Travelling from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg and you'll be travelling for around 10 hours.
The timezone in Johannesburg is UTC+2. The city is one hour behind Istanbul, where Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located.
With seven weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the busiest route. Catch Turkish Airlines's 01:50 flight to get your trip from IST to JNB underway.
For a relaxed start to your IST to Johannesburg flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself even more breathing space. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Direct Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg tickets are available for booking. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) will be your arrival point.
Turkish Airlines is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight ticket from IST to Johannesburg. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
The journey from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Planning to catch an early flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg? Avoid rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near IST:
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Johannesburg
R 5,892 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg flight. A return ticket right now is R 8,862. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
Booking in advance is often the key to securing a cheap flight from IST to Johannesburg. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg throughout the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Save time searching for cheap flights from IST to Johannesburg by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Find a cheap flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
The distance from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg is roughly 29 kilometres. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg. Book one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Carwiz, Alamo or Green Motion and chase adventure across Johannesburg and beyond.
For the best deal, reserve your ride from O.R. Tambo International Airport about three weeks ahead of your flight from IST to Johannesburg.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Lanseria International Airport (HLA) is roughly 48 kilometres from central Johannesburg. Once you've hopped off your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg, it'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel near HLA. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your IST to Johannesburg flight:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Lanseria International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire or Firefly powered by Hertz and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at HLA will help you save.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg. The city buzzes during peak season, but prices are usually higher and attractions can be crowded. Visit Johannesburg in the off-season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Book an Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg flight ticket with a departure in January if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from IST to Johannesburg in July when temperatures average between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Johannesburg
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Johannesburg right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Johannesburg:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Maboneng Precinct, Constitution Hill and Johannesburg Zoo are major attractions which should be on every Johannesburg itinerary.
Explore more of South Africa
You've done Johannesburg, now it's time to discover more of South Africa. Journey around 451 kilometres south-east to Pietermaritzburg to check off its top attractions. From KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden to Comrades Marathon House and The Old Prison, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're interested in discovering another major destination in South Africa, consider Bloemfontein, about 370 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg. Naval Hill Planetarium, Bloemfontein Zoo and Anglo Boer War Museum are among its highlights.