How to travel to South Africa

How to reach South Africa

The main airport for arriving in South Africa is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. O.R. Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in South Africa and serves as a major international and domestic hub. It is located in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, near the city of Johannesburg. Read below how to travel to South Africa:

O.R. Tambo International Airport

Most international flights to South Africa, especially those from outside the African continent, will arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport. It offers a wide range of facilities and services for travelers, including various transportation options to other cities in South Africa and neighboring countries.

Flight Times

The are approximate flight times and can vary depending on factors such as airline, route, layovers, and prevailing weather conditions. It’s advisable to check with airlines or travel agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information when planning your trip.

Here is how to travel to South Africa

Travellling to South Africa from North America

From New York to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From New York City (JFK or Newark airports), you can fly directly to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Several airlines operate direct or connecting flights to South Africa.

Direct flights: Around 14-16 hours.
Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 18-24+ hours.

Going to South Africa from UK

From London to Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban

From London (Heathrow or Gatwick airports), you can fly directly to Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban. Several airlines operate direct or connecting flights to South Africa

Direct flights: Around 11-12 hours.
Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 13-18+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from France

From Paris to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can fly direct or indirect to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Several airlines operate direct or connecting flights to South Africa

Direct flights: Around 10-11 hours.
Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 12-18+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from Germany

How to travel to South Africa from Berlin to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Berlin Tegel or Berlin Brandenburg Airport, you can fly with connecting flights to South Africa. There are no direct flights from Berlin to South Africa, but several airlines operate direct or connecting flights to South Africa via other European hubs.

Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 13-20+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from The United Arab Emirates

From Dubai to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Dubai International Airport, you can fly directly or with connecting flights to Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Direct flights: Around 8-9 hours.
Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 10-15+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from Nigeria

How to go to South Africa from Nigeria – from Lagos to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, you can fly directly to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Several airlines operate direct or connecting flights to South Africa

Direct flights: Around 5-6 hours.
Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 8-12+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from Kenya

How to reach South Africa from Kenya – from Nairobi to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the national airline of Kenya offers direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Alternatively, you can fly with connecting flights via other African hubs.

Direct flights: Around 4-5 hours.
Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 7-12+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from Brazil

How to travel to South Africa from Rio de Janeiro to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, you can fly with connecting flights to South Africa. There are no direct flights from Rio de Janeiro to South Africa, but several airlines operate direct or connecting flights to South Africa, via their respective hubs.

Indirect flights: Varies significantly based on layovers, but typically 18-30+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from Australia

How to go to South Africa from Australia – from Sydney to Johannesburg or Cape Town

Like from Hong Kong, flying is the most convenient option from Sydney to South Africa.
Direct flights are available from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.
Several airlines operate direct or connecting flights between Sydney and South Africa.

Direct flights: Around 11-14 hours.
Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 15-20+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from China

From Hong Kong to Johannesburg or Cape Town

The most common and efficient way to travel from Hong Kong to South Africa is by air.
You can take a direct flight from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to either O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.

Direct flights: Around 12-14 hours.
Indirect flights: Varies based on layovers, but typically 15-20+ hours.

How to reach South Africa from China – from Beijing to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Beijing Capital International Airport, you can fly with connecting flights to South Africa. There are no direct flights from Beijing to South Africa, but several airlines operate direct or connecting flights to South Africa, via their respective hubs.

Indirect flights: Varies significantly based on layovers, but typically 15-30+ hours.

How to reach South Africa from India

From Delhi to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, you can fly with connecting flights to South Africa. There are no direct flights from Delhi to South Africa, but airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines offer connecting flights via their respective hubs.

For each route, consider factors such as flight duration, layover times, and airline preferences when planning your trip to South Africa.

Indirect flights: Varies significantly based on layovers, but typically 14-25+ hours.

Travellling to South Africa from Japan

How to travel to South Africa from Japan – from Tokyo to Johannesburg or Cape Town

From Tokyo Narita or Tokyo Haneda Airport, you can fly with connecting flights to South Africa. There are no direct flights from Tokyo to South Africa, but several airlines operate direct or connecting flights to South Africa, via their respective hubs.

Indirect flights: Varies significantly based on layovers, but typically 17-30+ hours.