Nov 16, 2015, 3:09 pm
Last edit by: B747-437B
Guide to JNB (Oliver R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa)
Welcome to the guide to JNB.
If your have any further questions that have not been answered after reading through, please do not hesitate to ask.
Bear in mind that the minimum connection times given below are the shortest connections allowed for tickets on a single PNR. It would be advisable to leave more time than this, particularly if you are arriving during the busy morning period. If you are travelling on two separate PNRs, add on at least an extra hour to the MCTs to allow for whatever delays the Travel Gods may throw at you.
Do note that procedures can change so this guide may not be accurate. If you notice anything has changed or there are any errors, just let me know.
International-Domestic Connection
Minimum connection time: 90 minutes
Once you have deplaned, simply follow the crowd to the immigration hall.
After going through passport control, you will need to collect your luggage and pass through customs irrespective of whether your bags have been tagged through to your final destination.
Exit into the public area and proceed up to departures level by way of the escalators which are opposite and to the left. The escalator can take trolleys.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your destination and you have your boarding passes for the onward domestic flight, you can use fast bag drop.
Otherwise you will need to check-in as normal.
Alternatively, you can use the baggage re-check desks on the left before exiting to the public area (NOTE : These are permanently closed now - Oct 2022).
If you would prefer to avoid the porters and taxi touts in the arrivals halls, there are escalators to the left of these desks which will take you to level 1. From there you will need to go up one more level to reach domestic departures. (NOTE : These escalators are out of service now - Oct 2022).
The domestic terminal is designated as a separate terminal (Terminal B) but do not be confused by this. All the terminals at JNB are under one roof so you barely notice that you are transferring between them.
Domestic-International Connection
If you can interline baggage, you can check it through from your initial departure point to your international destination. Once you land at JNB walk out to exit (ignore signs to go downstairs to baggage reclaim), keep walking through the shops/past the food court, around the atrium and there is a security/emigration point on your front right.
Please see post #106 for an illustrated guide.
[although there is no need to go up the moving walkway and then back down again - just come out of the domestic exit and keep walking straight on that level, which will bring you to the security/emigration point]
International-International Connection
Minimum connection time: 60 minutes
This is where things become a little more tricky.
If you arrive at a jetway, you will see a corridor heading towards International Transfers on the left just before the escalators down to passport control.
If you arrive at a remote stand and are bussed to the terminal, you will see the escalators on the left heading up to International Transfers as you enter the building.
Both these paths are well signposted and there is usually a staff member shouting out "International transit" and waving a sign to direct passengers.
When you go down the corridor, there is a transit immigration point before the transfer desks. Typically the wait here is 1-3 minutes, very much quicker than 'normal' immigration.
Your passport will be stamped with a "TRANSIT" stamp here even though you do not enter the country, and you must ensure that you have the required blank pages otherwise you may not be permitted to continue your transit and instead sent back to your originating point.
A few meters beyond the immigration checkpoint is the main transit information area which have desks for all the international airlines and handling agents.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your final destination, ensure that you give your connecting airline the tag numbers at this time so that they can verify them in their system.
If the tag numbers are not re-verified, they will not be loaded without manual intervention. This is not required if connecting from SAA to SAA flights however.
If your bags have not been tagged through, you will need to find a member of staff in International Transfers from your arriving airline.
Ask them to get one of their baggage services staff to pull your bags off the belt manually and coordinate with staff from your onward airline to retag them to your final destination.
This is a rather convoluted process and can take a long time.
Therefore, if your bags cannot be tagged all the way through, it is advisable to pass through immigration, collect your bags at baggage reclaim and clear customs.
After you clear customs but before you exit to the public area (the exit is a set of sliding doors on your right), you will see a series of baggage re-check desks on your left.
Proceed to these desks since they often have smaller queues and have your bags re-tagged.
Then head up the escalators to your left (do not exit the main doors into the public area) which emerge on the departures level.
Turn right when facing the Vodacom store and the departures security checkpoint is right in front of you.
You can do the entire transit and enter/exit South Africa in less than 5 minutes if your bags come out quickly.
