gautrain High-Speed Train

The fastest and most reliable way to avoid Johannesburg's famous traffic jams is to use the modern Gautrain high-speed train. The station is located directly within the airport building, making this option very convenient. The train directly connects the airport with key business and tourist districts, such as Sandton. The journey from Sandton to the airport takes only about 15-20 minutes. To travel, you need to purchase a special Gautrain Gold Card and top it up. This is more expensive than a bus but significantly cheaper and faster than a taxi during rush hour.

Taxis and Transfers

Taxi services and private transfers are widely available. In the arrivals area, you will find counters for officially accredited taxi companies, which is the safest option. Mobile ride-hailing apps like Uber are also popular. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance or ensure the driver has switched on the meter. This is a convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage, but be prepared for potential increases in travel time due to traffic.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to move actively around the Gauteng province, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are present at O.R. Tambo Airport. The road infrastructure around the airport is well-developed. For those arriving in their own vehicle, several types of parking are provided on the airport grounds: from short-term parking located near the terminals to more budget-friendly long-term parking lots, from which free shuttles operate.

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the largest and busiest aviation hub in Africa. Its structure is designed for passenger convenience and consists of two main terminals that are effectively combined into one large complex: Terminal A (international flights) and Terminal B (domestic flights). Between them lies the Central Terminal Building, which serves as a link and an area with shops and restaurants.

Terminal A handles all international departures and arrivals. It is larger and more modern. On the upper level, there is a spacious check-in and departure area, from where, after passing passport control and security, passengers enter a large transit zone with numerous Duty-Free shops, restaurants, and premium lounges. The arrivals area is located on the lower level and includes passport control points, baggage claim belts, and the customs zone.

Terminal B is designed to service flights within South Africa. It is slightly smaller than Terminal A but is characterised by high traffic intensity. Check-in and departure zones are also located on the upper floor, while the arrivals zone is on the lower floor. A wide selection of cafes and shops catering to the domestic market is available here. Transitioning between terminals is very simple and does not require transport — simply walk through the Central Terminal following the signs. The entire journey takes no more than 5-10 minutes.

Navigation in the airport is intuitive thanks to numerous signs in English. Departure zones are always located on the upper floors, and Arrival zones on the lower ones. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before departure to calmly complete all formalities. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient. Given the size of the airport, always allocate extra time for walking to your boarding gate, especially if it is located in a distant part of the terminal.

The history of O.R. Tambo International Airport is inextricably linked with the development of civil aviation and South Africa itself. The airport was built near Johannesburg and officially opened in 1952 under the name Jan Smuts. Almost immediately, it entered global annals: it was here that the first commercial flight in history by a jet passenger aircraft — the de Havilland Comet arriving from London — was completed. This flight marked the beginning of a new era in air travel.

Turning points in the country's history were also reflected in the airport. In 1994, with the dawn of a new era, it was renamed Johannesburg International Airport, symbolising openness to the new world. The airport received its current name in 2006 in honour of Oliver Reginald Tambo — one of the key leaders of the anti-apartheid movement and former president of the African National Congress.

The most significant modernisation in the airport's history coincided with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosted by South Africa. As part of the preparation for the event, a new central terminal was built, elegantly connecting the old international and domestic terminals. A modern international pier was also erected, and a station for the Gautrain high-speed train was created, linking the airport with business districts and the capital, Pretoria.

Today, O.R. Tambo Airport is the largest and busiest aviation hub on the African continent, serving millions of passengers annually. An interesting fact: the airport is located at an impressive altitude of about 1,700 metres above sea level. Due to the thin air, aircraft require a longer run for take-off, so its runways are among the longest in the world, which is an engineering achievement in itself.

At O.R. Tambo International Airport, every condition has been created to ensure that waiting for a flight is as comfortable and productive as possible. Passengers have access to a full range of services meeting the needs of both business travellers and tourists heading on holiday with their families.

If you are hungry or wish to go shopping, you will find a multitude of restaurants, cosy cafes, and fast-food outlets to suit any taste in the terminals. In the Duty-Free shops, you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs at favourable prices, while numerous boutiques offer clothing and accessories from famous brands.

