OR Tambo Airport: Essential Services & Directory All the contact numbers and services you need for a smooth journey through JNB. Useful Contact Numbers Service Phone Number ACSA Main Switchboard +27 (0)11 921 6773 or +27 (0)11 921 6242 ACSA Helpdesk +27 (0)11 921 6262 Flight Information +27 (0)11 727 7888 SAPS Airport Police +27 (0)11 977 5511 Airport Clinic +27 (0)11 921 6039 Parking Management +27 (0)11 921 6091 Car Park Shuttle +27 (0)11 391 3699 SARS Customs 0800 00 7277 Key Facilities & Services Banks: ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank Foreign Exchange: Bidvest, Travelex Mobile Networks: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C VAT Refund: Duty-Free Mall

The History of OR Tambo International Airport From a post-war airfield to the beating heart of African aviation, OR Tambo Airport has a rich history that mirrors South Africa’s own journey. A Timeline of Transformation 1952: Opening as Jan Smuts Airport The airport opened in Kempton Park, replacing Rand Airport as the primary civil aviation facility. It was named after Prime Minister Jan Smuts and featured just one terminal and one paved runway. 1960s: The Jet Age The introduction of commercial jets like the Boeing 707 led to rapid expansion. A second runway was built and long-haul routes to Europe were established. 1970s: International Terminal & Apartheid A dedicated international terminal opened. However, international sanctions over apartheid led to reduced airline services. 1994: Rebranding & Reconnection With the dawn of democracy, South Africa re-joined the global community. Jan Smuts Airport was renamed Johannesburg International Airport. 2006: Honoring a Hero On 27 October 2006, the airport was officially renamed O.R. Tambo International Airport to honor Oliver Reginald Tambo, a national hero, anti-apartheid activist, and long-time president of the African National Congress (ANC). OR Tambo Today: Africa’s Busiest Airport Today, OR Tambo is not just South Africa’s principal airport, handling over 50% of the country’s air passengers, but it is the biggest and busiest airport in Africa.

OR Tambo Parking & Transport: The Ultimate Guide (2026) Getting to and from OR Tambo can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide covers everything from parking to public transport. The Gautrain: Your Fastest Option The Gautrain is the most efficient way to travel between OR Tambo and Johannesburg/Pretoria. Travel Time: Just 15 minutes from the airport to Sandton. Location: The station is conveniently located on the International Departures level of Terminal B. Destinations: Connects to Sandton, Rosebank, and Johannesburg Park Station. Ridesharing: Uber & Bolt Pick-up Point: All ride-hailing services pick up from the P2 parking area on the ground floor. Car Rental at OR Tambo Location: Rental counters are conveniently located in the arrival halls. Vehicles are collected from a dedicated, secure car park connected by a short covered walkway. Tips: Book in advance for the best rates. Check the fuel policy (fuel-full is usually the best deal) and bring a valid credit card and driver’s license. Airport Parking OR Tambo has 9 car parks with over 11,500 bays. Options: Short-stay (hourly rates from R35), long-stay (daily rates from R55), and premium parking. Pro-Tip: Always pre-book online. This can save you up to 30% and guarantees you a spot, especially during busy periods. Parking Management: For any parking-related queries, contact +27 (0)11 921 6091.

Complete Guide to Flights from OR Tambo (JNB): 46 Airlines, 140+ Destinations OR Tambo International Airport is the only airport in Africa offering regularly scheduled nonstop passenger flights to all six inhabited continents. Here’s your complete guide to flying from JNB. Airlines Operating from OR Tambo Over 46 airlines operate from JNB. Here are some of the key carriers: Airline Key Destinations Terminal South African Airways (SAA) Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, regional African routes C FlySafair Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, George D Emirates Dubai (DXB) with connections to 150+ cities A British Airways London Heathrow (LHR) A / C Lufthansa Frankfurt (FRA) A KLM Amsterdam (AMS) A Qatar Airways Doha (DOH) A Singapore Airlines Singapore (SIN) – one of the longest routes from SA A Ethiopian Airlines Addis Ababa (ADD) with connections to 60+ African destinations E Turkish Airlines Istanbul (IST) A Most Popular Routes from OR Tambo Domestic: JNB → Cape Town: 20+ daily flights from around R500 one-way. JNB → Durban: 15+ daily flights from around R400 one-way. International: JNB → Dubai: Daily nonstop with Emirates from R5,500. JNB → London: Daily nonstop with British Airways from R8,500. JNB → Frankfurt: Daily nonstop with Lufthansa from R7,800. Check-in & Arrival Times: Don’t Be Late! International Flights: Check-in counters typically open 3 hours before departure and close 45–60 minutes before. Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early. Domestic Flights: Check-in counters typically open 2 hours before departure. Arrive at least 2 hours early.

