Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Johannesburg Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Tables of Contents
Places to sleep, all in terminal B, domestic. Arrival floor (ground floor) lots of benches consisting of 4 padded seats, together about 2,2 meter long. – savan
JNB Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (Code: JNB).
What to Expect
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport includes two -Terminal A (international flights) and Terminal B (domestic flights) – connected by a central terminal building that handles check-in and luggage and allows for landslide or airside transit between A and B. There are well over 100 shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and other service providers throughout both terminals, though most shops and eateries close by 11:00 PM. WiFi is available to help people pass the time. For comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to use one of the first-class airport lounges.
Sleeping in Johannesburg Airport
With flights arriving and departing at all hours, airport staff are said to be accommodating to overnight sleepers, and security staff help provide a safe atmosphere. Though most have armrests, there are plenty of chairs, but you can also find padded armrest-free benches in some places. The departure level of Terminal B, the International Transfer area, restaurant benches at closed Terminal B restaurants, and the airport chapel have all been identified as successful sleeping spots. Floors are not carpeted, so if going for floor sleeping, have an extra layer or mat. Several passengers complained about the cold, so dress up appropriately. For uninterrupted sleep, there is a transit hotel at the airport and some other hotels within a quick shuttle ride away. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more information.
Read some recent traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Johannesburg Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
O. R. Tambo International Airport is open 24 hours on the landside across Terminal A (International), Terminal B (Domestic), and the Central Terminal Building.
Overnight security closures depend on flight schedules:
- Terminal A (International): security typically closes roughly midnight – 4:00 AM
- Terminal B (Domestic): security typically closes roughly 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM
During these hours, passengers who are not already airside must remain landside and pass through security again when checkpoints reopen in the morning. Overnight airside access is generally limited to passengers in active international transit.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones; however, informal spots with padded benches exist around the terminals. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Johannesburg Airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a transit hotel inside the terminal and several nearby hotels:
Hotel inside Johannesburg Airport
Protea Hotel Transit OR Tambo Airport – Temporarily Closed – Located airside in the International Terminal transit area. When operating, the hotel is accessible without clearing immigration, following “International Transfers” signage after arrival. Rooms are typically bookable in 12- or 24-hour blocks or day-use stays. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport – Located directly opposite the International Arrivals Hall (approximately 70 m walk). » Check Rates
- Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport – Located about 500 m away. A free 24-hour shuttle runs roughly every 15 minutes; pickup is at the shuttle terminal behind the InterContinental. » Check Rates
- City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport – Connected via pedestrian walkways and generally considered walkable with luggage. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Johannesburg Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Whether you’re looking to relax, work, or refresh before your flight, Johannesburg Airport offers a variety of lounges to enhance your travel experience. From premium airline lounges to accessible public lounges, there are options for every traveller. Access is available through multiple methods, including pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, lounge membership programs, or complimentary entry for eligible airline passengers and frequent flyers.
ORT Sky Lounge (Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge) – Location: Domestic Terminal B, Airside, 4th floor. Hours: 05:00 AM – 09:00 PM daily. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from ~R285/$19) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards (Mastercard Airport Experiences, Visa Airport Companion) • eligible bank partners.
SLOW Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal B, Airside, 3rd Floor. Hours: 04:30 AM – 08:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private dens with TVs). Lounge Access: First National Bank (FNB) Premier, Private, Private Wealth, Business Platinum, Business Black, RMB Private Bank clients, Airlink and LIFT Premium customers.
South African Airways The Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal B, Airside, 3rd Floor. Hours: 04:30 AM – 08:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private suites). Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (SAA Voyager Platinum, Lifetime Platinum) • SAA Business Class passengers • Star Alliance Gold members • Select credit cardholders.
Bidvest Premier Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from R465/$31) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards (Mastercard Airport Experiences, Visa Airport Companion) • Eligible bank partners • Select airline passengers.
British Airways Galleries Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, Mezzanine Level, near gates A7-A30. Hours: 04:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: oneworld Emerald/Sapphire tier status • First Class or Business Class passengers on oneworld airlines •oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members (with one guest on oneworld flights) • BA Executive Club Gold/Silver members.
Mashonzha Premium Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, follow signage to Emirates Business Lounge via the Duty Free Shop Area. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from R435/$29) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards (Mastercard Airport Experiences, Visa Airport Companion) • Select airline passengers.
Shongololo Premium Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside. Hours: 06:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from R435/$29) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards (Mastercard Airport Experiences, Visa Airport Companion) • Select airline passengers.
SLOW Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Hours: 04:30 AM – 08:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private dens with TVs). Lounge Access: First National Bank (FNB) Premier • Private Wealth • Business Platinum • Business Black • RMB Private Bank clients • Airlink and LIFT Premium customers.
