Boksburg Gauteng, South Africa Travel Guide
JNB connects to major hubs worldwide via various global airlines. Major international airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ba, Lufthansa, and South African Airways operate flights. Domestically, FlySafair, CemAir, Airlink, Lift, and SAA connect JNB to other major From South africa cities, including Cape Town and Durban. Direct flights exist from global hubs in The old continent, the Middle East, North America, and other African cities.
O.R. Tambo International Airport offers a comprehensive range of facilities and services. Terminal A caters to international flights, and Terminal B serves domestic routes. You will find duty-free shops, various retail stores, and a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. Financial institutions like currency exchange, ATMs, and banking services are available. Major car rental companies have desks in the terminals, and choices of hotels exist within or adjacent to the airport complex. Lounges, free Wi-Fi, medical services, and prayer rooms further make your trip better.
Take the Gautrain to Rhodesfield Station (one stop, ~5 min) for onward travel to Boksburg via taxi or ride-sharing.
Uber and Bolt are widely available with designated pick-up zones at JNB. Official airport taxis are also present.
Many hotels and private companies offer pre-booked shuttle direct services to Boksburg.
No specific departure taxes are directly levied by the South African government at airports. These charges typically include in the airline ticket price.
For international flights, arrive at JNB at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours prior. Complete check-in, luggage drop-off, and security screening. For international travel, clear immigration.
JNB has lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, and Wi-Fi services for departing passengers. These amenities offer comfort during your wait.
While Boksburg is inland, land transport links it to other parts of South Africa. The Gautrain connects O.R. Tambo (near Boksburg) to Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria. Rhodesfield Station is the closest Gautrain station to central Boksburg. Metrorail commuter services operate in the greater Johannesburg area, but are not recommended for tourists due to unreliability and safety concerns. Major intercity bus companies (Intercape, Greyhound) offer services connecting Johannesburg to other cities. Boksburg itself does not generally possess major long-distance bus terminals; travel to Johannesburg Park Station for connections.
Renting a car (via DiscoverCars.com) can offer independence. You need a valid national driver's license. If it is not in English or lacks a photograph, an International Driving Permit is useful. The minimum age for rental is typically 21-23, having at least 1-2 years driving experience. A credit card in the renter's name is standard for the deposit. South Africa has a well-developed road network, with good national highways (N-routes) and provincial roads (R-routes). Roads within Boksburg vary from good to fair. Drive on the left-hand side of the road. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially on major routes connecting Boksburg to Johannesburg. Several national roads are toll roads; an e-tag or cash payments are viable.
Main roads and national highways generally offer good conditions. Potholes could be an issue on some municipal roads. Safety involves vigilance against hijackings (keep doors locked, windows closed), caution with roadside incidents (scams), and awareness of minibus taxis (erratic driving). Avoid driving long distances at night, especially in rural areas, due to poor lighting, pedestrians, and potential for crime.
This data is not valid for Boksburg itself, as it is inland within South Africa. For travel to neighboring countries (e.g., Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe), specific border post requirements and visa regulations apply. Overland travel is common for these routes. Always check specific country requirements well in advance.
Prepare for your departure from Boksburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport. No specific departure taxes are levied directly by the South African government at aerodromes for international flights. These charges typically appear in the airline ticket price. For international flights, arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. For domestic flights, arrive at JNB at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) offers a range of services designed for departing passengers. Enjoy comfort and convenience while you wait for your flight. JNB offers lounges where you can relax, duty-free purchasing last-minute souvenirs or gifts, and a selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy a a meal or snack. You will also find currency exchange services, ATMs, and Wi-Fi access throughout the airport to stay connected.
Confirm your specific airline's baggage allowances for checked and carry-on luggage to avoid extra fees.
Be prepared for aviation security checks. Follow all instructions from security personnel for a smooth process.
Monitor airport screens for your flight's gate number and any last-minute changes to boarding times.
If you have connecting flights, allow ample time between flights, especially if transitioning between international and domestic terminals or changing airlines. Check the minimum connection time recommended by your airline or airport. Transfers within JNB are generally well-signposted, but can still involve significant walking.
JNB provides a range of duty-free shops where you can purchase items like alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and souvenirs before your international flight. Be aware of the duty-free allowances for your destination country to avoid issues upon arrival. Keep your boarding pass handy as it is often required for duty-free purchases.
Be prepared to complete customs declaration forms for goods you are bringing into your next destination.
Familiarize yourself with items prohibited or restricted for import into your next country of arrival.
Exercise caution with fresh produce, plants, or animal products, as these often have strict import rules.
Allow plenty of time and take advantage of the airport's facilities.
