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South Africa
- Overview
- The Basics
- Attractions
- Events
- Activities
- Public Holidays
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Climate
- Currency
- Visa & Passport
- Phrases
- South Africa Map
-
Cities
- Bloemfontein
- Cape Town
- Durban
- East London
- Johannesburg
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Cities
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Regions
- Battlefields
- Cape Winelands
- Garden Route
- Kruger National Park
- Mpumalanga
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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 city centre.
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 11 miles (18km) east of Cape Town.
Getting to the city
The MyCiti bus is the quickest and cheapest option for getting into the city, with an express to the city centre costing around ZAR 80 in addition to the once off ZAR 30 for a MyCiti card. 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. Other options include private services such as Uber and Taxify.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 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 12.7 miles (20.5km) east of Johannesburg.
Getting to the city
The 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.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 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 21 miles (34km) 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 21 miles (34km) north of Durban.
Getting to the city
The airport can be accessed by car via the N2 from Durban. Taxis are available and there are shuttles to the city centre and major beachfront hotels, which can booked through the airport's information desk.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 32 436 6578
Kimberley Airport (KIM)
Location
The airport is situated five and a half miles (9km) south of Kimberley.
Getting to the city
There is no bus service between the airport and the city, but taxi services are available on request and car hire agencies are available at the airport.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 53 830 7106
East London Airport (ELS)
Location
The airport is located about three miles (5km) west of the city centre.
Getting to the city
There is no public bus or transport from the airport. Shuttle companies 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 43 706 0306
Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN)
Overview
Bloemfontein Airport (BFN) is located 10.5 miles (17km) from the city centre. A small airport with 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 8 miles (13km) from the city centre.
Getting to the city
Public transport servicing 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 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 Port Elizabeth 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 Port Elizabeth.
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. Uber is an increasingly popular transfer service.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 41 507 7319
George Airport (GRJ)
Location
The airport is situated around five and a half miles (9km) from George.
Getting to the city
Taxis are the only form of transport between the city and the airport. There are a small number of private companies operating on this route.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 44 876 9310.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
Location
The airport is situated nearly 17 miles (27km) from Nelspruit at White River.
Getting to the city
Taxis are available as well as a varied selection of shuttle services.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 13 753 7500
Eastgate Airport (HDS)
Location
The airport is situated around seven and a half miles (12km) from Hoedspruit and is found within the Hoedspruit Air Force Base Nature Reserve.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 15 793 3681
Richards Bay Airport (RCB)
Location
Richards Bay Airport is located three miles (5km) from central Richards Bay.
Getting to the city
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall.
Time
GMT +2
Contacts
Tel: +27 35 789 9630
Cape Town Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.
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