OR Tambo Airport, named after the historic ANC leader Oliver Tambo in exile, is located approximately 34 km from the Sandton district in the Johannesburg metropolitan area.
It is South Africa's primary air hub and the entire southern Africa region's hub, with connections to every continent and most African destinations.
How to get to OR Tambo International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to JNB
Parking near OR Tambo International Airport
Multi-level parking is available adjacent to the terminals.
How to get to Johannesburg from JNB
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
From JNB to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less | Gautrain off-peak to Sandton or Rosebank | Gautrain reduced off-peak fare |
| The fastest route to the financial district | Direct Gautrain to Sandton (15 min) | Standard Gautrain fare |
| Reach Rosebank or continue to Pretoria | Gautrain, with possible transfer at Sandton or Marlboro | ~115-125 ZAR |
| Heavy luggage, groups or destinations outside Gautrain network (e.g. Soweto) | Taxi or Uber/Bolt app at agreed rate | ~230-600 ZAR depending on distance |
OR Tambo → Sandton
Sandton, the main financial district of sub-Saharan Africa, is the most direct Gautrain stop: about 15 minutes without transfers, convenient for those staying near Nelson Mandela Square or working in the office buildings in the area.
OR Tambo → Rosebank
The Gautrain also stops at Rosebank, a district of art galleries, markets and shopping centers like the Rosebank Mall, reachable with a quick transfer at Sandton for those who do not find the direct train.
OR Tambo → Pretoria
The same line continues toward Hatfield and the center of Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa and home of the Union Buildings: about 45 minutes from the airport, without needing to change transportation.
OR Tambo → Soweto
There is no direct rail connection: the most practical solution remains the Gautrain to Marlboro, with a taxi or an app like Uber/Bolt for the last kilometers to Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Museum, or a direct taxi from the airport, about 40 minutes.
OR Tambo → Park Station (Johannesburg center)
To reach the southern terminus of the Gautrain network, also useful for long-distance Shosholoza Meyl trains to other South African cities, a transfer at Sandton or Marlboro is required.
Car rental at OR Tambo International Airport
All major car rental companies have airport desks.
Bring your license, passport, and credit card; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required for non-SADC citizens.
Hotels near OR Tambo International Airport
At the airport
From the InterContinental it is a few minutes' walk to the international arrivals hall; the City Lodge is above multi-storey car park 2, connected to the terminal and the Gautrain station without going outdoors.
Best for: Dawn flights, night layovers and late arrivals, when every minute of transfer eats into sleep.
- A few minutes' walk to check-in, with no taxi or shuttle
- The City Lodge is next to the Gautrain station for Sandton
- Only terminals, car parks and car rentals around: no evening strolls
- For Sandton or Soweto you still need a train or taxi of 22-40 minutes
Recommended hotels
- InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport In front of the international arrivals hall, about 70 metres away; soundproof windows and a heated indoor pool on the top floor, useful between two flights. View availability
- City Lodge Hotel OR Tambo International Airport Within the airport complex, above multi-storey car park 2: 365 rooms, next to the Gautrain station and the terminal, with a covered walkway. View availability
Airport area, Kempton Park
The Southern Sun O.R. Tambo has a free shuttle running 24 hours a day every 15 minutes, leaving from the shuttle terminal, behind the InterContinental.
Best for: Those who want a more complete property than the two on-site hotels, with a pool and spa, while staying 500 metres from the terminals.
- The free shuttle runs at night and comes every 15 minutes
- Outdoor pool, spa and a fitness center open around the clock
- The shuttle is taken from the bus terminal, with a walk from the arrivals hall
- Area of roads and interchanges: for dinner you stay in the hotel or at the airport
Sandton, Gautrain station
The Gautrain links OR Tambo to Sandton in 22 minutes, with no changes; a taxi or apps such as Uber and Bolt take 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those staying several nights: shops, offices and restaurants on foot, and the direct train to the airport.
- A single train from the airport, with the station a few steps from the hotel
- Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square are about 3 minutes' walk away
- The train doesn't run all night: dawn flights need a taxi
- Office district, almost dead in the evening outside the shopping centres
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 10
- with Priority Pass
- 6
- open 24 hours
- 1
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminals handle Africa's most intensive air traffic, with connections to every continent and most African destinations.
Given the scale of this hub, plan for 3 hours ahead on international flights.
Map of OR Tambo International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do you get to Sandton from OR Tambo airport?
With the Gautrain, in about 15 minutes: the Sandton-OR Tambo fare is 228 ZAR (unchanged since June 2025), higher during weekday peak hours (6:00-8:30 and 15:00-18:00) than the rest of the day. Generally the safest and most reliable option, preferable to road transport for first-time arrivals.
Q. Why is the airport called OR Tambo?
It is named after Oliver Tambo, the historic leader of the African National Congress who led the anti-apartheid movement from exile for over 30 years.
Q. Is it safe to travel from Johannesburg to other South African cities?
Yes, the airport is the country's main hub with frequent domestic connections to Cape Town, Durban and other cities; South Africa has a level 2 advisory, requiring normal urban precautions.
Q. Is an International Driving Permit needed to rent a car?
Generally yes for non-SADC citizens, along with the original license, passport and a credit card.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Aspire Lounge (Terminal A), Bidvest Premier Lounge (Terminal A), Mashonzha Lounge (Terminal A), Shongololo Lounge (Terminal A), Bidvest Premier Lounge (Terminal B) and ORT Sky Lounge (Terminal B).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: Bidvest Premier Lounge (Terminal A).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
