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, operating daily from approximately 05:15 to 22:00. 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. Limited transit accommodation options, such as the Protea Hotel Transit, are located airside.
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.
Sources: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) - Public Transport, Wikivoyage - O.R. Tambo International Airport