Overview
Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and its buzzing commercial heart, as well as the country's main gateway for UK travellers. Most visitors touch down here before heading onward to Cape Town, the Garden Route or a Kruger safari, but Johannesburg (affectionately known as Jozi or Joburg) is well worth a stop in its own right, with a rich apartheid-era history, vibrant arts precincts and easy access to the Cradle of Humankind. Flights to Johannesburg from the UK are well served by both direct and one-stop options, making it one of the more straightforward long-haul African destinations to reach.
Best time to fly to Johannesburg
Johannesburg sits at altitude, around 1,750 metres, which keeps its climate mild by African standards. Winter (June to August) is dry, sunny and crisp, cold at night but pleasant by day, and is peak season for safaris further afield, as dry bush makes game easier to spot. Summer (November to March) brings warm days and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, and coincides with UK winter, making it a popular time to fly to Johannesburg for winter sun. Shoulder months such as April, May, September and October often offer the best balance of good weather and lower fares, so it's worth checking the When to book chart above for the cheapest months to travel.
Airlines and routes
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways all operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg, with a flight time of around 11 hours southbound and roughly 11.5 to 12 hours on the overnight return leg. If you're flying from outside London, or fancy a stopover, connecting options include Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and KLM via Amsterdam, useful if you're travelling from Manchester, Edinburgh or elsewhere in the UK. One handy perk of flying to Johannesburg: because South Africa doesn't observe daylight saving, the time difference from the UK is only one or two hours, so jet lag is rarely an issue.
Things to do in Johannesburg
Once you've landed, there's plenty to fill a few days before or after your onward trip:
- Apartheid Museum: A powerful, moving account of South Africa's journey through apartheid to democracy.
- Soweto: Visit Nelson Mandela's former home and the Hector Pieterson Memorial on a guided tour of this historic township.
- Maboneng Precinct: A regenerated inner-city district packed with galleries, street art, rooftop bars and weekend markets.
- Cradle of Humankind: A UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside the city, home to the Sterkfontein Caves and some of the world's most important fossil finds.
- Gold Reef City: A theme park and museum built around a former gold mine, ideal for families.
At OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
OR Tambo International Airport lies around 24km (15 miles) east of Johannesburg's city centre. The quickest way in is the Gautrain rapid rail link, which reaches Sandton in about 15 minutes and continues on to Park Station, Rosebank and Pretoria, with departures roughly every 12 to 20 minutes. Metered taxis, pre-booked airport transfers and all the major car hire firms are also available in the arrivals hall, and Johannesburg's good road network makes self-driving onward to the northern suburbs or Pretoria straightforward.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Johannesburg
- Book roughly two to four months ahead where possible, and check the When to book chart above for the sweet spot on current fares.
- Flying midweek, on a Tuesday or Wednesday, is typically cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible on dates: shifting your trip by even a few days either side can unlock a noticeably better fare, especially around the winter safari season.
- Compare direct carriers against one-stop options, as a Doha or Dubai connection can sometimes work out cheaper than a nonstop, particularly if you're happy with a short stopover.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in South Africa, just make sure your passport has at least 30 days' validity beyond your departure date and two blank pages. The local currency is the South African Rand; cards are widely accepted in Johannesburg, though it's worth carrying some cash for taxis and markets. No vaccinations are mandatory for travellers arriving directly from the UK, and Johannesburg itself is malaria-free, though it's worth checking requirements if you're continuing on to Kruger or other lower-lying safari areas.
