Explore South Africa's commercial hub
Flights to Johannesburg from the UK– Compare Routes & Affordable Fares
Compare direct flights from London and connecting routes from Manchester and Birmingham.
Johannesburg is South Africa's leading commercial hub, a gateway to remarkable wildlife destinations and a popular city for family visits. Whether you're visiting relatives, attending a business meeting, or starting a South African holiday, Travel Campus UK can help you find a suitable flight.
Compare cheap flights to Johannesburg and request your personalised quote today.
Call +44 203 818 1875Cheap Flights to Johannesburg from the UK
The price of flights to Johannesburg from the UK depends on the airline, departure airport, travel season and seat availability. Travellers can choose non-stop flights from London Heathrow or connecting services from several other UK airports.
To find affordable Johannesburg flights:
- Compare fares across several departure and return dates.
- Check direct flights alongside one-stop alternatives.
- Consider departure airports closer to your home.
- Compare economy, premium economy, and business-class fares.
- Check whether the ticket includes checked baggage.
- Avoid peak holiday dates where your schedule allows.
Direct Flights to Johannesburg from London Heathrow
London Heathrow (LHR) is the main UK airport offering non-stop flights to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate direct services on this route, subject to schedules and availability. A non-stop London to Johannesburg flight generally takes approximately 11 hours, making it a convenient choice for business travellers, families and passengers who prefer to avoid airport connections.
Direct vs Connecting Flights to Johannesburg
| Flight option | Direct flights | Connecting flights |
|---|---|---|
| Journey | No stopover | One or more connections |
| Travel time | Around 11 hours from London | Depends on connection |
| Departure airports | Mainly London Heathrow | Several UK airports |
| Airline options | More limited | Wider choice |
| Best for | Convenience and shorter journeys | Flexible routes and potential savings |
Direct flights can reduce travel time, while connecting flights may offer more affordable fares on certain dates.
Flights to Johannesburg from Major UK Airports
London to Johannesburg Flights
London Heathrow offers non-stop flights to Johannesburg, alongside connecting services through major international hubs. Travellers can also explore connecting flights from London Gatwick, depending on airline schedules.
Manchester to Johannesburg Flights
Flights from Manchester to Johannesburg usually involve one connection. Common international transit hubs include Dubai, Doha, Istanbul and Amsterdam. Manchester Airport (MAN) is convenient for travellers departing from northern England who prefer not to travel to London before their international flight.
Birmingham to Johannesburg Flights
Passengers flying from Birmingham Airport (BHX) can reach Johannesburg through connecting airports such as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Frankfurt, subject to available services. Comparing journey times and baggage conditions can help you choose between different airline options.
Edinburgh and Glasgow to Johannesburg Flights
Travellers from Scotland can book connecting flights to Johannesburg through London, European airports or major Middle Eastern hubs. The total journey time depends on the departure airport, connection duration and airline.
Flights from Other UK Airports
Depending on available schedules, travellers departing from Newcastle, Bristol and other regional UK airports may find connecting itineraries to Johannesburg.
Contact Travel Campus UK to compare routes from your preferred departure airport. Call +44 203 818 1875
UK to Johannesburg Flight Times
The total journey time depends on your departure airport, stopover location and connection duration.
| Flight route | Approximate journey time | Journey length |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow to Johannesburg (direct) | 11–11.5 hours | |
| London to Johannesburg (connecting) | 14–19 hours | |
| Manchester to Johannesburg (connecting) | 14–19 hours | |
| Birmingham to Johannesburg (connecting) | 15–20 hours | |
| Edinburgh to Johannesburg (connecting) | 15–21 hours | |
| Glasgow to Johannesburg (connecting) | 15–21 hours |
These are indicative planning ranges, not confirmed schedules. Longer connections can increase the overall journey time.
Airlines Offering Flights to Johannesburg
Several international airlines connect the UK with Johannesburg.
| Airline | Common route |
|---|---|
| British Airways | Direct from London Heathrow |
| Virgin Atlantic | Direct from London Heathrow |
| Emirates | Via Dubai |
| Qatar Airways | Via Doha |
| Turkish Airlines | Via Istanbul |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Via Addis Ababa |
| KLM | Via Amsterdam |
| Air France | Via Paris |
| Lufthansa | Via Frankfurt or Munich |
How Much Do Flights to Johannesburg Cost?
Johannesburg flight prices change throughout the year according to passenger demand, airline capacity and booking conditions. Flights during Christmas, New Year, and popular school holiday periods can be more expensive than those departing during quieter travel weeks. The final ticket price is affected by:
- 1Departure and return dates.
- 2Direct or connecting flight selection.
- 3Cabin class and available seats.
- 4Checked baggage requirements.
- 5Ticket flexibility and cancellation conditions.
- 6How early you book.
Best Time to Book Cheap Flights to Johannesburg
Johannesburg has a relatively mild climate compared with many other African destinations, although summers can bring afternoon thunderstorms and winter nights can be cold. Its location in the Southern Hemisphere means the seasons are opposite to those in the UK.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | December–February | Warm weather, afternoon thunderstorms and festive travel demand |
| Autumn | March–May | Mild conditions, generally comfortable for sightseeing |
| Winter | June–August | Dry, sunny days and cold nights |
| Spring | September–November | Warmer temperatures and changing seasonal conditions |
When Are Johannesburg Flights Usually Cheaper?
