Summary
1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, South Africa
Phone +27 11 921 6262
With the capacity to accommodate up to 28 million passengers every year, Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport is the busiest aviation hub in Africa. If you’re headed to South Africa or any of its neighboring countries, you will almost definitely pass through the airport at some point on your journey. Known as one of the cleanest and most efficient airports on the continent, it’s a great place to spend a lengthy layover – especially since the refurbishment completed ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
O.R. Tambo Code, Location and Contact Info
- Airport code: JNB
- Location: O.R. Tambo is located in the Johannesburg suburb of Kempton Park, just 13 miles/20 kilometers from the city center. It’s also 30 miles/50 kilometers from Pretoria.
- Contact: +27119216262/ +27867277888
- Flight tracker
Know Before You Go
O.R. Tambo is divided into two terminals: Terminal A for international flights, and Terminal B for domestic flights. The two are linked by a central atrium, making it easy to navigate between them. All passengers arriving or departing from Terminal A will need to clear customs. This is often the least efficient aspect of O.R. Tambo, and lines can be long, so ensure you arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight. The airport is among only four in the Africa/Middle East region to offer scheduled non-stop flights to all six inhabited continents, along with Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai.
O.R. Tambo Parking
The airport offers substantial parking, with 11,500 short-stay public parking bays available on-site. Friends and family can stop to drop you off or pick you up outside the international terminal; the first 20 minutes are free of charge. For extended parking, a long-stay, low-cost parking facility is provided off-site at Super South Gate, with a 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport terminals every 15 minutes.
Driving Directions
From Johannesburg city center:
- Drive east out of the city center along Albertina Sisulu Road
- Continue straight onto the R24 highway
- Follow signs to the airport, arriving in about 30 minutes
From Pretoria:
- Drive south along the R21 highway
- Continue straight, following airport signs
- Expect to arrive in about 40 minutes
NB: The driving times mentioned above depend on traffic conditions. If you plan to travel during rush hour, it’s wise to allocate additional time.
Public Transportation and Taxis
Many hotels provide shuttle services to the airport for confirmed guests, while licensed private cabs and Uber can conveniently take you to your destination. The high-speed Gautrain connects Johannesburg with nearby Pretoria, stopping at O.R. Tambo along the way. However, it’s advisable to avoid local taxis, as they are often considered unsafe for foreign visitors. These white minivans operate on a first-come, first-served basis, offering cheap fares but questionable safety standards.
Where to Eat and Drink
If you have a few hours to spare between flights, you’ll find a variety of dining options. From African fast food outlets like Debonairs and Steers to upscale restaurants serving Champagne and oysters, there’s something for every budget. The culinary offerings reflect South Africa’s diverse culture. For a pre-flight drink, visit the Keg & Aviator pub, a popular gathering place located at the end of the main food hall.
Where to Shop
The retail opportunities at O.R. Tambo are varied, including newsagents, designer clothing outlets, and massage services. For discounted tobacco, alcohol, and cosmetics, visit Big Five Duty Free. If you’re on the lookout for last-minute souvenirs, you’ll find an abundance of choices – the iconic stop for African-themed memorabilia is Out of Africa, which has several outlets throughout the airport, offering everything from Zulu beadwork to stuffed safari toys.
Airport Lounges
O.R. Tambo features an impressive selection of lounges, including five in domestic Terminal B and nine in international Terminal A. While some are exclusive to cardholders, five lounges are accessible to all travelers, regardless of airline or ticket class. These include:
- Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge (Terminal B)
- Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge (Terminal B)
- Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge (Terminal A)
- Mashonzha Premium Lounge (Terminal A)
- Shongololo Premium Lounge (Terminal A)
Access to these lounges can be arranged online up to 24 hours in advance for a reasonable fee. Facilities include comfortable seating, refreshments, WiFi, TVs, and showers.
WiFi and Other Services
WiFi is available at various hotspots throughout the airport, with up to 1 GB or the first four hours (whichever comes first) offered free of charge. The airport also provides a full range of services, including ample restroom facilities, prayer rooms for Christians and Muslims, a 24-hour Airport Medical Clinic for health emergencies, and services like car rentals, smoking lounges, ATMs, and three currency exchange firms located in the arrivals area of Terminal A.
Staying Safe at O.R. Tambo
O.R. Tambo is a modern airport with first-class facilities and a commendable safety record. Nonetheless, travelers should be aware of certain precautions. Firstly, Johannesburg baggage handlers have a reputation for being dishonest. Regardless of your destination, if your bags are passing through O.R. Tambo, pack valuables in your hand luggage. Luggage locks may not provide sufficient security; consider having your bag plastic-wrapped before check-in. Always keep your hand luggage close.
Credit card fraud is also quite common. Using your card for payments is generally safe, but withdrawing cash from ATMs poses a risk. If possible, arrive with enough cash to last through your layover. Lastly, O.R. Tambo employs official porters for assistance. If you use their services, ensure you’re working with a registered employee who holds an ACSA permit and wears an orange uniform. Be prepared to offer a tip – R10 is typically considered appropriate.
O.R. Tambo International Airport Tips & Facts
- The airport was originally named after the apartheid-era prime minister Jan Smuts, but was renamed in 2006 to honor ANC president Oliver Reginald Tambo.
- An eight-foot statue of O.R. Tambo stands in the International Arrivals area, commemorating the politician’s return after 30 years in exile.
- Over 50% of all air travel in South Africa either starts, ends, or connects through O.R. Tambo.
- In the 2017/2018 period, the airport accommodated more than 21 million visitors.
- O.R. Tambo has two runways, one of which ranks as the 33rd longest in the world.
- The airport hosts many hotels, including the highly-rated 5-star InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport.
