Cheap Flights to Johannesburg

Cheap flights to Johannesburg

Johannesburg is very much a city on the up. The vibrant heart of South Africa has been transformed: the cultural districts of Newtown and Braamfontein offer theatres, swanky bars, inviting restaurants, charming cafes and many museums. Even the townships, once a tourist no-go zone, are today one of the city’s many calling cards for visitors. Make sure to take a stroll around Maboneng, on the eastern fringes of the inner city, to witness a hip, urban neighbourhood that will seduce you with the best of Jozi’s charms.

When to book cheap flights to Johannesburg

The summer in Johannesburg runs from November to February and brings warm days but heavy rains can punctuate the city’s afternoons.

To a large extent it is what you want to do that may determine when the best time to look for a cheap flight to Johannesburg is. If you want to head out on safari and catch all the game, then you’ll need a flight between August and October. Whale watching is at its best between June and October or August and December, depending on the whales you are hoping to spot. Divers and surfers should aim to arrive between April and September.

How to find the best flight deals to Johannesburg

As it’s a fairly long flight to Johannesburg – direct flights tend to average around 11 hours – one way to look for cheap flights is to build a stopover into your holiday and break your journey with a connecting flight.

Regardless of whether you are booking a direct or connecting flight, booking as early as possible is the best way to bag a bargain.

There are other ways you can search for a cheap flight to Johannesburg with Expedia.

By using our ‘Show flexible dates’ feature when you search for flights you can quickly check to see if you fly on a different day the cost of your flight can be reduced.

Johannesburg Airport (O. R. Tambo International Airport)

Situated in Kemptown Park, Gauteng, O. R. Tambo Airport is situated about 14 miles from the Johannesburg and close to the executive capital of Pretoria.

This major international airport is Africa's busiest airport with a capacity to handle up to 28 million passengers annually.

To get into Johannesburg from the airport you can take the Reya Vaya bus. This service is dedicated to offering tourists safe, affordable and reliable transport to the city from the airport. It is by far your best option if opting to take a bus.

Taxis and car hire options are also available in or near the terminal, and there’s also a new rail link that departs from the airport’s upper levels and offers links out to the suburbs.

Which airlines fly to Johannesburg?

The carriers offering cheap direct flights to Johannesburg include:

• Virgin Atlantic
• South African
• British Airways
• KLM

How to get around in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a sprawling city. Its CBD is joined by the northern suburb of Sandton as a possible commercial centre and urban life tends to spread across its various suburbs.

Johannesburg has a large public transport system, although it doesn’t reach nearly as many places as you may wish.

Depending on the length of your stay renting a car could certainly make life easier – particularly if you are looking to reach many neighbourhoods or head out into the countryside.

If you are heading further afield most destinations in South Africa can be reached by bus or train directly from Johannesburg – your departure point will inevitably be Park Station.

What are the must-sees in Johannesburg?

Don’t be put off by its reputation – Soweto is a lively district, offering plenty of atmosphere, some great spots to enjoy a drink in and plenty of chances to sample mouth-watering cuisine.

The Apartheid Museum and City Gallery provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and contemporary culture of South Africa, whilst the Botanical Gardens are ideal for relaxing in.

For those who want to shop the Rosebank and Sandton districts are packed with luxury boutiques, whereas those looking to live the good life may join the in-crowd at the nearby Sun City entertainment resort centre.

And, of course, safari adventure is never far away at the Kruger National Park – if you prefer things a little more civilised the surrounding area is also home to some world-class vineyards.