Best dates to travel from London to Johannesburg
Best dates to travel from London to Johannesburg
Return-trip prices collected from different providers to help you find dates with cheaper flights for your next trip. Prices and availability can change, so check the latest fare before booking. Last collected on November 4, 2026.
All trip durations
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London → Johannesburg 24 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 579.83Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 22 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 606.80Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 30 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 27 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 30 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 32 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 28 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 30 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 25 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 32 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights
Cheapest dates we found for this trip length
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London → Johannesburg 2 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 4 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 7 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 9 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 9 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 3 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 660.74Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 2 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 666.36Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 4 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 666.36Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 6 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 666.36Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 9 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 666.36Indicative return priceCheck flights
Cheapest dates we found for this trip length
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London → Johannesburg 11 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 14 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 16 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 18 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 11 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 14 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 16 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 12 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 633.77Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 11 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 666.36Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 16 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 666.36Indicative return priceCheck flights
Cheapest dates we found for this trip length
-
London → Johannesburg 24 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 579.83Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 22 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 606.80Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 30 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 27 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 30 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 32 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 28 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 30 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 25 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights -
London → Johannesburg 32 days
- Departure
- Return
$ 632.65Indicative return priceCheck flights
Route Overview
Flying from London to Johannesburg
London offers excellent connectivity to South Africa, with both direct and connecting services available throughout the year. For travellers looking for the simplest journey, non-stop flights from Heathrow are usually the most convenient. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both operate directly between London Heathrow (LHR) and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). London has the advantage of regular non-stop flights to Johannesburg, allowing travellers to reach South Africa without changing aircraft. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate direct services between London Heathrow and O.R. Tambo International Airport. A non-stop journey takes roughly 11 hours, making the direct option considerably easier than itineraries involving a connection. Johannesburg is also Southern Africa’s largest aviation hub, making it an excellent starting point for journeys to Cape Town, Durban, Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique.
Direct travel can be especially useful if you:
- Want to minimise total journey time
- Are travelling with children
- Have several checked bags
- Prefer to avoid airport transfers
- Have a domestic or regional journey after arriving in Johannesburg
Connecting flights can still provide good alternatives when they offer a lower fare, a preferred airline or a better baggage allowance.
Direct Flights from London to Johannesburg
Yes. Direct flights operate between London and Johannesburg.
The main non-stop route is: London Heathrow (LHR) – O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate this route, with direct flight times of approximately 11 hours to 11 hours 10 minutes. For many travellers, the advantage of flying direct is significant. Avoiding a connection can save several hours and reduces the number of things that can complicate a long-haul journey.
Direct or Connecting: Which Is Better?
Choose direct if you value:
- Shorter journey time
- No connection
- Easier baggage handling
- Simpler family travel
- Less time spent in airports
- Reduced risk of missing another flight
Consider connecting if you value:
- Potentially lower fares
- A wider choice of airlines
- Different baggage allowances
- More departure-time options
- Better availability on specific dates
For such a long journey, total travel time deserves as much attention as price.
Choosing the Best London to Johannesburg Flight
Compare Total Journey Time
A connecting flight might appear cheaper but could add five, six or even more hours to your journey. Compare the saving against the additional travel time.
Check Baggage
This is especially important if you’re visiting family or travelling for an extended period.
Look at:
- Checked baggage allowance
- Cabin baggage
- Additional bag charges
- Sports equipment fees if relevant
Consider Arrival Time
Johannesburg is a major connecting hub. If you’re continuing to Cape Town, Durban, Harare, Lusaka, Windhoek or another destination, an earlier arrival can give you more onward-flight options.
Arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport
Flights arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), South Africa’s largest international aviation hub. The airport is located east of central Johannesburg and serves both international and domestic flights. It is particularly useful for travellers connecting onwards because it offers extensive links throughout South Africa and the wider Southern African region.
Getting from Johannesburg Airport
Common transport options include:
- Gautrain
- Hotel transfers
- Ride-hailing services
- Airport taxis
- Private transfers
- Car hire
The Gautrain is especially useful for travellers heading towards Sandton and parts of the greater Johannesburg area. If you plan to hire a car and continue towards Pretoria, Kruger National Park or elsewhere, collecting your vehicle directly at the airport can be convenient.
Tripenger Travel Tip
Compare the direct flight before accepting a long connection
London has excellent non-stop connectivity to Johannesburg. If a connecting flight saves only a small amount, consider whether the extra hours in transit are really worthwhile. For example, saving £60 may not make much sense if it turns an approximately 11-hour journey into a 17-hour journey.
Compare:
fare + baggage + journey time + arrival time
before deciding.
Airlines and Connections from London to Johannesburg
Based on current route reference data, these are possible airline and airport combinations serving London to Johannesburg.
-
British Airways London (LHR) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
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Virgin Atlantic London (LHR) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
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Air Algerie London (LHR) → Algiers (ALG) → Johannesburg (JNB) 2 routes
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Lufthansa London (STN) → Munich (MUC) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
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Condor London (LGW) → Frankfurt (FRA) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
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Uganda Airlines London (LGW) → Entebbe (EBB) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
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RwandAir London (LHR) → Kigali (KGL) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
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Ethiopian Airlines London (LGW) → Addis Ababa (ADD) → Johannesburg (JNB) 2 routes
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Qatar Airways London (LGW) → Doha (DOH) → Johannesburg (JNB) 1 route
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Emirates London (STN) → Dubai (DXB) → Johannesburg (JNB) 2 routes
Best Time to Fly This Route
Airfares on the London to Johannesburg route fluctuate throughout the year. Prices are generally highest during December, Easter holidays, and the European summer when demand for travel to South Africa increases. Travellers looking for cheaper flights often find better deals by booking two to four months in advance and travelling during quieter months such as February, March, or May. Prices change according to:
- Demand
- Seat availability
- UK school holidays
- South African holiday periods
- Major events
- How early you book
- Fare conditions
- Baggage allowance
Christmas is particularly busy because it coincides with the South African summer and a major period for people travelling to visit family and friends. If you have flexible dates, compare several departure and return combinations rather than relying on one fixed date.
Tripenger helps you compare London-to-Johannesburg flights across airlines and travel providers.
Search your travel dates to compare:
- Direct flights
- Connecting flights
- Airfares
- Journey times
- Baggage allowances
- Departure airports
- Arrival times
- Fare conditions
Whether you're visiting family, travelling for business, planning a South African holiday or connecting elsewhere in Southern Africa, Tripenger helps you compare the full journey rather than simply choosing the lowest advertised fare.
Things to Do in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and the country's main commercial and financial centre. Often called Joburg or Jozi, the city combines modern business districts, shopping centres, restaurants, museums and neighbourhoods that tell the story of South Africa's complex history.
Popular places to explore include:
- Apartheid Museum
- Constitution Hill
- Soweto
- Sandton
- Maboneng
- Gold Reef City
Johannesburg is also well positioned for travellers heading towards some of South Africa's most famous attractions. Kruger National Park can be reached by road or domestic flight, while Pretoria and the Cradle of Humankind are also accessible from the Johannesburg region.