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is more than just an airport; it’s Africa’s busiest and most-connected aviation hub, serving as the primary gateway to the continent. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer, this guide is your complete resource for navigating OR Tambo with confidence. Airport Overview & Key Facts Official Name: O.R. Tambo International Airport IATA Code: JNB | ICAO Code: FAOR Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, approximately 25 km east of Johannesburg’s CBD and 50 km from Pretoria. Elevation: 1,694 meters (5,558 feet) above sea level. This high altitude makes it one of the world’s highest major airports and requires longer runways for aircraft performance. Operator: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Annual Passengers: Handles over 28 million passengers annually. Airlines & Destinations: Serves 140+ destinations across 6 continents with 46 airlines. Terminal Guide: Finding Your Way OR Tambo has a simplified terminal system to make navigation easier. Terminal A: International Departures. This is where you’ll find check-in, duty-free shopping, and immigration for outbound international flights. Terminal B: International Arrivals. All international passengers arrive here, going through immigration, customs, and baggage reclaim. The Gautrain station is also accessed from this terminal. Terminal C: Domestic Flights. Served by major domestic carriers like South African Airways (SAA) and British Airways (operated by Comair). Terminal D: Domestic Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs). This terminal is used by budget airlines such as FlySafair, Lift, and Kulula. Central Terminal: A covered walkway connects all terminals. Getting To & From OR Tambo  Car Rental All major car rental companies have desks conveniently located in the arrival halls. You can pre-book to save up to 40% and guarantee availability. International Arrivals Hall: Avis, Hertz, Bidvest, Woodford, Tempest, Capital. Domestic Arrivals Hall: Europcar, First, Thrifty, Select.  The Gautrain The Gautrain rapid rail link offers the fastest and most efficient way to get to Sandton (just 15 minutes) and other key destinations. Station Location: Elevated position on the International Departures level, accessible from Terminal B.  Airport Transfers & Ride-Hailing Uber/Bolt: Pick-up zones are located on the ground floor of the P2 parking area. Private Shuttles: Pre-book a door-to-door shuttle service to any hotel in Johannesburg, Pretoria, or Soweto.  Airport Parking OR Tambo offers 9 car parks with a total of 11,500 parking bays. Options include short-stay, long-stay, and premium parking. It is highly recommended to pre-book online to save up to 30% and secure a spot, especially during peak seasons. Airport Lounges: Escape the Crowd OR Tambo has over 14 lounges, many of which are accessible to all travelers for a fee. Bidvest Premier Lounge (R495 walk-in): South Africa’s largest independent lounge operator. Offers a hot and cold buffet, alcoholic drinks, fast Wi-Fi, and quiet zones. Accepts Priority Pass and LoungeKey. SLOW Lounge (R550 walk-in): A premium experience with a distinctly South African design. Features chef-prepared food, a cocktail bar, and showers. Shongololo Lounge (R500 walk-in): Located in the international terminal, perfect for late-night departures. Accepts Priority Pass. Pro-Tip: Many South African bank cards (Discovery Bank, Nedbank Private Wealth, ABSA Private Banking, FNB) include complimentary lounge visits. Shopping & Dining  Shopping OR Tambo offers a huge array of shops. Duty-Free: Big 5 Duty Free is located in the international departures duty-free mall. Local Crafts: Find African arts and crafts at stores like African Origins, Indaba, and Out of Africa. Fashion & Luxury: Brands like Burberry, Ferrari, and Earthchild are available in the Duty-Free Mall. Electronics & SIM Cards: Capi Photo & Electronics, and mobile network stores like Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C are in the Central Terminal Building.  Dining From quick bites to sit-down meals, the airport has it all. Fast Food: Nando’s, Steers, KFC, Debonairs Pizza, and Chicken Licken. Sit-Down Restaurants: Ocean Basket (seafood) and Spur (steakhouse) are popular choices in the food court. Coffee Shops: Mugg & Bean, Vida e Cafe, and Europa. Essential Airport Services Banks & Forex: Major banks (ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank) and foreign exchange bureaus (Bidvest, Travelex) are in the Central Terminal Building. Clinic & Pharmacy: A medical clinic and pharmacies are available for any health needs. VAT Refund: Tax refunds for tourists can be processed at the VAT Refund Point in the Duty-Free Mall. Police & Lost Property: The SAPS Airport Police Service is on-site for security and lost property.