🇿🇦 Flights to Johannesburg
Cheap Flights to Johannesburg from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Dream Fare beats comparison sites with exclusive fares on direct and connecting flights from London to Johannesburg.
Airlines to Johannesburg
All Airlines Flying London to Johannesburg
Johannesburg has excellent daily direct flights from London. We compare every airline to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Johannesburg
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 1 bag up to 23kg | 1 x 23kg | Hand baggage included on all fares |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Economy Light may vary |
| South African Airways | 1 bag up to 8kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Best two-piece allowance on the route |
| Emirates | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Flex fares may vary — confirm at booking |
| Qatar Airways | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Excellent for families with extra luggage |
When to Fly
Best Time to Fly London to Johannesburg
South Africa’s seasons are opposite to the UK. Johannesburg has a subtropical highland climate with warm summers and mild dry winters. Johannesburg is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Dry Winter Season
May — September
South African winter is mild and dry in Johannesburg (10°C to 20°C). Excellent for game viewing in Kruger — animals gather at waterholes. Blue skies and low humidity.
Spring Season
Oct — November
Wildflowers bloom across South Africa. Warm and pleasant. Baby animals in Kruger. Competitive fares before the December peak.
Peak Season
Dec — January
South African summer and school holidays. Very expensive and busy. Christmas and New Year demand from the large UK South African community is very high.
Good Value
Feb — April
Late summer. Still warm with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Competitive fares. Good for city breaks and wine country visits.
About Johannesburg
Johannesburg — City of Gold
Johannesburg — or Joburg, or eGoli (City of Gold) — is Africa’s economic powerhouse and one of the continent’s most dynamic cities. Founded on gold mining in 1886, it has grown into a sprawling metropolis of over 6 million people and the financial capital of Africa.
🦌
Kruger National Park
Africa’s most famous national park is a 4 to 5 hour drive from Johannesburg. Kruger covers nearly 2 million hectares and has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on earth — the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) plus wild dogs, cheetahs and over 500 bird species.
🏛️
Apartheid Museum
One of Africa’s finest museums — a powerful and moving account of South Africa’s apartheid era and the remarkable transition to democracy. The Apartheid Museum is essential viewing for any visitor to Johannesburg and one of the most important human rights museums in the world.
🏙️
Soweto
South Africa’s most famous township and the home of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Soweto (South Western Townships) is a vibrant city within a city of over 1 million people. The Hector Pieterson Museum, Mandela House and the famous Orlando Towers are essential Soweto experiences.
🍷
Winelands Day Trip
While the Cape Winelands are based around Cape Town, Johannesburg’s own wine scene is growing. The Cradle of Humankind Winelands and the Magaliesberg region offer excellent wine estates within 90 minutes of the city. Many visitors also combine Joburg with a Cape Town wine tour.
🍜
Johannesburg Food Scene
Johannesburg has one of Africa’s most sophisticated restaurant scenes. Braaivleis (South African barbecue) is the national obsession. Biltong, boerewors, bobotie (curried mince), bunny chow (Durban curry in bread), peri-peri chicken and koeksisters (fried syrup pastry) are all essential South African food experiences.
💼
Business Hub of Africa
Johannesburg is the economic capital of Africa. The Sandton CBD — often called the richest square mile in Africa — is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, major multinational headquarters and luxury hotels. A major destination for UK business travellers across all sectors.
Top Places to Visit in Johannesburg
Kruger National Park
A 4 to 5 hour drive or 1 hour flight from Johannesburg. Africa’s most famous national park with the highest concentration of wildlife on earth. The Big Five, wild dogs, cheetahs and over 500 bird species in a vast wilderness. The most popular safari destination for UK visitors to South Africa.
Apartheid Museum
One of the finest museums in Africa — a comprehensive and deeply moving account of South Africa’s apartheid era. Essential viewing for every visitor to Johannesburg. The museum’s design, exhibitions and film archive are extraordinary in their power and detail.
