Travelling from Istanbul to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Istanbul is home to two main airports where you can kick off your travels. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Come in for landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), the major arrival point in Johannesburg.
Around 9 hours 50 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Istanbul to Johannesburg flight.
The timezone in Johannesburg is UTC+2, which is one hour behind Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are seven departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg is with Turkish Airlines at 01:55. Opt for the first IST to JNB departure with Turkish Airlines at 01:15 to make the most of your arrival in Johannesburg.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Istanbul to Johannesburg flight.
Flying during a popular month such as April? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg
To secure cheap Istanbul to Johannesburg flights, book your journey one month ahead of your departure.
Organise your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on plane tickets from Istanbul to Johannesburg. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Getting a cheap flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Johannesburg flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg jetting off from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Start your trip at IST and end it at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Check out the deals with Turkish Airlines. This airline offers direct Istanbul to Johannesburg plane tickets out of IST.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Istanbul to Johannesburg flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
N'djili Airport (FIH)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
IST is around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Want a handy hotel near Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Johannesburg flight, here's where you can stop when heading out from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
SAW is about 31 kilometres from central Istanbul. It takes 55 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Kick off your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, stay in one of these hotels close to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
When it comes to keeping flights on track, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76.93%.
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 23 kilometres away.
It usually takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg. Reserve one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Grab an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car and explore Johannesburg and beyond with your own wheels. Carwiz, Alamo and Green Motion are top providers you can book with here.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from O.R. Tambo International Airport around three weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Johannesburg flight.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Central Johannesburg is approximately 32 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA). Once your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 50 minutes.
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Lanseria International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire or Firefly powered by Hertz and be off and running.
Score the best price by securing your ride from HLA four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
February is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg, while July is the busiest. Find the ideal time to visit Johannesburg based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Lock in an Istanbul to Johannesburg ticket departing in January if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Johannesburg to range from 15ºC to 30ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 20ºC.
More about Johannesburg
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Johannesburg:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Johannesburg itinerary.
Explore more of South Africa
Johannesburg has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of South Africa just waiting to be discovered. About 18 kilometres west of Johannesburg, a visit to Soweto will keep your itinerary packed. Check out popular attractions like Mjebha Park, Tutu House - Soweto tours and Go Green Go Clean.
Around 56 kilometres north of Johannesburg, Pretoria is another essential stop in South Africa. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at 32 Battalion Tree of Honour, Wonderpark and Viscount Memorial Wall.
