London to Johannesburg flights at a glance
| Distance | about 9,070 km (great-circle) |
|---|---|
| Typical flight time | roughly 12 hours in the air (estimated from distance) |
| From | Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN) and London City (LCY) |
| To | O. R. Tambo International (JNB) |
| Service | Nonstop flights operate, plus one-stop options via Europe and the Gulf. |
Times are typical and vary with winds, routing and schedules; connections add time. The search above shows real options for your dates.
When it gets busy
South African summer and the December holidays are busy. When your trip falls in a busy period, it helps to start watching fares a few months ahead and to stay flexible by a day or two either side.
Tips for flying London to Johannesburg
- Overnight flights mean little jet lag, as the time difference is small.
- Check South African entry rules for children.
Getting to and from the airports
London: Heathrow is on the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line, Gatwick and Stansted have fast trains, and London City is on the DLR, close to Canary Wharf.
Johannesburg: The Gautrain rapid rail links the airport with Sandton and Pretoria.
Always confirm transport times on the official airport or transit website, especially for late-night arrivals.
How to compare fares fairly
The first price you see is rarely the whole story. Before you choose, add the extras you actually need, such as a checked bag, a seat together if you are travelling as a family, and any change or cancellation flexibility. A fare that looks lower can end up costing more once those are added, while a slightly higher fare that includes a bag may be the better deal. Compare the total for your whole party, and check the connection time and airport on every itinerary, not just the price.
Flexibility is the most reliable money-saver. If your dates can move by a day or two, use the calendar view in the search results to see how prices change across the week. Flying midweek or at less popular times of day often helps. Setting a price alert and booking once a fare falls inside your budget is calmer, and usually smarter, than checking every few hours.
Before you book: documents and rules
Check that your passport is valid for the whole trip (many countries ask for six months beyond your return date), and look up visa or electronic travel authorisation rules on the official government website of every country you will enter, including any you only connect through. Baggage allowances differ by airline and fare type, so read our baggage rules guide and pack using our travel checklist.
Related: New York to London, Toronto to London, London to Dubai, London to Barcelona, London to Bangkok, London to Edinburgh. See all international routes, domestic routes and flights by month.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London to Johannesburg?
Roughly 12 hours in the air (estimated from distance). Exact times depend on the airline, routing and winds.
Which airports serve this route?
Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN) and London City (LCY), and O. R. Tambo International (JNB).
When is it busiest?
South African summer and the December holidays are busy.
Where do the prices come from?
Prices come only from our partner’s live search. We do not set or guarantee fares.
Data and credits: Written by ViralScopeHub. Flight times and airport details are approximate and for general planning; schedules, airlines and rules change, so always confirm with the airline, airport or official government sites before you travel. Airline and airport names are used only to describe routes; we are not affiliated with them. See all Live Earth & Space tools and our credits page.