OR Tambo International Airport travel guide background
JNBFAORLarge Airport

OR Tambo International Airport

Johannesburg, South Africa5,558 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

JNB

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

FAOR

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

5,558 ft

The airport sits at a high elevation, which can influence aircraft performance and weather patterns.

Coordinates

-26.14, 28.25

Johannesburg map position.

Airport scale

Busy International Gateway

This is a busy international gateway, so peak banks can feel intense even when the layout is straightforward.

Runways

2

OR Tambo Airport runway count in the current model.

Passenger scale

21.7M

Estimated annual passenger volume.

OR Tambo Airport overview

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) serves Johannesburg, South Africa. It is listed as a busy international gateway, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through JNB.

The airport sits at 5,558 feet above sea level, and has 2 published runways, and handles an estimated 21.7 million passengers per year. Its coordinates are -26.1392, 28.2460, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in South Africa.

Nearby alternatives include Rand Airport (QRA) and Grand Central Airport (GCJ). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across Africa.

JNB planning callout

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips. For this page, compare JNB with nearby airport links and the South Africa country guide before finalizing route choices.

OR Tambo Airport unique facts

JNB fact 1

OR Tambo International Airport uses IATA code JNB and ICAO code FAOR.

JNB fact 2

JNB serves Johannesburg in South Africa.

JNB fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #1 by estimated passenger scale among listed South Africa airports.

JNB fact 4

Across Africa, this airport ranks #1 in the current featured airport set.

JNB fact 5

OR Tambo International Airport is classified as a busy international gateway, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

JNB fact 6

JNB sits 5,558 feet above sea level.

JNB fact 7

OR Tambo International Airport has 2 published runways in this model.

JNB fact 8

Its longest listed runway is 14,495 feet.

OR Tambo Airport facilities

OR Tambo Airport restaurants

At JNB, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

JNB lounges

For OR Tambo International Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

JNB WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving OR Tambo Airport.

Johannesburg airport parking

For departures from Johannesburg, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

JNB accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through OR Tambo International Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

JNB ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in South Africa; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

JNB currency exchange

Currency desks at OR Tambo Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

JNB car rental

Save JNB as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

OR Tambo Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near OR Tambo International Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

JNB medical help

For urgent health needs at JNB, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

JNB charging

At OR Tambo Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

JNB business travel

OR Tambo International Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

JNB family travel

Families using JNB should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

OR Tambo Airport terminals

JNB terminal planning

Terminal layouts at OR Tambo International Airport can change by airline, route, and operating day. Confirm your JNB terminal after check-in, then use airport signage for transfers, baggage claim, and ground transport.

OR Tambo Airport transportation

JNB taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at JNB when arriving late or carrying luggage into Johannesburg.

JNB train or metro

If rail is available at OR Tambo International Airport, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

JNB bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Johannesburg, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from JNB.

JNB driving and car rental

Because JNB sits at elevation, check road weather and traffic before relying on tight car-return timing.

OR Tambo Airport location

JNB

OR Tambo International Airport

-26.1392, 28.2460

Rand Airport

15 km from JNB

Grand Central Airport

20 km from JNB

Waterkloof Air Force Base

34 km from JNB

Lanseria International Airport

39 km from JNB

OR Tambo Airport runways and aviation information

Runways

2

OR Tambo International Airport runway count.

Longest runway

14,495 ft

JNB published longest runway.

Timezone

Africa/Johannesburg

Johannesburg local operating time.

OR Tambo Airport traveler tips

JNB tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

JNB tip 2

Weather and aircraft performance can be more noticeable at this elevation, so protect connection buffers.

JNB tip 3

For international departures, leave time for document checks before security as well as any terminal train or shuttle.

JNB tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around -26.14 latitude and 28.25 longitude.

JNB tip 5

Morning departures are often smoother when you pre-book parking, rideshare, or rail tickets.

JNB tip 6

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips.

OR Tambo Airport FAQ

Where is OR Tambo International Airport located?

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is located in Johannesburg, South Africa, at coordinates -26.1392, 28.2460.

What is the IATA code for OR Tambo International Airport?

The IATA code for OR Tambo International Airport is JNB. Its ICAO code is FAOR.

Is OR Tambo International Airport a large airport?

OR Tambo International Airport is classified as a large airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a busy international gateway in this guide. This is a busy international gateway, so peak banks can feel intense even when the layout is straightforward.

How early should I arrive at JNB?

For OR Tambo International Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is OR Tambo International Airport?

OR Tambo International Airport is 5,558 feet above sea level; The airport sits at a high elevation, which can influence aircraft performance and weather patterns..

Does OR Tambo International Airport have scheduled airline service?

OR Tambo International Airport is marked as having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does JNB serve?

JNB primarily serves Johannesburg and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to JNB?

Nearby comparison airports include Rand Airport (QRA) and Grand Central Airport (GCJ).

What transport should I check first at JNB?

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips. For OR Tambo International Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

OR Tambo Airport related airports

BFN

Bram Fischer International Airport

Bloemfontein, South Africa

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

4,457 ft

AfricaGuide

CPT

Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town, South Africa

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

151 ft

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DUR

King Shaka International Airport

Durban, South Africa

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

295 ft

AfricaGuide

ELS

King Phalo Airport

East London, South Africa

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

435 ft

AfricaGuide

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