---
iata: JNB
name: O.R. Tambo International Airport
city: Johannesburg
country: South Africa
lastUpdated: '2026-08-31'
officialWebsite: 'https://www.airports.co.za/'
sources:
  - 'https://ortambo-airport.com/'
  - 'https://ortambo-airport.com/airport/airport-lounges.html'
  - 'https://www.airports.co.za/'
  - 'https://www.gautrain.co.za/commuter/farecalc'
  - >-
    https://www.prioritypass.com/en-GB/airport-guides/johannesburg-or-tambo-international
quickFacts:
  - 'Two main terminals: International A and Domestic B'
  - 'Hub for SAA, Airlink, FlySafair, CemAir'
  - Busiest airport in Africa with direct flights to all continents
  - Gautrain connects to Sandton in ~15 min
  - Priority Pass and independent lounges available airside
  - Immigration and security can take 30-90+ min at peak
bentoTips:
  - label: Timing
    title: Arrive 3 hours early for international
    detail: Domestic departures need 2 hours; build buffer for traffic on the N3.
    summary: Immigration queues frequently exceed 60 minutes.
    category: timing
  - label: Terminal
    title: 'International in A, Domestic in B'
    detail: >-
      Follow overhead signs after security—international lounges cluster near
      Gates A7-A18.
    summary: Clear signage; no airside connection between terminals.
    category: terminal
  - label: Food
    title: Eat before security or in lounges
    detail: Bidvest lounges offer better value buffets than terminal restaurants.
    summary: Landside options are limited and overpriced airside.
    category: food
  - label: Status
    title: Check ACSA app for live delays
    detail: ATNS disruptions reported multiple times in 2026; have backup plans.
    summary: On-time performance ~87% YTD 2026 but ATC issues cause spikes.
    category: status
lounges:
  - name: Bidvest Premier Lounge
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - Priority Pass
      - Day pass available
      - Airline status
    bestFor:
      - Long layovers
      - Work
    summary: >-
      Largest and most reliable Priority Pass option; consistently strong on
      space and food.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal A (International)
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - WiFi
      - Buffet
      - Bar
      - Quiet zones
  - name: Bidvest Premier Lounge
    hours: '05:00-21:00'
    access:
      - Priority Pass
      - Day pass available
    bestFor:
      - Domestic waits
    summary: >-
      Largest and most reliable Priority Pass option; consistently strong on
      space and food.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal B (Domestic)
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - WiFi
      - Buffet
      - Bar
  - name: Shongololo Premium Lounge
    hours: '06:00-22:00'
    access:
      - Priority Pass
      - Day pass
    bestFor:
      - Short layovers
    summary: >-
      Good when open but smaller and can restrict access; solid backup to
      Bidvest.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal A (International)
    amenities:
      - WiFi
      - Buffet
      - Showers
  - name: Mashonzha Premium Lounge
    hours: '07:00-22:00'
    access:
      - Priority Pass
    bestFor:
      - Budget access
    summary: >-
      Smaller Priority Pass option — usually noisier and more basic than
      Bidvest; skip if Bidvest has space.
    verdict: skip
    terminal: Terminal A (International)
    amenities:
      - WiFi
      - Buffet
waterOptions:
  - kind: purchase
    name: Terminal shops
    zone: airside
    price: R25-35 for 500ml
    summary: Standard airport pricing; buy here only if no other option.
    location: Duty-free area near Bidvest Premier Lounge
    terminal: Terminal A
    isBestValue: true
  - kind: purchase
    name: Landside vendors
    zone: landside
    price: R15-20 for 500ml
    summary: Cheapest bottled water before security—stock up on arrival or departure.
    location: Near car rental desks before exiting
    terminal: Arrivals hall
  - kind: free
    name: Ask at lounges or cafes
    zone: airside
    price: Free with purchase or access
    summary: No dedicated refill fountains reported; request tap water at food outlets.
    location: Any Bidvest or restaurant counter
    terminal: Terminal A/B
    isBestQuality: true
airportistScore: 7.2
slug: jnb
region: Africa
---
> Markdown for [/airports/jnb](/airports/jnb). Append `.md` to any page URL (or send `Accept: text/markdown`) for an agent-readable copy.

- [HTML page](/airports/jnb)
- [Lounge directory](/airports/jnb/lounges.md)
- [Sitemap](/sitemap.md)

# O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Johannesburg, South Africa · Africa
Solid major hub with good lounges and rail link but hampered by slow immigration and occasional ATC delays.
## Airportist Score

**7.2 / 10**
- Comfort: 7.3
- Navigation: 7.5
- Food: 6.8
- Transport: 7.8
- Disruption resilience: 6.8

## At a glance

- Passengers: ~21M
- Terminals: 2 main (A International, B Domestic)
- Typical security: 35 min
- On-time: 87%
- Disruption: normal

## Best for

- Lounge access via Priority Pass
- Gautrain connectivity
- Continental gateway flights

## Watch out for

- Long immigration queues
- ATC-related delays
- Expensive airside food/water

## More intel

- [Lounge directory](/airports/jnb/lounges.md) (free)
- [Getting there](/airports/jnb/getting-there.md) (free)
- [Amenities](/airports/jnb/amenities.md)
- [Traveler tips](/airports/jnb/tips.md)
- [Water](/airports/jnb/water.md)
- [Full guide](/airports/jnb/guide.md)
- [Disruptions](/airports/jnb/disruptions.md)
- [Reviews](/airports/jnb/reviews.md)