If time permits, the safest option is to clear customs and re-check your bags as described above rather than rely on the interlining system at JNB.
Have a look at post #9 of this thread for pictures.
Originally posted by Ambassador BA304.
Luggage storage
This is taken from the whyjoburg.com web site (April 2016):
Welcome to the guide to JNB.
If your have any further questions that have not been answered after reading through, please do not hesitate to ask.
Bear in mind that the minimum connection times given below are the shortest connections allowed for tickets on a single PNR. It would be advisable to leave more time than this, particularly if you are arriving during the busy morning period. If you are travelling on two separate PNRs, add on at least an extra hour to the MCTs to allow for whatever delays the Travel Gods may throw at you.
Do note that procedures can change so this guide may not be accurate. If you notice anything has changed or there are any errors, just let me know.
International-Domestic Connection
Minimum connection time: 90 minutes
Once you have deplaned, simply follow the crowd to the immigration hall.
After going through passport control, you will need to collect your luggage and pass through customs irrespective of whether your bags have been tagged through to your final destination.
Exit into the public area and proceed up to departures level by way of the escalators which are opposite and to the left. The escalator can take trolleys.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your destination and you have your boarding passes for the onward domestic flight, you can use fast bag drop.
Otherwise you will need to check-in as normal.
Alternatively, you can use the baggage re-check desks on the left before exiting to the public area (NOTE : These are permanently closed now - Oct 2022).
If you would prefer to avoid the porters and taxi touts in the arrivals halls, there are escalators to the left of these desks which will take you to level 1. From there you will need to go up one more level to reach domestic departures. (NOTE : These escalators are out of service now - Oct 2022).
The domestic terminal is designated as a separate terminal (Terminal B) but do not be confused by this. All the terminals at JNB are under one roof so you barely notice that you are transferring between them.
Domestic-International Connection
If you can interline baggage, you can check it through from your initial departure point to your international destination. Once you land at JNB walk out to exit (ignore signs to go downstairs to baggage reclaim), keep walking through the shops/past the food court, around the atrium and there is a security/emigration point on your front right.
Please see post #106 for an illustrated guide.
[although there is no need to go up the moving walkway and then back down again - just come out of the domestic exit and keep walking straight on that level, which will bring you to the security/emigration point]
International-International Connection
Minimum connection time: 60 minutes
This is where things become a little more tricky.
If you arrive at a jetway, you will see a corridor heading towards International Transfers on the left just before the escalators down to passport control.
If you arrive at a remote stand and are bussed to the terminal, you will see the escalators on the left heading up to International Transfers as you enter the building.
Both these paths are well signposted and there is usually a staff member shouting out "International transit" and waving a sign to direct passengers.
When you go down the corridor, there is a transit immigration point before the transfer desks. Typically the wait here is 1-3 minutes, very much quicker than 'normal' immigration.
Your passport will be stamped with a "TRANSIT" stamp here even though you do not enter the country, and you must ensure that you have the required blank pages otherwise you may not be permitted to continue your transit and instead sent back to your originating point.
A few meters beyond the immigration checkpoint is the main transit information area which have desks for all the international airlines and handling agents.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your final destination, ensure that you give your connecting airline the tag numbers at this time so that they can verify them in their system.
If the tag numbers are not re-verified, they will not be loaded without manual intervention. This is not required if connecting from SAA to SAA flights however.
If your bags have not been tagged through, you will need to find a member of staff in International Transfers from your arriving airline.
Ask them to get one of their baggage services staff to pull your bags off the belt manually and coordinate with staff from your onward airline to retag them to your final destination.
This is a rather convoluted process and can take a long time.
Therefore, if your bags cannot be tagged all the way through, it is advisable to pass through immigration, collect your bags at baggage reclaim and clear customs.
After you clear customs but before you exit to the public area (the exit is a set of sliding doors on your right), you will see a series of baggage re-check desks on your left.
Proceed to these desks since they often have smaller queues and have your bags re-tagged.
Then head up the escalators to your left (do not exit the main doors into the public area) which emerge on the departures level.
