O.R. Tambo International Airport – Its Location & How to Get from There

Previously renowned as Johannesburg International Airport, O.R. Tambo is South Africa’s main Airport.

It was named after the former president of the African National Congress, Oliver Tambo. Operated by the Airports Company South Africa, this facility is located about 23km from Johannesburg.

With its excellent infrastructure, this facility is located in the industrial hub of South Africa. From Sandton City in Johannesburg, you can get to this airport by the Gautrain rapid rail system.

O.R Tambo international airport handles more than 50% of the country’s air traffic and the remaining percentage is handled by other airports in different regions of South Africa.

It welcomed about 19 million passengers and recorded 107416 aircraft movements in 2011 and 2012. With this huge traffic, it is no surprise that this airport is listed amongst the most visited airports in the World.

It is consistently ranked as the Best Airport in Africa by Skytrax World Airport Awards. The government decided to expand and renovate it as they were preparing to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Terminals at the airport

O.R Tambo consists of two main terminals (A and B) and a central terminal building that is majorly used as a transit between terminal A and B. Terminal A is reserved for all international operations and terminal B is meant for all domestic operations.

Terminal A comprises of three levels. The ground level works upon all international arrival operations and level one is for international departures. The mezzanine level handles both arrival and departure operations.

Terminal B is a four levels building. There is level zero which handles domestic arrival operations, level one is occupied by retail outlets available for passengers arriving and departing.

Level two is for domestic departures and check-in.

Level three is home to multiple offices and lounges. The central terminal building acts as a bridge between the domestic and international terminals.

Besides these three terminals, the airport has a bi-level international pier which includes duty-free stores, lounges and can also accommodate A380.