Traveling from Istanbul to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Istanbul has a couple of airports where you can kick off your trip. Explore your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the primary gateway where you can land in Johannesburg.
A direct flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg takes an average of 9 hours 43 minutes. The timezone in Johannesburg is UTC+2, which is 1 hour behind Istanbul.
With 10 flights a week between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg with Turkish Airlines at 01:15. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last departure from IST to JNB is with Turkish Airlines at 01:55.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you'll have plenty of time to board your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg.
Flying over a peak time like August? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
You don't need a visa for South Africa if you hold a passport from Türkiye (Turkey) and are visiting for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements are subject to changes. So before booking your cheap flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the latest information.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're after a direct flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, you can board one at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Get from IST to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) without any stops.
When jetting out of IST, you can take a direct flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg with Turkish Airlines.
We make it a piece of cake to find a flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg with a stopover. To see the options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
N'djili Airport (FIH)
IST is about 48 kilometers from central Istanbul. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the center, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these hotels close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Break up your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg with a stop so you can stretch your legs or cross another place off your list. Popular stopovers between Istanbul Ataturk Airport and Johannesburg are:
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
N'djili Airport (FIH)
You can get to SAW from central Istanbul in about 57 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel the 48 kilometers or so.
Start your vacation sooner with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, stay in one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is around 29 kilometers from central Johannesburg. With your own car rental or if you take a cab, the drive is about 29 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 12 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near JNB:
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
After your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg has touched down, you can reach the city center in about 51 minutes by car. Central Johannesburg is roughly 48 kilometers from Lanseria International Airport (HLA).
You'll find some cozy hotels to call home for the night near HLA. Kick back after your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg at any of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Johannesburg is $377. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $511. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Score cheap tickets from Istanbul to Johannesburg by booking 8 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for April. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Istanbul to Johannesburg. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Johannesburg. You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped. We'll notify you the moment there's a change in price.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
It's time to pick your travel dates for your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg. July is the most popular month for a trip to Johannesburg. If you like a more relaxed atmosphere, go in February.
The warmest month in Johannesburg is January, with the temperature ranging between 15ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg in this month if this is the type of weather you like.
Look for cheap tickets from Istanbul to Johannesburg in July if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC and 20ºC on average.
More about Johannesburg
Start your Johannesburg trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Every great vacation has to include a little sightseeing. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are essential stops on your Johannesburg itinerary.
Complete your Johannesburg trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg isn't our only cool trick. Check out our car rentals in Johannesburg and explore at your own pace. We search for deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare rates and then book with no fees.