Turn right when facing the Vodacom store and the departures security checkpoint is right in front of you.
You can do the entire transit and enter/exit South Africa in less than 5 minutes if your bags come out quickly.
If time permits, the safest option is to clear customs and re-check your bags as described above rather than rely on the interlining system at JNB.
Have a look at post #9 of this thread for pictures.
Originally posted by Ambassador BA304.
Luggage storage
This is taken from the whyjoburg.com web site (April 2016):
BagPort South Africa, the original company that provided a luggage storage service at OR Tambo International Airport, has changed its name.
It now operates as Ateck - from the same premises down the escalators at the main exit of Terminal A arrivals, on Basement Level 1, going towards the Parkade 2 (South).
Costs are : (NB : CASH ONLY! No Cards Accepted.)
0-5 hours: R70.00
6-12 hours: R80.00
12-24 hours: R90.00
24 hours or more: R90.00 per day.
Open 24 hours, every day of the year.
Contact details :
Tel : +27 (11) 390 2689
http://www.a-teck.co.za/or-tambo-airport-store-teck/
It now operates as Ateck - from the same premises down the escalators at the main exit of Terminal A arrivals, on Basement Level 1, going towards the Parkade 2 (South).
Costs are : (NB : CASH ONLY! No Cards Accepted.)
0-5 hours: R70.00
6-12 hours: R80.00
12-24 hours: R90.00
24 hours or more: R90.00 per day.
Open 24 hours, every day of the year.
Contact details :
Tel : +27 (11) 390 2689
http://www.a-teck.co.za/or-tambo-airport-store-teck/
JNB / Johannesburg Airport - Connections, Facilities, Layovers, etc.
Sep 19, 2017, 1:57 pm
#631
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: IND
Posts: 417
Hi All,
Needed some information as I am booking my South Africa trip. I am getting to JNB at 10 AM Wednesday morning coming on Qatar airways. Need to book a flight to CPT same day, looking at flight times etc, I was planning on getting one that leaves at 1:40 pm, safari travels. Will this give me enough time to get through immigration/ customs, go to domestic terminal, check in for domestic flight or should i look for a flight leaving later. Would rather not prolong journey if don't have to.
Also I do have Priority pass, which lounge is recommended to use in domestic terminal for layover. Will be two adults and two kids, 5 and 11.
Thanks
Needed some information as I am booking my South Africa trip. I am getting to JNB at 10 AM Wednesday morning coming on Qatar airways. Need to book a flight to CPT same day, looking at flight times etc, I was planning on getting one that leaves at 1:40 pm, safari travels. Will this give me enough time to get through immigration/ customs, go to domestic terminal, check in for domestic flight or should i look for a flight leaving later. Would rather not prolong journey if don't have to.
Also I do have Priority pass, which lounge is recommended to use in domestic terminal for layover. Will be two adults and two kids, 5 and 11.
Thanks
Sep 20, 2017, 7:05 am
#632
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
Hi All,
Needed some information as I am booking my South Africa trip. I am getting to JNB at 10 AM Wednesday morning coming on Qatar airways. Need to book a flight to CPT same day, looking at flight times etc, I was planning on getting one that leaves at 1:40 pm, safari travels. Will this give me enough time to get through immigration/ customs, go to domestic terminal, check in for domestic flight or should i look for a flight leaving later. Would rather not prolong journey if don't have to.
Also I do have Priority pass, which lounge is recommended to use in domestic terminal for layover. Will be two adults and two kids, 5 and 11.
Thanks
Needed some information as I am booking my South Africa trip. I am getting to JNB at 10 AM Wednesday morning coming on Qatar airways. Need to book a flight to CPT same day, looking at flight times etc, I was planning on getting one that leaves at 1:40 pm, safari travels. Will this give me enough time to get through immigration/ customs, go to domestic terminal, check in for domestic flight or should i look for a flight leaving later. Would rather not prolong journey if don't have to.
Also I do have Priority pass, which lounge is recommended to use in domestic terminal for layover. Will be two adults and two kids, 5 and 11.
Thanks
Which lounges qualify for Priority Pass?
