The Gautrain connects OR Tambo to Sandton (Sandton City mall, Nelson Mandela Square) in about 15 minutes — a practical city excursion during a longer layover.
Things to do at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International AirportJNB
At the airport
Things to do in O.R. Tambo International Airport
O.R. Tambo International Airport is Africa's busiest hub with solid layover options. The international terminal's Bottega Whisky and Wine Bar near Gate 6 reportedly holds the largest whisky and wine selection at any airport worldwide. Mugg & Bean serves hearty South African-style meals, and specialty shops carry biltong, Amarula, and local wine. A transit hotel operates inside the international terminal.
Insider intel
Top Tips for O.R. Tambo International Airport
- Allow at least 3 hours before international departures — JNB's security and immigration can be slow, especially during peak periods.
- The Slow Lounge in the international terminal is accessible with Priority Pass or a day fee and offers comfortable seating, food, and shower facilities.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at JNB
5 Sanctifly partner lounges at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestAspire Airport Lounge
At O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Aspire Airport Lounge is conveniently located in Terminal A on the airside, making it an easy stop once you’ve cleared the main formalities. After completing passport control and the security check, continue into the departures area and follow the airport signage directing you toward gates A7–A30. As you walk past the Duty Free shops, keep to the left-hand side of the concourse—the airport lounge is located on the left shortly after Duty Free. This clear, airside location is ideal for travelers who want to settle in near the Terminal A gate area before boarding.Book Now
100 points per guestShongololo Lounge
At O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Shongololo Lounge is located airside in Terminal A, making it a convenient airport lounge option once you’ve completed the formalities. After passing through passport control and the security check, follow the terminal signage toward gates A7 to A18. Continue along this route until you pass the Air France Lounge, then take the escalator down to reach the Shongololo Lounge. This clear, airside location is ideal for travel through Terminal A, allowing you to find the lounge easily on your way to the A-gates and settle in before your flight.Book Now
100 points per guestMashonzha Lounge
At O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Mashonzha Lounge is located in Terminal A on the airside, making it a convenient airport lounge option once you’ve cleared formalities. After completing passport control and the security check, follow the airport signage toward gates A7 to A18. As you continue in this direction, look for the escalators on the left-hand side and take them up. At the top, the Mashonzha Lounge will be on your right-hand side. This clear, airside location is ideal for travel through O.R. Tambo International Airport, allowing you to settle in and relax close to the Terminal A departure gates before boarding.Book Now
100 points per guestBidvest Premier Lounge (International)
At O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Bidvest Premier Lounge (International) is located in Terminal A on the airside, making it a convenient airport lounge option once you’ve cleared the main formalities. After completing passport control and the security check, continue into the duty free shopping area and walk toward its south end. From there, take the escalator up to the mezzanine level, where the lounge is situated in the right-hand corner. This clear, airside location is ideal for international travel, allowing you to settle in and relax close to the departure area after you’ve finished all required processing.Book Now
100 points per guestBidvest SKY Lounge - OR Tambo Domestic
At O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Bidvest SKY Lounge - OR Tambo Domestic is located airside in Terminal B, making it a convenient airport lounge option once you’ve completed the required formalities. After passing passport control and the security check, proceed into the departures area and take the lift up to Level 4. When you exit the lift on Level 4, the lounge will be on the left-hand side. This clear, straightforward route helps travelers find the lounge quickly and settle in comfortably before their next flight.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.