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.
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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
The airport is open 24 hours on the landside across Terminal A, Terminal B, and the Central Terminal Building. Security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules: Terminal A (midnight–4:00 AM), Terminal B (11:00 PM–4:00 AM). Passengers not in transit will be required to stay landside and pass through security when security checkpoints re-open in the morning.
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 in the International Terminal. No visa is required. As you exit the plane, follow the signs for “International Transfers” into the transit lounge, pass through security, and walk straight to find the hotel entrance. To access the hotel, do not clear customs. Rooms can be booked online for blocks of 12 or 24 hours or day use. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport – Located 70m (an easy walk) from the front of the International Arrivals Hall. Follow the signs for Short Term Parking and then you’ll see signs for the hotel. » Check Rates
- Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport – Located 500m from the airport. Free 24-hour airport shuttle runs every 15 minutes. Airport pick-up is behind the Intercontinental Hotel at the bus/shuttle terminal. From the International/Domestic terminals, follow the “Public Transport” signs until you see the shuttle terminal. » Check Rates
- City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport – Located at walking distance from Tambo International Airport » 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
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal A – International Lounges
- Shongololo Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, near Gates A7 – A18. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Mashonzha Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Bidvest Premier Lounge (International) – Location: International Terminal A, Upper Mezzanine Level, International Departures, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Aspire Lounge – Location: Terminal A, Airside, near Gates A7-A30. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
- SLOW Lounge – Location: Terminal A. Showers available. Access: Lounge membership programs. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Terminal B – Domestic Lounges
- Bidvest Sky Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal B, Airside, 4th Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- Bidvest Premier Lounge (Domestic) – Location: Domestic Terminal B, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Terminal A: SAA Cycad First Class Lounge • SAA Baobab Premium Class Lounge • The Emirates Lounge • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse • British Airways Galleries First/Galleries Club Lounge • SAA Arrivals Lounge.
Terminal B: SAA Domestic Lounge • SAA VIA Lounge • SAA Voyager Platinum Lounge.
Related Pages: Johannesburg Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Free water refill stations are available on the airside. Drinking water is limited to bottled water on the landside.
Food & Drinks
The airport offers food choices in both Terminals. At the time of this update, it was unknown if any 24-hour food concessions were available in the terminals.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Lock-Up Luggage is available in the International Terminal, Basement Level, near International Arrivals. Rates: ZAR 80-120/$4.50-$6.50 USD per item/day. Hours: 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Showers
Freshen up before your flight. Showers are available in the Bidvest, Shongolo, Mashonzha, SLOW, and Aspire Lounges. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Johannesburg Airport for up to four hours or 1GB, 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.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Food court area next to Wimpy and Spur • On the retail level in the bank area • In Terminal A departures (next to Wandie’s Restaurant) • Next to ABSA Bank in Terminal A Arrivals • Next to Khulula/BA/Comair ticket sales.
Baby Care Facilities – Baby-changing facilities are provided in most women’s washrooms.
Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available throughout the airport. Porters are also available to assist. A tip of R20 per bag is recommended.
Chapel / Prayer Room – The airport has a Christian Chapel (Terminal B, level 2, open 24 hours) and a Muslim Prayer Room (Terminal A, Arrivals, Basement, open 24 hours).
Currency Exchange – Bidvest Bank, Master Currency and Travelex are in the International Terminal, Arrivals Area. Additionally, there are five banks in the terminals that could be of assistance.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in the Duty-Free Mall, the International Arrival, and the Central Terminal Building. A wide variety of shops are also available.
Information Desk – Information kiosks can be found in Terminal A (International Arrivals and Departures), Terminal B (Domestic Arrivals and Departures), and the Transit area.
Massage – Massage services are available in Letsema. Location: Terminal A, Duty-Free Mall.
Medical Services – First Aid, emergency care, immunizations and other services are provided at the Travel Clinic. Hours: open 24 hours.
Observation Deck – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point at one of two public viewing decks. Location: Domestic Terminal (Terminal B) and International Terminal (Terminal A, 4th floor).
Pharmacy – Available in the Duty-Free Mall and the Landside Area of the Domestic Terminal.
Post Office – Locations: 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 – If you are arriving in Johannesburg and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, you can head to Airport Travel Hub for assistance.
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: 2025-03-06
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.