Airport · JNB
O.R. Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg, South Africa
Scott Bobb — Public domain
IATA
JNB
ICAO
FAOR
Continent
Africa
Country
South Africa
Transport
Getting To & From O.R. Tambo International Airport
The Gautrain rapid rail system connects O.R. Tambo International Airport directly to Sandton (taking about 15 minutes) and other key business nodes, running daily from early morning to the evening (check the Gautrain timetable for first and last trains). The station is accessible via the upper levels of the Central Terminal Building. For road transport, official ACSA-accredited metered taxis and designated e-hailing pickup zones (Uber and Bolt) operate outside the arrivals area. Car rental depots are housed in the multi-storey parkade directly opposite the terminal buildings.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
O.R. Tambo is structured into two main terminals—Terminal A (international departures and arrivals) and Terminal B (domestic operations)—joined together by the Central Terminal Building. While international flights generally process through Terminal A, some major carriers (such as South African Airways) handle check-in procedures within Terminal B. Inter-terminal movement is entirely landside via short indoor walkways in the central atrium, typically taking under 5 to 10 minutes on foot.
Hours of Operation
The airport operates 24 hours a day, though public transit options like the Gautrain and scheduled bus services close overnight.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Allow Ample Time: International departures require arriving at least 3 hours prior to scheduled departure due to rigorous security and passport control bottlenecks.
- Connection Warnings: If O.R. Tambo is your initial point of entry into South Africa, you must clear customs and immigration and re-check bags, even when connecting to a domestic flight.
- Transport Safety: Avoid unaccredited individuals offering transport inside the terminal buildings; stick exclusively to official company desks, authorized meter taxis, or app-confirmed rideshares.
- Wi-Fi Access: Free wireless internet is available throughout the terminals for up to 4 hours or 1GB of data usage.
Comfort
Lounges
O.R. Tambo International Airport features a robust selection of airline-exclusive and independent pay-per-use or membership lounges across both its domestic and international terminals. For passengers flying out on domestic services, the Bidvest Premier Lounge (located airside on the lower mezzanine level) and the Bidvest Sky Lounge (upper mezzanine level) provide practical amenities including hot food buffets, work areas, and Wi-Fi, though only the Premier variant includes showers.
On the international side (Terminal A), options expand significantly. The international Bidvest Premier Lounge—recognized globally for its regional hospitality—operates 24 hours daily with full shower facilities and buffet dining. Additional independent lounges handling Priority Pass and LoungeKey traffic include the Shongololo Lounge, the Mashonzha Lounge, the Aspire Lounge, and the SLOW Lounge (known for barista coffee and cocktails) positioned near the international departure piers. South African Airways runs its own lounges in the domestic Terminal B; these are not open for paid walk-in access. Walk-in rates for independent lounges typically range between R450 and R600 per person (about US$25 to $33).
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) provides complimentary Wi-Fi across all public and boarding zones within the terminal complex. Passengers connect to the network designated as #AIRPORTS FREE. The data allocation grants users up to 4 hours or 1 GB of data free of charge per session, after which access transitions to a paid tier managed through #AIRPORTS PREMIUM Wi-Fi. While functional for email and web browsing, network speeds can fluctuate during peak bank departure banks, prompting remote workers to lean on lounge Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Charging infrastructure presents a mixed experience. Power outlets and dedicated USB charging points are readily available inside most airside airline and independent lounges, as well as select modern boarding gate seating hubs. However, landside public concourses feature sparse wall outlets, meaning travelers arriving without lounge access should carry a portable power bank or check devices beforehand.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
Dining options at O.R. Tambo span over 40 distinct restaurants, fast-food counters, and coffee shops distributed across landside greeting zones and airside departure fingers. Local South African flavors dominate the culinary landscape: quick-service favorites like Nando's, Steers, Ocean Basket, and Kauai sit alongside ubiquitous coffee stops like Vida e Caffè and Mugg & Bean.
For sit-down dining, both terminals feature family-style eateries such as Spur Steak Ranch alongside upscale options like the Woolworths Café. International departures (Terminal A airside) host the densest concentration of duty-free-adjacent restaurants, ranging from relaxed bars to full-service contemporary dining setups suited for extended pre-flight meals.
Driving In
Parking
O.R. Tambo manages a massive parking footprint comprising multiple multi-storey parkades, shaded bays, and long-stay facilities totaling over 11,500 bays. Short-stay options are centered around Parkade 1 (serving domestic Terminal B) and Parkade 2 South (serving international Terminal A), where rates rise steeply with time. In 2025 one parkade listed about R58 (US$3) for two to three hours and R200 (US$11) for four to twelve hours, and the drop-off level of Parkade 2 South charged R60 (US$3.30) an hour. Check the ACSA tariff. Drop-off zones directly outside the terminals offer a brief grace period (a short free period, reported as 20 to 30 minutes), escalating steeply thereafter to deter congestion.
For multi-day trips, economy surface lots (such as P3 Long Stay) and pre-booked online parking tiers provide more economical rates. Check the ACSA portal for current prices. Independent off-site operators like Valet Airport Parking Services also provide competing meet-and-greet drop-off alternatives.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
O.R. Tambo International boasts exceptional hospitality integration, with several premier hotels located within immediate walking distance or serviced by dedicated 24-hour shuttles. The luxury InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport sits directly opposite the international arrivals hall—a mere 50-to-100-meter covered walk from the terminal doors. Similarly, the City Lodge Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport is connected directly to the airport precinct via a covered interior walkway taking roughly five minutes on foot.
For hotels requiring short transit vehicles, the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport and the Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport are positioned just outside the precinct perimeter on Jones Road. Both run complimentary shuttles departing regularly from the designated airport bus terminal area.
Sources: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) - Public Transport, Wikivoyage - O.R. Tambo International Airport, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Priority Pass Lounge Database, O.R. Tambo Airport Official Portal