Cheap flights to Johannesburg for 2021

Many travellers, enchanted by South Africa's natural beauty, say it's one of those places they'd happily return to again and again. The main reasons are for its landscape, nature and wildlife. Johannesburg is the main getaway to Kruger National Park and there are several more parks within reach. A visit to South Africa's largest city and financial hub is as exciting for the vibrancy and shopping as it is humbling for learning about South Africa's past.

Though South Africa may not be as popular of a travel destination as Eur ope and the United States, the flight time to South Africa is more reasonable, especially with direct flights from Sydney and Perth.

Etihad Airways

Worldwide fights from $1,401 each way

Available on flights until 30 November 2021 to London, Beirut, Dublin, India, Turkey and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Abu Dhabi. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 9 Apr 2021

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Deal ends 20 Apr 2021

Qatar Airways

Worldwide flights from $1,298 return

Available on select flight dates in 2021. Destinations include Amsterdam, London, Paris, Rome, Turkey, Athens and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Moscow. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 9 Apr 2021

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Deal ends 23 Apr 2021

Priceline.com

Up to 50% off worldwide flights

Available on select dates when you book Express Deals. Destination include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 26 Feb 2021

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How much are flights to Johannesburg?

O.R. Tambo International Airport is the closest airport to Johannesburg and can be reached in less than 15 hours from Australia. Here's what's considered to be a good deal compared to the average cost of a flight from Australia to Johannesburg,

Johannesburg flight times

• From Sydney: Approximately 14 hrs 10 mins + when flying direct to Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport
• From Perth: Approximately 10 hrs 10 mins + when flying direct to Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport
• From Melbourne: Approximately 15 hrs + when flying direct to Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport
• From Brisbane: Approximately 14 hrs 50 mins + with one stopover, landing at Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport

Airlines that fly to Johannesburg

• Emirates
• Qantas
• Qatar
• South African Airways
• Virgin Australia

Johannesburg insider flight tips

• Virgin Australia and South African Airways offer daily direct flights to Johannesburg from Australia flying out of Perth. Qantas also offers daily flights, except for Monday and Wednesday, flying out of Sydney. When flying or connecting through Perth, the flight to Johannesburg is just over 11 hours. Other major airlines fly via Asia and the Middle East if you prefer a journey with two even legs.
• If you’ve found flights with a codeshare arrangement, such as South African Airways operated by Qantas, check both the Qantas website and the South African Airways website as one could have a cheaper fare.
• Low-cost national carriers Mango, kulula and Safair run domestic flights in South Africa. It can be cheaper to book outbound and return legs separately, with Saturday afternoon travel tending to be the cheapest. Make sure you know which airport you are landing in since Johannesburg also has a second airport, Lanseria (HLA).
• If flying with a child who is under 18, new regulations mean that you must carry their passport and a full (unabridged) birth certificate, or a copy certified in the last three months, in order to board the plane. If you are travelling as a single parent or guardian, you will need additional documents. The Australian government website Smartraveller has further advice.

How to get from the airport

O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) is Africa's busiest airport, located around 22 kilometres from Johannesburg. When you arrive, there is likely to be a lot of people offering taxi and transfer services, The Australian government advises against accepting unsolicited assistance with transport when arriving at JNB. Minibus taxis and public transport are not recommended due security concerns. Book your airport transport through your tour operator or hotel to be on the safe side.

There is a reliable Rea Vaya rapid transit bus to the centre of Johannesburg with stops along the way. It uses dedicated bus lanes and is safe and affordable. You can also arrange transport with various private shuttle companies in advance online or direct in the baggage claim area. There is also the option to rake a metered taxi, which will take up to 45 minutes to the city centre. There’s a taxi desk inside each Arrivals terminal, or you can find them outside with yellow taxi lights on the roof. Driving is an easy way to get around Johannesburg and surrounds, and major car rental companies have desks at the airport.