South African Airways The Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Hours: 04:30 AM – last flight departure. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private suites). Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (SAA Voyager Platinum, Lifetime Platinum) • SAA Business Class passengers • Star Alliance Gold members • Discovery Bank/Investec cardholders • Voyager Platinum/Lifetime Platinum members.
South African Airways Arrivals Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Landside. Hours: 04:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (SAA Voyager Platinum, Lifetime Platinum) • SAA Business Class passengers • Star Alliance Gold members • Voyager Platinum/Lifetime Platinum members • Investec Visa Infinite cardholders.
South African Airways Baobab Premium Class Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Hours: 04:30 AM – last flight departure. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (SAA Voyager Platinum, Lifetime Platinum) • SAA Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members • Voyager Platinum/Lifetime Platinum members.
South African Airways Cycad First Class Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, near Gate A7. Hours: 04:30 AM – last flight departure. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (SAA Voyager Platinum, Lifetime Platinum) • SAA First Class passengers • Voyager Platinum/Lifetime Platinum members.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Hours: 04:25 PM – last flight departure. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (Virgin Australia Velocity Club Gold, Platinum, The Club; Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, Solitaire PPS Club, PPS Club) • Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members • Delta One passengers • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold • Solitaire PPS Club • PPS Club members (on Virgin Atlantic flights).
Drinking Water
Free water refill stations are available airside. On the landside, drinking water is generally limited to purchased bottled water.
Food & Drinks
Food options are available in both terminals, but late-night choices are very limited. A reader tells us, “There is one 24/7 bubble tea shop on level 1 but no other 24/7 convenience store. After 11pm the bubble tea store stops selling bubble tea and just sells chip packets, protein bars, some lollies, water, soft drink, and hot beverages (coffee, tea). This is the only place to get a bottle of water if you have a late flight, the vending machines just sell coke.” (May 2025)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Lock-Up Luggage is available in the International Terminal, Basement Level, near International Arrivals. Hours: 24 hours. Rates: approximately ZAR 80–120 per item per day (about USD $4.50–$6.50, subject to change)
Mobile Charging
Free charging stations are available airside. On the landside, charging options are limited to scattered wall outlets, which may already be in use. Travellers should bring the appropriate plug adapters.
Showers
Showers are available inside select airport lounges, including Bidvest, Shongolo, Mashonzha, SLOW, and Aspire lounges. Access requires lounge entry via membership, paid access, or eligible ticket class. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available for up to 4 hours or 1 GB, whichever comes first. Connect to the “Airports Free” network. Registration requires an email address and contact number. Once you have reached the maximum (hours or data), you may purchase additional service.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available throughout the terminals. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s foreign withdrawal charges and daily limits before travelling.
Baby Care Facilities – Baby-changing facilities are available in most women’s washrooms.
Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available throughout the terminals. Porters are also on hand to assist with luggage; tipping is customary.
Chapel / Prayer Room – Travellers will find both a Christian chapel and a Muslim prayer room, each open 24 hours.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available through several providers in the International Arrivals area. Multiple banks also operate within the terminals.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in the main duty-free areas, along with a broad selection of retail shops throughout the terminal complex.
Information Desk – Information kiosks are located in both the International and Domestic terminals, as well as in the transit area.
Massage – Massage services are available in the Duty-Free Mall.
Medical Services – A travel clinic provides first aid, emergency care, immunizations, and related services. The clinic operates 24 hours.
Observation Deck – Public viewing decks allow visitors to watch aircraft movements from both the Domestic and International terminals.
Pharmacy – Pharmacy services are available in the Duty-Free Mall and in the landside area of the Domestic terminal.
Post Office – A post office is located in the Central Terminal Building.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Travel Agencies – Travel agencies are available for assistance with local arrangements and last-minute travel planning.
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Johannesburg Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Johannesburg on Tripadvisor.
Car Rentals
These car rental agencies offer service on-site: Avis • Bidvest Car Rental • Capital Car Hire • Europcar • First Car Rental • Hertz • Sani Car Rental • Select Car Hire • Tempest Car Hire • Woodford Car Hire.
Hotel Shuttles
Some area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport • Premier Hotel OR Tambo • Garden Court O.R. Tambo International Airport • Sunrock Guesthouse • Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace • Peermont D’oreale Grande at Emperors Palace.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis
Metered taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area.
Train
The airport connects to the city via a train link. Trains run from 4:30 AM – 07:10 PM, approximately every 20 minutes (peak periods). For more information and to plan your route, visit the Gautrain website.
Last updated: 2026-01-13
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.