For those who value privacy and enhanced comfort, VIP lounges are available. Here you can relax in a quiet environment, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and make use of shower facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport territory, and special stations with sockets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices.

Handling financial matters is effortless: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are located in the arrival and departure zones. In case of health issues, a medical centre operates round-the-clock at the airport, where you can receive first aid or specialist consultation.

Passengers with children can use the mother and child rooms. A barrier-free environment has been created for travellers with reduced mobility: ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms are available. Additionally, assistance services can be booked in advance through your airline.

For long layovers or early departures, it is convenient to stay at one of the hotels located either on the airport grounds or in the immediate vicinity. Business travellers are offered the services of business centres and conference rooms equipped with everything necessary for work and meetings.

O.R. Tambo International Airport offers a multitude of dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Here you will find both world-famous fast-food chains and restaurants introducing the colourful cuisine of South Africa. Regardless of whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or want a full lunch while waiting for your flight, a suitable establishment can be found at Johannesburg airport.

Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in several key zones. In the public area (landside), accessible before passing passport and customs control, there is a large food court. Here you can find popular establishments such as KFC, McDonald's, Steers, as well as cosy coffee shops like Mugg & Bean or Vida e Caffè, serving excellent coffee and fresh pastries. This is a convenient option if you are seeing someone off or have arrived at the airport well in advance.

After passing control (airside), the choice becomes even wider, especially in the international departures zone (Terminal A). For a full meal, you can head to one of the table-service restaurants. We recommend looking out for the Spur Steak Ranches chain, where you can try famous steaks and ribs, or Ocean Basket, specialising in seafood. If you wish to experience local delicacies, look for places offering biltong (cured meat) or traditional "gatsby" sandwiches. For a quick and healthy snack, Kauai is ideal, offering smoothies, salads, and wraps.

Travellers with specific dietary needs need not worry. Many establishments offer vegetarian and vegan dishes — they are often marked on the menu. Kauai and Mugg & Bean present a good selection of healthy and gluten-free options. Halal dishes are also available at selected dining outlets, but for certainty, it is best to verify information on-site. The price range varies from budget fast food to moderately expensive restaurants, which is typical for major international airports.

The opening hours of most establishments are adapted to flight schedules. Many cafes in departure zones open early in the morning and work until late at night. Some fast-food outlets in the public zone may operate 24 hours a day, which is particularly convenient for passengers on night flights. Thus, it is practically impossible to stay hungry at O.R. Tambo Airport.

Travelling through O.R. Tambo International Airport, the main aviation hub of Johannesburg and all of South Africa, will be easier and more comfortable if you plan all details in advance. These tips will help you navigate one of the busiest airports in Africa.

Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — no less than 2 hours prior. O.R. Tambo Airport is large, and during peak hours, queues for check-in and security control can be significant.

Check-in and Security: To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Security checkpoints here operate thoroughly. Be prepared in advance to remove laptops, tablets, and liquid containers from your hand luggage into a separate tray.

Seat Selection: For long-haul flights from Johannesburg, seat choice matters. A window seat will allow you to enjoy views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat offers more legroom and the freedom to stand up without disturbing neighbours.

Hand Luggage: Standard international rules apply here: liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check hand luggage and baggage allowances on your airline's website.

Transfer Passengers: O.R. Tambo Airport is a major transit hub. Follow the "International Transfers" or "Domestic Transfers" signs carefully. If you are flying from another country on a domestic flight within South Africa, you will likely need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, and re-check it for the next flight.

Customs Control: When entering the country, be prepared to fill out a declaration. If you have goods subject to declaration, proceed through the "Red Channel". In most cases, the procedure is quick, but queues are possible.

Saving Time and Money: Book a transfer from the airport in advance to avoid inflated prices from taxi drivers on-site. Use the free Wi-Fi to contact loved ones. Water and food in Duty-Free shops or outlets after the security zone may be cheaper than on board the aircraft.

In Case of Flight Delay: Do not panic. Find your airline's representative counter to get information about the new departure time and your rights (drinks, food, hotel accommodation for long delays). O.R. Tambo Airport has many shops, cafes, and waiting lounges where you can spend time comfortably.