Soweto Township Tour
A guided tour of Soweto — South Africa’s most famous township and the birthplace of the anti-apartheid movement. Visit Mandela House (now a museum), the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the vibrant Vilakazi Street and the iconic Orlando Towers. An essential and profound Johannesburg experience.
Sandton City & Nelson Mandela Square
The heart of Johannesburg’s luxury shopping and dining scene. Nelson Mandela Square — with its 6-metre bronze statue of Mandela — is the social hub of Sandton. Surrounded by the finest restaurants, boutiques and the luxury Sandton Sun hotel.
Cradle of Humankind (UNESCO)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site 50km northwest of Johannesburg — a series of limestone caves containing the richest concentration of human ancestor fossils ever found. The Maropeng Visitor Centre tells the extraordinary story of human evolution from 3.5 billion years of Earth history.
Gold Reef City
A theme park and museum built around a former gold mine that gives Johannesburg its name (eGoli — City of Gold). Visitors can go underground into the actual mine shaft, watch gold pouring demonstrations and explore the Victorian-era mine buildings. Excellent for families.
Travel Tips
Johannesburg Travel Guide
🛂
Visa for South Africa
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Ensure your passport has at least 30 days validity beyond your departure date and at least 2 blank pages.
💱
Currency & Money
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted across Johannesburg. ATMs are available throughout the city. Inform your bank before travelling. USD and GBP can be exchanged at airports and banks. The Rand fluctuates significantly against GBP.
🚕
Getting Around Johannesburg
Uber is safe and reliable in Johannesburg and is strongly recommended over roadside taxis. The Gautrain rapid rail connects O.R. Tambo Airport to Sandton and Pretoria. Renting a car is recommended for Kruger and day trips. Drive on the left — same as the UK.
📱
SIM Cards & Data
Vodacom, MTN and Cell C SIM cards available at O.R. Tambo Airport. Vodacom has the best coverage and reliability. 4G coverage is excellent across Johannesburg. South Africa has good mobile internet infrastructure. Data bundles are affordable.
🌡️
Weather in Johannesburg
Johannesburg has a subtropical highland climate (altitude 1,753m). Summers (Oct to April) are warm (25°C to 30°C) with afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (May to Sep) are dry, sunny and mild (8°C to 20°C) but nights can be cold. Pack a warm layer for winter evenings.
🔒
Safety in Johannesburg
Johannesburg requires more caution than most African cities. Use Uber rather than roadside taxis at all times. Avoid walking in unfamiliar areas after dark. Stay in recommended areas (Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose Arch). Johannesburg is very safe if standard precautions are followed.
Flights to Johannesburg FAQ
How long is the flight from London to Johannesburg?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) take approximately 11 hours. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways all operate daily direct services. Connecting flights via Addis Ababa, Dubai or Doha take 13 to 15 hours.
Do UK citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter South Africa for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival. Ensure your passport has at least 30 days validity beyond your departure date and at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
Which airport serves Johannesburg?
Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) — South Africa’s largest and busiest airport, located approximately 25km east of the Sandton city centre. The Gautrain rapid rail connects the airport to Sandton in approximately 15 minutes.
What is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
May to September (South African winter) is excellent for Kruger safaris — dry conditions and animals gather at waterholes. October to November is beautiful with wildflowers and baby animals. December and January are peak season with higher prices due to South African summer holidays.
Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Johannesburg requires standard urban precautions. Use Uber rather than roadside taxis, stay in recommended areas (Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose Arch), avoid walking in unfamiliar areas after dark and keep valuables secure. Millions of UK tourists visit Johannesburg safely every year.
How much do return flights from London to Johannesburg cost?
Return flights from London to Johannesburg start from approximately £449 with Dream Fare. Prices vary by airline, travel dates and booking lead time. December and South African school holiday periods are the most expensive. Contact us for the latest exclusive fares.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.