London to Johannesburg is one of the UK’s most competitive long-haul routes, with two British carriers flying it non-stop in around 11 hours. You can fly direct in comfort or shave the fare with a one-stop routing through the Gulf or the Middle East. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return costs in pounds, and when to book.
Route: London (LHR) → Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB)
Distance: approximately 9,100 km (5,650 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 10h 55m – 11h 10m southbound
Direct flights: Yes — British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly non-stop from London Heathrow. One-stop options via the Gulf are often cheaper.
Fares from London to Johannesburg (GBP)
South Africa’s seasons run opposite to the UK’s, so the priciest weeks are the South African summer holidays (mid-December to January) and the UK summer break, while the shoulder months either side are noticeably cheaper. The figures below are typical economy return fares in pounds — the lowest are usually one-stop itineraries, with the non-stops sitting a little higher.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | £620 – £820 | high |
| February | £520 – £680 | medium |
| March | £500 – £660 | medium |
| April | £540 – £700 | medium-high (Easter) |
| May | £480 – £620 | low |
| June | £500 – £660 | medium |
| July | £620 – £820 | high (summer holidays) |
| August | £580 – £760 | medium-high |
| September | £500 – £660 | medium |
| October | £520 – £680 | medium |
| November | £540 – £700 | medium |
| December | £700 – £950 | very high (holidays) |
Reference points from our own deal tracking: a genuinely strong return lands around £395–£470, a typical fair price is roughly £550–£650, and anything under about £470 is worth booking quickly. Non-stop British Airways and Virgin Atlantic returns usually start a little above the cheapest one-stop fares.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 11 hours):
- British Airways — non-stop Heathrow → Johannesburg on the Boeing 787, the most frequent option with daily departures.
- Virgin Atlantic — non-stop from Heathrow, also on the 787; well-rated economy and premium cabins.
One-stop (often the cheapest, about 15–19 hours total):
- Emirates via Dubai — frequent and competitively priced, with a strong economy product.
- Qatar Airways via Doha — a short first hop and consistently good value.
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa — typically among the lowest headline fares.
Because Johannesburg is a busy, competitive route, the one-stop carriers often undercut the non-stops by £50–£150. If time matters, book a non-stop from Heathrow; if price is the priority, a single stop through Dubai, Doha or Istanbul is the sweet spot.
When to book & how to save
- Book 2–4 months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; fares to Johannesburg rarely improve in the final weeks.
- Avoid the peaks: the South African summer holidays (mid-December to early January) and the UK July–August break are the most expensive.
- Travel in the shoulder months (February–March or May) for the lowest fares and pleasant weather on the Highveld.
- Compare all-in prices including bags: non-stop and Gulf carriers usually include 23–30 kg checked, but the cheapest “light” fares may not.
- Watch for sales: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic run regular promotions on this route, and the Gulf carriers respond, so it pays to check across a few weeks.
Arriving in Johannesburg
All flights land at O.R. Tambo International (JNB), about 25 km east of the city and the busiest airport in Africa. The quickest way to the northern suburbs is the Gautrain, a fast, modern rail link to Sandton in around 15 minutes (roughly £9–£12). A metered taxi or ride-hail to Sandton or the northern suburbs costs around £15–£30 depending on traffic. Arrange transport in advance rather than accepting unofficial offers in the terminal.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London to Johannesburg?
Non-stop flights take about 10 hours 55 minutes to 11 hours 10 minutes southbound from Heathrow, and a little longer on the return. One-stop itineraries through Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Addis Ababa typically take 15 to 19 hours in total, depending on the connection.
Are there direct flights from London to Johannesburg?
Yes. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly non-stop from London Heathrow to Johannesburg, using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. If you’d rather save money, one-stop flights with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines or Ethiopian Airlines are often cheaper than the non-stops.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Johannesburg?
A typical economy return runs about £500–£750 depending on the season. The best deals dip to around £395–£470, usually in the low-season shoulder months, while the December holidays and UK summer push toward £900 or more.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Johannesburg?
May is usually the cheapest, with February, March and September close behind and returns from around £480. Avoid mid-December to early January and the UK July–August school holidays, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from London to Johannesburg?
Non-stop: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow. One-stop: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), which usually offer the lowest fares.
Which airport do I fly into in Johannesburg?
You arrive at O.R. Tambo International (JNB), Johannesburg’s main gateway and the busiest airport in Africa, about 25 km east of the city. The Gautrain rail link connects it directly to Sandton and Pretoria.
How far in advance should I book London to Johannesburg flights?
Aim to book 2 to 4 months ahead. Fares tend to climb as departure approaches, especially around the December holidays and the UK summer, so early booking almost always wins on this route.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually a little cheaper than Friday–Sunday, and flying both ways midweek can save £40–£100 on a return. Being flexible by a day or two is one of the easiest ways to cut the fare.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