Sep 24, 2017, 4:55 pm
#634
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 696
6 hours layover in JNB
I'll have 6 hours layover in JNB then catch domestic flight from there to Port Elizabeth. Given a long layover, I can access the buisness class lounge at JBN with SA airline; however, should I consider going out and explore JNB little bit or that's too much?
Sep 25, 2017, 4:41 am
#635
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
Sep 27, 2017, 4:13 am
#636
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bath, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 1,000
Hi there.
Firstly what airline are you flying from JNB - PLZ, you say with SA airline, do you mean South African Airways? If so, are you flying in J or with airline/star alliance status? If so, then yes, you should be able to use the SAA domestic business class lounge.
If you are flying in Y and have no status then no you will not be able to use it, but you will be able to use one of the 2 Bidvest Lounges. They currently cost R234.00 (about Ł13 / $17) for walk ins. But they only allow for access 2 hours prior to departure of your domestic flight. Although, I have known people to pay double for 4 hour access.
With regards going out and exploring Johannesburg, it might be cutting it a little fine, given the recent delays that have been experienced clearing immigration at OR Tambo. There have been reports of it taking up to 3 hours to clear immigration and customs (which you will need to do if you have any bags).
In theory it is doable, but my advise would be book a short private tour, one that is available to amend according to the reality of your timing on the day - but this does then start becoming expensive.
Alternatively you could for some fresh air take a walk of about 100m from the terminal building to the Intercontinental and go for a shower and sauna or spa treatment there and then a nice meal in their Quills restaurant, before the short walk back to your flight. Shower facilities start at around R160.00 (around Ł9/$12).
Firstly what airline are you flying from JNB - PLZ, you say with SA airline, do you mean South African Airways? If so, are you flying in J or with airline/star alliance status? If so, then yes, you should be able to use the SAA domestic business class lounge.
If you are flying in Y and have no status then no you will not be able to use it, but you will be able to use one of the 2 Bidvest Lounges. They currently cost R234.00 (about Ł13 / $17) for walk ins. But they only allow for access 2 hours prior to departure of your domestic flight. Although, I have known people to pay double for 4 hour access.
With regards going out and exploring Johannesburg, it might be cutting it a little fine, given the recent delays that have been experienced clearing immigration at OR Tambo. There have been reports of it taking up to 3 hours to clear immigration and customs (which you will need to do if you have any bags).
In theory it is doable, but my advise would be book a short private tour, one that is available to amend according to the reality of your timing on the day - but this does then start becoming expensive.
Alternatively you could for some fresh air take a walk of about 100m from the terminal building to the Intercontinental and go for a shower and sauna or spa treatment there and then a nice meal in their Quills restaurant, before the short walk back to your flight. Shower facilities start at around R160.00 (around Ł9/$12).
Oct 1, 2017, 7:17 am
#637
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Programs: Hilton Gold, Priority Club Blue, SPG Gold, Sofitel Gold, FB Ivory, BA Blue
Posts: 8,477
Since you have a domestic leg, you’ll have to go through immigration anyway. So, through immigration and then (assuming you’re not vegetarian) Nandos. Job done. Since you have access to the SAA lounge, I think you should be able to get a shower there.
Oct 13, 2017, 10:26 am
#639
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,230
Anyway, immigration queues are a bit of a lottery in the morning, depending on how the ex-Europe flights land - in a 150 minute band there are 5 flights from London, 3/4 from Germany, 1 each from Paris, Amsterdam, Turkey, HKG, and a couple from the Gulf... get stuck behind a number of them and it can be an hour. Also depends a bit on whether SA immigration are trying biometric capture and how many of them are actually doing any work.
Best advice is - when you get off the plane, speed walk to immigration and cross your fingers. Best time for me in the last year or so is 2-3 minutes queue, worst is an hour...
Oct 13, 2017, 10:39 am
#640
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Glasgow
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 531
is that ex-LHR? Seems quite late, normal arrival times are around 07h for the 55 and 09h for the 57... unless this is in the week when both countries change times to/from DST but a week out.
