Travelling from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): What you need to know
Johannesburg is eight hours ahead of Chicago. Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport is located in Johannesburg, which follows the UTC+2 timezone.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for hassle-free flying. Show up at the airport on time to catch your flight from Chicago to JNB.
Flying during a peak month like July? Popular seasons (like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year) can easily add another hour at security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
We make it a breeze to book cheap flights from Chicago to JNB with a stopover. To explore all your options departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Popular stopovers between ORD and JNB include:
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes about 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a taxi, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Planning to catch an early flight from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
Of all flights leaving Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 70% land on schedule at their destination.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Break up your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport with a stop at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). A major stopover between Chicago Midway International Airport and JNB, it's a good opportunity to unwind before the next leg of your journey.
Using public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in about 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 16 kilometres away, and getting there by car will take approximately 25 minutes.
Catching the earliest flight? You might like to check in to one of these accommodation options near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your Chicago to JNB flight:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76%.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
From the centre of Chicago, RFD is around 145 kilometres away. It takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to get there by car and 2 hours or so on public transport.
Take the uncertainty out of departure day — stay near Chicago Rockford International Airport and know you'll make it to your boarding gate with time to spare. Check in to one of these hotels the day before if you've booked an early Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport flight:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that monitors how often flights reach their destinations without delays. At RFD, that figure is 71%.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
About Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. Get comfy at one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride around three weeks before your Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport flight.
Getting from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport is around 26 kilometres from central Johannesburg. It takes around 30 minutes or so to drive to the city.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 35 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Right now, R 10,298 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 15,817. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from Chicago to JNB if you book ahead. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
Cheap Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport tickets are easier to find when your dates are flexible. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to compare fares throughout the month and then fly out on the cheapest day.
Save time searching for cheap plane tickets from Chicago to JNB by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Find an affordable flight from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport by using filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
December is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), while April is the busiest. Work out the ideal time to go to Johannesburg based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Book a Chicago to JNB plane ticket departing in January if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Johannesburg to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport in July when temperatures are between 3ºC (37ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Johannesburg
After booking your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, find a hotel that offers a good mix of location and comfort. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Johannesburg:
Your Johannesburg visit should come with a bit of sightseeing. Highlights that should be on your list include Apartheid Museum, Nelson Mandela Statue and Top of Africa.
Explore more of South Africa
Johannesburg is just a small taste of what South Africa has to offer. Continue your journey in Welkom, which is about 257 kilometres away to the southwest. From Welkom Museum to Funtasia Fun Park & Restaurant - Welkom, there's plenty to see and do in this fascinating city.
Next? Set out for Newcastle. It's roughly 241 kilometres southeast of Johannesburg and home to highlights like Carnegie Art Museum.