Flights to Johannesburg 

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.