Anyway, immigration queues are a bit of a lottery in the morning, depending on how the ex-Europe flights land - in a 150 minute band there are 5 flights from London, 3/4 from Germany, 1 each from Paris, Amsterdam, Turkey, HKG, and a couple from the Gulf... get stuck behind a number of them and it can be an hour. Also depends a bit on whether SA immigration are trying biometric capture and how many of them are actually doing any work.
Best advice is - when you get off the plane, speed walk to immigration and cross your fingers. Best time for me in the last year or so is 2-3 minutes queue, worst is an hour...
Anyway, immigration queues are a bit of a lottery in the morning, depending on how the ex-Europe flights land - in a 150 minute band there are 5 flights from London, 3/4 from Germany, 1 each from Paris, Amsterdam, Turkey, HKG, and a couple from the Gulf... get stuck behind a number of them and it can be an hour. Also depends a bit on whether SA immigration are trying biometric capture and how many of them are actually doing any work.
Best advice is - when you get off the plane, speed walk to immigration and cross your fingers. Best time for me in the last year or so is 2-3 minutes queue, worst is an hour...
Oct 16, 2017, 3:55 pm
#641
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Florida
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,917
Any recommendations on taxi/transfer from JNB to Sandton? In one instance, this is at about 5:00pm for one very inexperienced traveler (best to have something pre-arranged), and in another instance, it is for 4 people at 8:00am.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Oct 17, 2017, 3:39 am
#642
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 447
Thanks for the posters over the past few pages - some useful information!
Am I able to book a room at the Transit hotel if I am not transiting?
I am hoping to be able to book a room before my JNB-LHR at 2150 for a shower and a rest before the flight. Will I be able to? Marriott site says "Please Note – Hotel inside International terminal for in-transit guests only. To access hotel-do not collect luggage or clear customs." but I wonder if this is because the hotel is airside?
My first trip to JNB, so apologies if this is a simple question!
Am I able to book a room at the Transit hotel if I am not transiting?
I am hoping to be able to book a room before my JNB-LHR at 2150 for a shower and a rest before the flight. Will I be able to? Marriott site says "Please Note – Hotel inside International terminal for in-transit guests only. To access hotel-do not collect luggage or clear customs." but I wonder if this is because the hotel is airside?
My first trip to JNB, so apologies if this is a simple question!
Oct 17, 2017, 5:11 am
#643
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,230
Gautrain to Sandton is quicker than a car, no question. Even for an inexperienced traveller I think it's pretty easy - there are overhead signs everywhere and you just follow the signs to 'train'. When you get to the station, you need to queue at the ticket window to buy a Goldcard (Gautrain NFC card) and load it with the fare to Sandton, then it's a straight 18 minute train ride.
For the quartet, it would be cheaper to get an Uber/car than 4 Goldcards+fare. It will still be slower than Gautrain.. but a little depends on where you're heading in Sandton - the further from the Gautrain station, the more the calculus tips to car. I can't help with pre-booked cars, sorry, only ever use Gautrain or collect hire car.
Thanks for the posters over the past few pages - some useful information!
Am I able to book a room at the Transit hotel if I am not transiting?
I am hoping to be able to book a room before my JNB-LHR at 2150 for a shower and a rest before the flight. Will I be able to? Marriott site says "Please Note – Hotel inside International terminal for in-transit guests only. To access hotel-do not collect luggage or clear customs." but I wonder if this is because the hotel is airside?
My first trip to JNB, so apologies if this is a simple question!
Am I able to book a room at the Transit hotel if I am not transiting?
I am hoping to be able to book a room before my JNB-LHR at 2150 for a shower and a rest before the flight. Will I be able to? Marriott site says "Please Note – Hotel inside International terminal for in-transit guests only. To access hotel-do not collect luggage or clear customs." but I wonder if this is because the hotel is airside?
My first trip to JNB, so apologies if this is a simple question!
Oct 18, 2017, 3:32 am
#645
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 447
Part of the reason for a room is also a bit of a mattress run to hit Marriott status, but will be needing a shower etc before my flight. Thanks for your help!