Travelling from Istanbul to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Istanbul has two main airports where you can start your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
Hop off the plane at Johannesburg's chief entry point, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Around 9 hours 50 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Istanbul to Johannesburg flight.
Johannesburg is one hour behind Istanbul and is in the UTC+2 timezone.
With seven weekly flights 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 01:50. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last flight from IST to JNB is with Turkish Airlines at 02:00.
Leave enough time to catch your Istanbul to Johannesburg flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg
To secure cheap Istanbul to Johannesburg flights, book your journey one month ahead of your departure.
Organise your trip for April. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on plane tickets from Istanbul to Johannesburg. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Getting a cheap flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Johannesburg flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Begin your journey at IST and touch down at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Look out for deals with Turkish Airlines. This airline offers direct Istanbul to Johannesburg plane tickets out of IST.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even visit a new city. When searching for Istanbul to Johannesburg flights leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Located around 32 kilometres from the centre of Istanbul, IST can be reached in about 50 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Break up your Istanbul to Johannesburg flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or cross a new place off your list. Some popular stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Johannesburg are:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
With public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
Start your holiday sooner with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, take it easy in one of these hotels close to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance of 77%. This figure shows how often flights that take off from this airport make it to their destination on time.
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
The distance from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg is approximately 21 kilometres. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near JNB:
Travel at your own speed with an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Carwiz, Alamo or Green Motion and see more of Johannesburg and beyond.
Booking your ride from O.R. Tambo International Airport around three weeks in advance increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Central Johannesburg is approximately 32 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA). As soon as your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 50 minutes.
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Lanseria International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire or Firefly powered by Hertz and set off in the blink of an eye.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from HLA four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
February is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg, while July is the busiest. Find the ideal time to visit Johannesburg based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Lock in an Istanbul 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).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg in July when temperatures average between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Johannesburg
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Johannesburg:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are must-visits when exploring Johannesburg.
Explore more of South Africa
Johannesburg has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of South Africa just waiting to be discovered. About 18 kilometres west of Johannesburg, a visit to Soweto will keep your itinerary packed. Check out popular attractions like Mjebha Park, Tutu House - Soweto tours and Go Green Go Clean.
Around 56 kilometres north of Johannesburg, Pretoria is another essential stop in South Africa. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at 32 Battalion Tree of Honour, Wonderpark and Viscount Memorial Wall.
