Bram Fischer Airport, named after the celebrated anti-apartheid lawyer who defended Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia Trial, is located approximately 10 km from the centre of Bloemfontein, capital of the Free State province.
Bloemfontein is South Africa's judicial capital, home to the Supreme Court of Appeal, and is also known as the 'city of roses' for its numerous gardens.
How to get to Bram Fischer International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BFN
Parking near Bram Fischer International Airport
A parking area is available right next to the terminal.
How to get to Bloemfontein from BFN
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
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Car rental at Bram Fischer International Airport
Leading car rental companies operate from the arrivals area.
Hotels near Bram Fischer International Airport
Brandwag and around the university
9-12 km and 15-20 minutes from the airport for all the hotels in the area; several offer a paid shuttle.
Best for: Any reason for a stop in Bloemfontein, from a one-night layover to a business trip or a visit for the stadium.
- All the main hotels are a few minutes from one another, close to Mimosa Mall and the university
- A quiet, central area, convenient for both the Free State Stadium and the city centre
- Little choice of independent restaurants outside the shopping centres
- Bloemfontein is a stopover city: little to do in the evening besides the shopping centre
Recommended hotels
- City Lodge Hotel Bloemfontein On the corner of Nelson Mandela Drive, about a mile from the centre; a paid airport shuttle runs around the clock. View availability
- Southern Sun Bloemfontein In Brandwag, near the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery; outdoor pool and garden for those staying more than one night. View availability
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Two minutes on foot from the University of the Free State, in the Brandwag neighbourhood; pool and golf course. View availability
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake Inside Bloemfontein Zoo park, 2.2 km from the centre and 15 minutes on foot from the Free State Stadium. View availability
- Oakwood Lodge A guest house in Westdene, 15 minutes on foot from Mimosa Mall; the most affordable option of the group. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal handles domestic connections to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
A 2-hour buffer is the standard recommendation for flights.
Map of Bram Fischer International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Bloemfontein's airport called Bram Fischer?
It is named after Bram Fischer, the South African anti-apartheid lawyer who led Nelson Mandela's defense in the famous Rivonia Trial.
Q. Why is Bloemfontein called the judicial capital?
Because it is home to South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal, one of the country's three capitals alongside Pretoria (executive) and Cape Town (legislative).
Q. Why is Bloemfontein nicknamed "the city of roses"?
For its botanical garden and numerous public rose gardens, celebrated every year with a rose festival between October and November, when the city literally blooms into its nickname.
Q. Are there direct international flights to Bloemfontein?
No, the airport handles domestic connections to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban: those arriving from abroad generally connect through one of these cities.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights