Email this guide
Print the full guide-
South Africa
- Overview
- The Basics
- Attractions
- Events
- Activities
- Public Holidays
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Climate
- Currency
- Visa & Passport
- Phrases
- Flights to South Africa
- Tour Operators
- South Africa Map
-
Cities
- Bloemfontein
- Cape Town
- Durban
- East London
- Johannesburg
-
hide
Cities
-
Regions
- Battlefields
- Cape Winelands
- Garden Route
- Kruger National Park
- Mpumalanga
-
show more Regions
Airports in South Africa
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Overview
One of the largest airports in Africa, Cape Town International Airport is close behind Johannesburg in terms of flights to South Africa, handling more than 8.2 million passengers each year on nearly 100,000 flights.
The terminal is airy and spacious, and is known for its efficiency. Passengers have many options to choose from when spending their layover at Cape Town International Airport, including dozens of shops and restaurants. Getting to Cape Town from the airport is now just as easy, with express public transport links to the downtown area.
South African airports have come under fire for reports of theft by baggage handlers, including Cape Town International Airport. However most flights to Cape Town are hassle-free, and travellers can sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Mother City as they glide in over Table Mountain.
Location
The airport is situated 13 miles (20km) east of Cape Town.
Getting to the city
Door-to-door minibus services are available for the journey to the city, taking approximately half an hour. Many hotels operate courtesy buses and a 24 hour backpacker bus is available hourly to many hostels. Taxis are available in the arrivals parking lot but are expensive, costing at least US$20 to the city centre. A shared taxi, also called a Rikki, can be reserved and is slightly cheaper than a taxi (Tel: 0861 745 547). Car rentals can be made from the arrivals terminal or before hand at SouthAfriCar. The MyCiti bus is the quickest and cheapest option for getting into the city, but the bus service has not yet been rolled out throughout the city, so visitors will need to check how close it can take them to their accommodation before hopping aboard.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)21 937 1200.
O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) (JNB)
Overview
Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport was given a significant upgrade in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. It processes most international flights arriving in South Africa and receives over 18 million passengers each year.
Passengers flying to OR Tambo can connect to most regional airports via OR Tambo. It is also conveniently close to many local attractions such as the Kruger National Park and the historic townships of Alexandria and Soweto in Johannesburg.
Location
The airport is 14 miles (22km) east of Johannesburg.
Getting to the city
The recently-constructed Gautrain provides fast and easy access to the Johannesburg city centre from the airport, with regular express trains to Sandton. An airport bus departs regularly to the city centre. Authorised shuttle buses and taxis are available; these display the ACSA logo on their vehicles. Hotel shuttle buses depart every 15 minutes from the bus terminal behind the Airport Sun International hotel. A reputable shuttle company is Magic Bus which is located on the ground floor of the domestic parkade building (Tel: +27 (0)11 394 6902).
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)11 921 6262.
Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Overview
The newly-built Durban King Shaka International Airport is a state-of-the-art facility 22 miles (35km) north of Durban on the west coast of South Africa. Constructed specially for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the airport is spacious and modern, and handles only half of its 7.5 million-passenger capacity each year, meaning the facility never feels crowded.
Most flights to Durban King Shaka International Airport are domestic flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London and George, however there are limited international routes to Mauritius, Mozambique and Dubai.
While the airport's facilities are state-of-the-art, the facility's remote location is an inconvenient introduction to Durban due to the total lack of public transportation.
Location
The airport is 22 miles (35km) north of Durban.
Getting to the city
The airport can be accessed by car via the N2 from Durban. A rail link is expected to be completed soon.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)86 727 7888.
Kimberley Airport (KIM)
Location
The airport is situated five miles (8km) south of Kimberley.
Getting to the city
There is no bus service between the airport and the city, but a taxi service is available on request and car hire agencies are available at the airport.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)53 851 1241.
East London Airport (ELS)
Location
The airport is located six miles (9km) west of the city centre.
Getting to the city
There is no public bus or transport from the airport. Gateway Shuttle and Redshuttle Bus Services leave from in front of the arrivals terminal. Bookings should be made in advance. Their schedule follows flight schedules.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)43 706 0304.
Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN)
Overview
Bloemfontein Airport (BFN) is located six miles (10km) from the city centre. A small airport with only the most basic amenities, it serves roughly a quarter of a million passengers each year on flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth.
Location
The airport is located six miles (10km) from the city centre.
Getting to the city
Public transport to the airport is limited; minibus taxis are available but are unreliable and often overcrowded. The best way to get to the city is by hired car or taxi.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)51 407 2200.
Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ)
Overview
Port Elizabeth Airport is located close to everything in 'the Friendly City'. It is just two miles (3km) from the central business district in PE and offers passengers easy access to a range of attractions such as the beautiful beaches, game parks or the bustling local businesses and manufacturing industry.
The airport is relatively small, but the local people are warm and laid-back. Port Elizabeth is an important transport hub in the region and although the airport is slick and functional, there isn't a wide range of shopping and dining facilities on offer.
Location
The airport is situated about two miles (3km) south of PE.
Getting to the city
There is no public transport from the airport into Port Elizabeth. Minibuses may be available, however most travellers find them uncomfortable and overcrowded with luggage. Visitors not hiring a car will find taxis the most convenient mode of transport.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)41 507 7319.
George Airport (GRJ)
Location
The airport is situated six miles (10km) from George.
Getting to the city
Taxis are the only form of transport between the city and the airport.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)44 876 9310.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
Location
The airport is situated 16 miles (25km) from Nelspruit at White River.
Getting to the city
Taxis are available.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)13 753 7500.
Eastgate Airport (HDS)
Location
The airport is situated five miles (8km) from Hoedspruit and is situated within the Hoedspruit Air Force Base Nature Reserve.
Time
GMT +2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)15 793 3681.
Richards Bay Airport (RCB)
Location
Richards Bay Airport is located four miles (7 km) north west of Richards Bay.
Getting to the city
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall.
Time
GMT + 2.
Contacts
Tel: +27 (0)35 789 9630.
Cape Town Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.
Our Travel Expert
>Read Jenni's tips on South Africa
>Ask Jenni a question
Become our South Africa Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our South Africa travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to South Africa or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.
Africa Miracles
Africa Miracles specialises in tailor-made holidays to South Africa. Travel to the website and find information on South Africa and suggested itineraries.
ADVERTISEMENT
iExplore
iExplore designs made-to-order, privately-guided adventure safaris to South Africa and 200 other world wonders. Come Back Different!
ADVERTISEMENT
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel, one of the world's leading suppliers of small group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track, interacting with the locals and having real life experiences throughout South Africa.
ADVERTISEMENT
