Travelling from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Johannesburg is three hours behind Malé, where Velana International Airport is located. Johannesburg observes the UTC+2 timezone.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your MLE to Johannesburg flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow a bit more breathing room. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and perhaps even tick a new city off your list. When searching for flight tickets from MLE to Johannesburg, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
To get to MLE from central Malé, it'll take around 15 minutes if you're travelling by car. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
In search of a hotel close to MLE? If you're catching an early flight from Velana International Airport to Johannesburg, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
77.73% of flights that depart Velana International Airport reach their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Johannesburg
R 8,826 is currently the best price for a one-way Velana International Airport to Johannesburg flight. A return flight ticket starts from R 15,172. These prices may change based on availability and demand.
To pick up cheap flights from MLE to Johannesburg, book ahead. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets are first released.
Finding cheap tickets from Velana International Airport to Johannesburg is easier if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' search function to access the lowest fares across the month and pick up a sweet deal.
Save time looking for cheap flights from MLE to Johannesburg by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Velana International Airport to Johannesburg.
Airports in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to the centre of Johannesburg takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 29 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Velana International Airport to Johannesburg, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these accommodation options near JNB:
Grab an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car and explore Johannesburg and beyond with your own set of wheels. Carwiz, Alamo and Green Motion are well-known companies you can book with here.
Reserving your ride from O.R. Tambo International Airport around three weeks in advance of your flight from MLE to Johannesburg can help you get the lowest rate.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Once your flight from Velana International Airport to Johannesburg has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Johannesburg is roughly 48 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA).
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near HLA. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your MLE to Johannesburg flight:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Lanseria International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire or Firefly powered by Hertz and set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at HLA can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
Travel to Johannesburg in high season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Velana International Airport to Johannesburg during low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
The warmest month in Johannesburg is January, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). Lock in your Velana International Airport to Johannesburg flight ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
Search for cheap tickets from MLE to Johannesburg in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF) on average.
More about Johannesburg
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Johannesburg right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Velana International Airport to Johannesburg:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Maboneng Precinct, Constitution Hill and Johannesburg Zoo are top attractions which should be on any good Johannesburg itinerary.
Explore more of South Africa
Johannesburg has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of South Africa you'll want to see. About 451 kilometres south-east of Johannesburg, a visit to Pietermaritzburg will fill your itinerary to the brim. Don't miss top attractions like KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Comrades Marathon House and The Old Prison.
Around 370 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg, Bloemfontein is another favourite stop in South Africa. No visit is complete without checking out Naval Hill Planetarium, Bloemfontein Zoo and Anglo Boer War Museum.
