Ruth Haines
Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport is a busy transport hub, with many travellers passing through its gates each day. With two terminals serving international and domestic flights, the airport offers a range of facilities for passengers in transit, including lounges, eateries, shops, and nearby hotels. For those with long layovers or unexpected delays, the airport provides various options for rest and sleep, from padded benches in Terminal B to nearby hotels like the City Lodge, Southern Sun, and Intercontinental. While some travellers have reported feeling unsafe spending the night at the airport, others have found it a viable option, opting for the comfort of benches or lounges. With no dedicated sleeping areas, travellers must weigh their preferences for comfort and safety when deciding where to rest during their time at OR Tambo International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping at the airport | Possible, but not comfortable |
| Spending the night at the airport | Safe, but not advised |
| Sleeping spots in the airport | Terminal B, padded benches, armrest-free benches, and departure level private areas |
| Transit hotel | Closed |
| Hotels near the airport | Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg, Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport, City Lodge Hotel, Protea Hotel Transit |
| Airport facilities | Eateries, cafes, restaurants, airport lounges, shops, viewing areas, showers, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sleeping at OR Tambo Airport: Safe or not?
Sleeping at Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable option. While the airport is open 24 hours, security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules: Terminal A (midnight–4:00 AM) and Terminal B (11:00 PM–4:00 AM). Passengers not in transit will be required to remain landside and pass through security in the morning. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, but there are informal spots with padded benches in both terminals. If you plan to sleep at the airport, be prepared for interruptions from security guards who may wake you to check your passport and flight information.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are several hotels located on or near the airport premises. The transit hotel, located inside the International Terminal, offers rooms for overnight or day stays. Other nearby hotels include the Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport, and City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport. These hotels offer various amenities, such as free shuttle services, restaurants, and comfortable rooms.
Some travellers have reported feeling unsafe spending the night at OR Tambo Airport, recommending finding a cheap guest house or hotel nearby. However, others have shared that they had no issues sleeping overnight at the airport, using their backpack as a pillow and an extra jacket as a blanket.
If you have a long layover, there are also other things to do at the airport, such as browsing the shops, visiting the viewing areas, or relaxing in one of the airport lounges with food, drinks, and WiFi access.
How to Pick Someone Up at the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleeping arrangements at the airport
Sleeping at the airport is possible but not necessarily pleasant. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. However, there are informal spots with padded benches in Terminal B, the departure level, and the arrival floor (ground floor). Restaurants that close for the night may also leave their benches out. Security guards may wake you to check your passport and flight information.
If you prefer more comfort, you can pay to access airport lounges with comfortable seats, food, drinks, steady WiFi, and sometimes shower facilities. The Bidvest Premiere Lounge is one option, but reviews say it looks dated.
There are also several hotels located on airport premises or within walking distance, including:
- Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport
- Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport
- City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
- Protea Hotel Transit OR Tambo Airport
How to Earn as a TCP Without an Airport Permit
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hotels near the airport
There are several hotels near the OR Tambo International Airport, offering a range of amenities and services. Here are some options:
InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel
This 5-star luxury hotel is located just a short walk from the airport terminal. It offers a tranquil oasis for guests, with a spa, fitness centre, and a restaurant. The hotel also provides a meet-and-greet service to assist with luggage.
Protea Hotel Transit OR Tambo Airport
This hotel is located inside the airport's International Departures terminal, offering convenience for travellers in transit. It provides 4-star accommodation with amenities such as wireless internet, satellite TV, and 24-hour room service.
Southern Sun OR Tambo International Hotel
The Southern Sun hotel is situated just minutes from the airport and offers 3-star accommodation. It features an outdoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant. A free shuttle service to the terminal is provided every 15 minutes.
Premier Hotel OR Tambo
The Premier Hotel is located within 2 miles of the airport and offers luxury accommodation. It provides an outdoor pool, wireless internet, and a free shuttle service.
Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport Hotel
The Garden Court Hotel is a 3-star accommodation option located minutes from the airport. It offers business services and wireless internet access.
Other Options:
- City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
- Dove's Nest Guest House
- Peermont Metcourt Hotel at Emperors Palace
- Aero Guest Lodge
- Airport Inn
Airport Scanners and CDs: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport lounges
OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg offers a variety of airport lounges for travellers to rest and relax. While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, padded benches are available in Terminal B on the ground floor. However, for a more comfortable experience, travellers can opt for airport lounges or nearby hotels.
Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge
The Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge is accessible to domestic travellers from 05:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 06:00 to 21:00 on weekends. It offers a range of amenities, including air conditioning, refreshments, alcohol, disabled access, newspapers, magazines, flight information monitors, showers, television, and WiFi. This lounge is located airside, and passengers can reach it by taking the escalators down after the security checks.
Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge
The Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge is another option for domestic travellers. It is located airside, and its opening hours and amenities are similar to those of the Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge.
Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge (International)
This lounge is located in the international departures area and is open 24 hours a day. It offers access to international travellers with amenities such as air conditioning, refreshments, alcohol, disabled access, newspapers, magazines, flight information monitors, showers, television, and WiFi. To find this lounge, passengers should go airside, turn right after the security checks, and proceed to the end of the Duty-Free Area. Then, take the escalator up to the Mezzanine Level.
The Mashonzha Premium Lounge
The Mashonzha Premium Lounge is also located in the international departures area. Passengers can find it airside by following the overhead airport signage to the Emirates Business Lounge via the Duty-Free Shop Area. This lounge offers similar amenities to the Bidvest lounges.
Shongolo Premium Lounge
The Shongolo Premium Lounge is another option for international travellers, located in the international departures area.
Aspire Lounge
The Aspire Lounge is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm and welcomes all travellers, regardless of their airline or class of travel. It offers a wide variety of complimentary food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, hot drinks, and seasonal fruits. Travellers can also enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary WiFi, newspapers, magazines, and a quiet zone.
In addition to these airport lounges, there are nearby hotels such as the Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport, and City Lodge Hotel, which provide comfortable accommodation and convenient access to the airport.
Airport Security: Kodak Fun Saver Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Things to do on a layover
Spending the night at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Airport is possible but may not be the most comfortable option. The airport is open 24 hours, but security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, but there are informal spots with padded benches in Terminal B, the departure level, and where restaurants close for the night. Security guards may wake you to check your passport and flight information.
If you prefer a proper hotel, there are a few options within the airport premises, including:
- City Lodge Hotel, located within walking distance of the airport
- Intercontinental Hotel, located 70m from the front of the International Arrivals Hall
- Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport, located 500m from the airport with a free 24-hour airport shuttle
- Protea Hotel Transit OR Tambo Airport, located inside the International Terminal
These hotels typically offer comfortable rooms with amenities such as WiFi, television, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryers, and more.
If you have a long layover at O.R. Tambo Airport and don't want to sleep, there are several other things you can do:
- Eat at one of the various eateries and cafes, including traditional pubs, restaurants offering seafood, burgers, steak, and international cuisine. Eateries close by 11:00 PM, so plan ahead if you're arriving late.
- Relax and access the internet in one of the airport lounges available to any traveller, regardless of your airline or class. For a single fee, you can access food, drinks, steady WiFi, and potentially shower facilities in a calmer environment than the main terminals.
- Shop at the more than three dozen stores, including airport staples like bookstores, pharmacies, and technology shops, as well as Duty-Free areas offering deals on alcohol, makeup, candy, and African jewellery and souvenirs.
- Freshen up and take a hot shower before your next flight in one of the pay-to-enter lounges.
- If you have at least 7 hours between flights, head into Johannesburg to explore the city and its attractions.
Suica Card Purchase: Is It Available at the Airport?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at O.R. Tambo Airport. There are padded benches in Terminal B, and some travellers have reported sleeping on them or on the floor without any issues. However, it is not the most comfortable option, and security guards may wake you to check your passport and flight information.
Yes, there are hotels located inside and near the airport. The Protea Transit Hotel is located inside the International Terminal, but it has been closed since COVID. Other nearby hotels include the Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo Airport, and the City Lodge Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Yes, there are airport lounges that are available to all travellers, regardless of airline or class. For a fee, you can access food, drinks, WiFi, and shower facilities. The Bidvest Premiere Lounge is one such lounge, offering comfortable seats and good food.
Yes, some travellers recommend staying at a hotel or guesthouse near the airport, especially if you have an early or late flight. You can also take a taxi or public transport into downtown Johannesburg, which is about a 50-minute ride away.
