O.R. Tambo International Airport — Local services in Gauteng

Size : a large airport, so you don't feel claustrophobic on quiet days. The downside is it can be quite difficult to navigate : so get there early so u can find your way.

Toilets: ladies facility often has no toilet paper or hand-wash- make sure to carry your own.

Safety/Scammers etc : Upon exiting the airport you will be hounded by taxi drivers. On two occasions I had a lady follow me around, convincing me that she was poor, had children & needed 2 pay school fees etc. I'm all for helping the poor - but she seemed high or drunk & wouldn't take no for an answer. She said that I needed to pay for her parking. She then followed me to another taxi. She would not leave me alone.

This is South Africa : it is UNSAFE. Rent a car, make sure u travel in a group, or use the airport taxi service. Take pics of number plates, driver details and send these to your friends/family : scammers/con artists and traffickers exist!!!! Safety first, it will cost u more but there is no price tag on life.

Bags : make sure u use locks,cable ties etc to keep your items secure. Limit the amount of hand luggage and loose items to prevent theft or losing your belongings.

Power: Take your power bank along. There are charging portals but these are often occupied.

Car rental: it can take up to 30 minutes to get your car rental admin sorted - so do this online prior to your arrival. Cars get swapped &u may end up with a manual when u requested automatic : check in advance.

Restaurants: limited restaurants. Spur, Mugg n Bean, Wimpy and Nando's are amongst the South African classics. The wimpy is unbelievably fast with their service and offers free wifi. U can't go wrong with quality or portion size at mugg n bean or spur - so if you prefer familiarity I'd suggest you opt for restaurants you know.

Retail: You will see Checkers sixty60 trolleys, ads etc BUT the airport does NOT have a checkers. Woolworths is available but is small& gets really busy! Limited seating at the store. There is a pharmacy, luggage store etc.

Early flights: understand that MOST people are rushing to the airport cause they slept in, alarm didn't go off etc. It is INSANELY busy. Be prepped to wake up at 2 to 3am. Check in early OR pay the extra R100s for a later flight - might save you anxiety.

Gates: When travelling to smaller cities , the gates sometimes change at random & differ from your ticket. ALWAYS check the boards or go to the gate in advance to double check.

Christmas season : INSANELY busy. Make sure you are all prepped in advance. Flights were delayed this year & everyone spent 4 hours at the gates:hot, sweaty & irritable. Always carry excess money on u for unexpected circumstances like this. The aircons didn't appear to be working and people sat on the floor. Make sure u hydrate as someone did faint.

Airport lounges : in the December season there was a line to get in! Some lounges do offer "walk ins"at a cost of R300 or so. A good option if u enjoy comfort...

Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport (JNB), located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is the largest and busiest airport in Africa. Named after the prominent anti-apartheid activist and former President of the African National Congress, Oliver Tambo, the airport serves as a major gateway to the African continent and a hub for international and domestic travel.

The Airport offers a wide range of facilities and services that cater to the needs of travelers. These include numerous dining options, from fast food outlets to fine dining restaurants, as well as a variety of shops, including duty-free stores, boutiques, and souvenir shops. For business travelers, there are several lounges equipped with meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The airport also provides services such as currency exchange, ATMs, car rental agencies, and luggage storage.

The airport has two primary terminals: Terminal A, which handles international flights, and Terminal B, which is dedicated to domestic flights. The terminals are connected, making transfers relatively easy. The signage is generally clear, though the airport's size can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.

A International Airport is well-connected to Johannesburg and other parts of South Africa. The Gautrain, a rapid rail system, links the airport to key locations in Johannesburg and Pretoria, providing a fast and efficient transport option. Additionally, there are several bus services, shuttle services, and taxis available. Car rentals are also a popular choice for those looking to explore the region.

The overall passenger experience at Airport is generally positive, although it can vary. The airport is known for its cleanliness and modern facilities, but during peak times, it can get crowded, leading to longer wait times at security checks, immigration, and baggage claim. Staff are generally helpful, although some travelers have reported occasional issues with customer service.

Security at airport is generally robust, with a strong police presence and thorough screening procedures. However, as with any major airport, travelers are advised to remain vigilant, especially regarding their belongings.

A International Airport is a well-equipped and essential hub for travel in Africa. While it offers a broad array of services and good connectivity, the airport can be challenging during peak periods due to congestion. Nonetheless, it remains a reliable and significant entry point for both domestic and...

My visit to OR Tambo International Airport was a seamless and efficient experience that left me with a positive impression of one of South Africa's busiest airports.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the airport's modern and well-maintained facilities. The terminal was clean, spacious, and easy to navigate, making my journey through the airport a hassle-free one.

The check-in process was quick and organized, with friendly airline staff ready to assist. Security procedures were thorough yet conducted with a sense of professionalism that made passengers feel safe and comfortable.

One of the standout features of OR Tambo International Airport is its excellent connectivity and services. There was a wide array of shops, restaurants, and duty-free stores, providing ample options for shopping and dining. Whether I was looking for last-minute souvenirs or a quick bite to eat, the airport had me covered.

The airport's lounges offered a peaceful retreat from the bustling terminal, allowing me to relax and unwind before my flight. These lounges were well-appointed, offering comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and essential amenities.

Furthermore, the airport's signage and information displays were clear and informative, ensuring that I always knew where I needed to be. The Wi-Fi connectivity was reliable, making it easy to stay connected and catch up on emails or stay in touch with loved ones.

Transportation to and from OR Tambo International Airport was convenient, with various options available, including taxis, shuttle services, and car rentals. The proximity to Johannesburg's city center made the airport an accessible gateway to the region.

Overall, my visit to OR Tambo International Airport was a positive experience that reflected the airport's commitment to efficiency and passenger satisfaction. It's clear that the airport's management places a strong emphasis on providing a pleasant travel experience, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to fellow travelers. Whether you're departing or arriving in Johannesburg, OR Tambo International Airport ensures a smooth and...