There is no guaranteed cheapest month for flights to Johannesburg. However, travelling outside major holidays may provide more opportunities to find affordable fares. If your dates are flexible, compare departures in different weeks and consider both direct and connecting flights.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
For long-haul journeys, start comparing fares several months before departure, particularly when travelling during school holidays or the festive season. If you find a suitable fare with convenient timings and baggage allowances, review the ticket conditions before confirming.
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) – Arrival Information
O.R. Tambo International Airport is Johannesburg's main international airport and one of Africa's major aviation hubs. Located east of central Johannesburg, the airport serves travellers visiting Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria and surrounding areas. It also provides domestic and regional connections to destinations across South Africa.
Getting from Johannesburg Airport to the City
Several transport options are available after arrival.
Gautrain
The Gautrain rail service connects the airport with Sandton, where passengers can transfer to other parts of the rail network. Check operating times before travelling.
Airport transfers
Pre-arranged transfers can be useful for families, groups and travellers carrying several bags.
Car hire
Rental cars are available for visitors planning to explore destinations beyond Johannesburg.
Airport taxis
Use authorised taxi or transport services and confirm arrangements before departure.
Choose transport based on your accommodation location, arrival time and luggage requirements.
Flexible travel, greater possibilities
Book Now, Pay Later Flights to Johannesburg
International travel can involve a high upfront cost, particularly when booking flights for families or groups. Travel Campus UK offers Book Now, Pay Later arrangements on eligible Johannesburg flight bookings. Depending on the payment option and booking conditions, you may be able to make an initial payment and settle the remaining balance by an agreed deadline.
Flexible payment arrangements may help with:
- Planning family visits.
- Managing the cost of long-haul flight bookings.
- Booking multiple passengers together.
- Organising travel around an agreed payment schedule.
Deposits, instalments, fees, fare holds and ticket issuance conditions vary. Confirm the full terms before paying.
Learn more about Book Now, Pay Later flights to AfricaJohannesburg Visa and Entry Requirements for UK Travellers
Before flying to Johannesburg, check the entry requirements for your passport and travel circumstances.
Passport Requirements
Travellers using a full British citizen passport must have:
- A passport valid for at least 30 days after the date they leave South Africa.
- At least two blank passport pages.
- Any additional documents required for their specific travel circumstances.
Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Johannesburg?
British citizens travelling on a full British passport can generally visit South Africa without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Different requirements may apply to travellers holding other nationalities' passports or travelling for other purposes.
Travelling with Children
Additional documentation requirements can apply to children, particularly those travelling alone, with one parent or with an adult who is not their parent. Check the requirements before departure.
Traveller Declaration and Health Requirements
South Africa requires travellers entering or leaving through its ports of entry to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be necessary when arriving from certain countries with a yellow fever transmission risk.
For accurate and updated information:
Review the official South Africa entry requirementsImportant Travel Information for Johannesburg
| Travel detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Destination | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Main airport | O.R. Tambo International Airport |
| Airport code | JNB |
| Currency | South African rand (ZAR) |
| Time zone | South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2) |
| Difference from UK | 2 hours ahead in UK winter; 1 hour ahead in UK summer |
| Commonly used language | English, alongside other official South African languages |
| Driving | Left-hand side |
Why Book Flights to Johannesburg with Travel Campus UK?
Travel Campus UK helps travellers compare flight options from the UK to Johannesburg with personalised assistance.
Direct and Connecting Flight Options
Explore available non-stop flights from London Heathrow and connecting services from regional UK airports.
Flight Options for Different Budgets
Compare economy, premium economy and business-class fares according to your preferred travel dates and available airline services.
Personalised Booking Assistance
Our travel team can help you understand flight schedules, connection times, baggage conditions and ticket restrictions.
Flexible Payment Arrangements
Eligible bookings may offer payment flexibility, subject to the applicable terms.
Assistance with Family and Group Travel
Travel Campus UK can help coordinate bookings for multiple passengers, including families and groups travelling together.
Explore more destinations on our cheap flights to Africa page.
FAQs
Yes, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg, subject to airline schedules and availability.
A direct flight generally takes approximately 11 to 11.5 hours, depending on the service and operating conditions.
Most international flights arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg's main international airport.
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, and other carriers offer direct or connecting services, depending on the departure airport.
Yes, connecting flights are available from Manchester through international hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Istanbul and Amsterdam.
There is no guaranteed cheapest month. Flight prices vary with demand, airline capacity, booking conditions, and travel dates. Comparing different weeks can help identify affordable fares.
Connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper than direct services, although this depends on the airline and date. Compare baggage allowances and total journey time before booking.
O.R. Tambo International Airport is approximately 25–30 km by road from central Sandton, depending on the exact destination and route. Road travel time varies with traffic. The Gautrain also connects the airport to Sandton.
No, full British citizen passport holders can generally visit South Africa without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days, subject to entry requirements.
Yes, Travel Campus UK offers flexible payment arrangements on eligible flight bookings. Payment terms and availability depend on the selected booking.
Baggage allowances depend on your airline, cabin class, and fare type. Some tickets include checked baggage, while others have additional charges. Always confirm the allowance before booking.
Yes, multi-city flight bookings can allow you to arrive in Johannesburg and return from Cape Town, subject to available routes and ticket conditions.
Book Your Flights to Johannesburg with Travel Campus UK
Find suitable flights to Johannesburg from the UK with personalised support from Travel Campus UK. Compare direct services, convenient connections, return fares and eligible flexible payment options before confirming your booking.
Share your departure airport, preferred travel dates, and passenger details with our team to receive a personalised quote
Contact Travel Campus UK today to compare Johannesburg flight options and book your journey.
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