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O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is Africa's largest and busiest airport, located in Kempton Park, about 20 km east of Johannesburg. Originally opened in 1952 as Jan Smuts Airport, it was renamed in 2006 to honor Oliver Reginald Tambo, a key anti-apartheid leader. It serves as a major hub for South African Airways and a key gateway for travel to and from the African continent.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors use the domestic terminal's upper-level security checkpoint near Mugg & Bean, which typically has shorter lines than the main checkpoint during peak morning hours.
🚖 Getting There
The Gautrain offers a fast, traffic-free link to Sandton, Pretoria, and other key areas; trains run roughly every 10-20 minutes from early morning until around 8 PM. Metered taxis and e-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are available at designated pick-up zones outside the arrivals hall, but confirm the fare or app price before departing. For late-night arrivals, pre-book a shuttle or private transfer, as the Gautrain stops running in the evening.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many terminals does O.R. Tambo have?
A: The airport has a single terminal complex divided into two main sections: Terminal A for international flights and Terminal B for domestic flights. They are connected by a walkway.
Q: Is there a train from the airport to Johannesburg?
A: Yes, the Gautrain rapid transit system connects the airport to Sandton, Marlboro, Midrand, Pretoria, and other stations. The airport station is located near the terminal.
Q: What transport options are available at the airport?
A: Options include the Gautrain, metered taxis, e-hailing services (Uber/Bolt), airport shuttles, and car rentals. The Gautrain is often the fastest way to avoid traffic.
Q: Are there lounges and Wi-Fi at JNB?
A: Yes, free Wi-Fi is available (limited time), and several lounges operate in both domestic and international terminals, including Bidvest Premier and Shongololo lounges.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash