Flying from Dubai to Johannesburg: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can fly out of in Dubai. Check out your options leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when booking your flight from Dubai to Johannesburg.
Come in for landing at Johannesburg's primary gateway, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Around 8 hours 15 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Dubai to Johannesburg flight.
Johannesburg's timezone is UTC+2, making Johannesburg two hours behind Dubai.
Dubai Airport (DXB) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 25 flights a week to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Dubai to Johannesburg is with Emirates at 23:25. Opt for the first DXB to JNB departure with Emirates at 04:05 to make the most of your arrival in Johannesburg.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Dubai to Johannesburg flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Johannesburg
To snag cheap Dubai to Johannesburg flights, book your trip two months ahead of your planned departure.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring a great bargain on plane tickets from Dubai to Johannesburg. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Dubai to Johannesburg is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Dubai to Johannesburg flights.
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
If you're after a direct flight from Dubai to Johannesburg, you can depart from Dubai Airport (DXB). Get from DXB to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in one seamless journey.
Emirates is a well-known airline that offers direct Dubai to Johannesburg plane tickets leaving from DXB.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even explore a different city. When browsing Dubai to Johannesburg flights departing from Dubai Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Travelling from central Dubai to DXB takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 10 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Booked an early flight from Dubai to Johannesburg? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near Dubai Airport:
74.31% of flights that take off from Dubai Airport reach their destination on time.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Think about adding a stop at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). It's a key stopover on a Dubai to Johannesburg flight departing Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport. Use a longer layover to get out and explore, or take advantage of a quick break to visit an airport cafe.
You can reach DWC from central Dubai in about 45 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride on public transport takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes to travel the 48 kilometres or so.
You're going on holiday, so why not extend it with an extra night away from home? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport the day before your flight from Dubai to Johannesburg:
57% of all departures from Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg takes around 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 21 kilometres away.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near JNB if you're coming in on a late flight from Dubai to Johannesburg. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car and discover Johannesburg and beyond with your own set of wheels. Carwiz, Alamo and Green Motion are popular providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from O.R. Tambo International Airport about three weeks ahead of your departure.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
The centre of Johannesburg is located around 32 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA). After your flight from Dubai to Johannesburg has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 50 minutes.
First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire and Firefly powered by Hertz make collecting a Lanseria International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from HLA four weeks in advance often means better prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
February is the quietest month for flights from Dubai to Johannesburg, while July is the most popular. Work out the best time to visit Johannesburg based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Dubai to Johannesburg ticket departing in January if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Johannesburg to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Dubai to Johannesburg in July when temperatures average between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Johannesburg
Once you've booked your flight from Dubai to Johannesburg, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Johannesburg:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are essential stops on your Johannesburg itinerary.
Explore more of South Africa
You've done Johannesburg, now it's time to explore other parts of South Africa. Travel about 18 kilometres west to Soweto to tick off its must-visit sights. From Mjebha Park to Tutu House - Soweto tours and Go Green Go Clean, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 56 kilometres north of Johannesburg, Pretoria is another essential stop in South Africa. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at 32 Battalion Tree of Honour, Wonderpark and Viscount Memorial Wall.