South Africa

Flights to Johannesburg 

Steeped in historical significance, South Africa’s biggest city is a former gold mining town that’s emerged as a forward-thinking cultural hub. Discover Johannesburg’s vibrant energy for yourself with its lively nightlife, big-city attractions and easy access to game reserves to spot the Big Five.

Plan your trip to Johannesburg

Our cheapest flights to Johannesburg

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The beating heart of South Africa

Fly from London to Johannesburg with British Airways and you’ll be embarking on a trip to remember.

Immerse yourself in South Africa’s recent history at Mandela House, the former home of Nelson Mandela in the Soweto township. Back in the city, embrace the melting pot of cultures as you browse the galleries and local food markets.

Explore the hip Maboneng district for its warehouse bars and independent boutiques, or swing by The Playground on Saturdays in Braamfontein for live music and artisan food.

On Sundays, the rooftop of the Rosebank Mall transforms into an eclectic handicraft market where you can pick up keepsakes from your trip before settling in for a sundowner. Book your Johannesburg holiday today.

Plan your trip to Johannesburg

Flight time

11 hours

Time zone

GMT +2

Currency

South African rand

Johannesburg  flight FAQs

Flights from London to Johannesburg International Airport take just under 11 hours.

Flights during the peak summer months of July and August are often more expensive. You may find that flights are cheapest if you travel during spring or autumn, when the weather is warm and dry. You can use our low fare finder to find the cheapest flights to Johannesburg.

There are restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions to match every budget in Johannesburg – but you’ll pay slightly more if you stay in the city’s upmarket northern suburbs, where international hotels demand a premium. The city is a foodie’s paradise with a wide variety of cuisine from across the world, and your cash will go far if you shop and dine like a local by avoiding the tourist hotspots.

Stock up at one of the local markets and head up to the Modderfontein Reserve, where for a small entrance fee you can hike, picnic and even set up a braai – a barbecue – with great views across this green open space.

Many of the city’s museums and galleries are also either free or cheap to visit.  The Newtown district is home to Museum Africa, which is free to enter. Housed in a beautiful former fruit and vegetable market, its engaging displays give an insight into South Africa’s history and cultural landscape.

Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport is a 30-minute taxi ride from the city centre. You’ll find metered taxis queueing outside the terminals or you can pre-book a private transfer in advance. 

There’s also a bus service and the Gautrain rapid rail line that takes you to the Sandton district, north of the city centre. If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s worth checking if they operate an airport shuttle bus service.

Many visitors rely on pre-booked taxis to get around Johannesburg, although the local bus services are a great option for getting around by day.

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more of what Johannesburg and the Gauteng province has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental. 

Johannesburg is an exciting city with plenty to keep you entertained, whether you’re living it up in the jazz clubs or browsing Johannesburg Art Gallery’s extensive collections. However, outside the city there’s a wealth of natural beauty to explore and you’re perfectly placed for safari adventures.

Just three hours away is the Pilanesberg National Park, an impressive game reserve where you can spot white rhinos, lions and elephants amongst the ancient volcanic hills. 

For hiking and hot-air ballooning with memorable views over cliffs, valleys and waterfalls, head to Magaliesberg – an ancient mountain range just an hour away.

Or closer still to the city, discover the origins of humanity at The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to the largest collection of human ancestral fossils in the world.  

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

British passport holders don’t need a visa for travel to South Africa, as long as you’re visiting for 90 days or less. You can find out more information at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome. 

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.

Our cabins

All our cabins offer an excellent – and uniquely British – experience. Choose your perfect way to fly, from economy to First.

Economy

Our World Traveller cabin offers all the touches you need to enjoy your flight at an affordable price.

World Traveller

Premium economy

Discover our World Traveller Plus cabin and treat yourself to a wider seat and more legroom in a separate, quieter cabin.

World Traveller Plus

Business

Work or relax in our Club World cabin and enjoy lounge access, a dedicated check-in area and fully flat beds for a restful sleep.

Club World

First

Choose First to enjoy a range of comforts, from fine dining to your own private suite and access to our elegant departure lounges.

First

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Plan your trip to Johannesburg

Terms and conditions

  • Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
  • Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
  • Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
  • Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
  • One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
  • Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
  • Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
  • Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
  • Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
  • Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
  • Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply