Flying from Chicago to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Chicago is home to a couple of airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Johannesburg flying out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Come in for landing at Johannesburg's chief entry point, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably board your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg.
During popular months like August, it's best to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
You won't need a visa for South Africa if you have a passport from United States and are travelling for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements can be subject to change. So before reserving your cheap flights from Chicago to Johannesburg, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the latest rules.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight from Chicago to Johannesburg. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from O'Hare International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes around 54 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Chicago to Johannesburg or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Split up your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg with a stop so you can recharge or tick another place off your list. Some top stopovers between O'Hare International Airport and Johannesburg include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
You can get to MDW from central Chicago in approximately 21 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey by public transport takes roughly 46 minutes to travel the 19 kilometres or so.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg? Check in to a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your break officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to the centre of Johannesburg is around 29 minutes by car. It's approximately 29 kilometres away.
It takes roughly 1 hour and 12 minutes to get there by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Chicago to Johannesburg. Reserve one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Lanseria International Airport (HLA) is about 48 kilometres from central Johannesburg. Following your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg, allow for a drive time of approximately 51 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
After your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg, settle in at a hotel close to HLA. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Johannesburg
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Johannesburg is R 11,469. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 16,209. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To score cheap tickets from Chicago to Johannesburg, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer their best fares when flights are first made available.
Getting cheap tickets from Chicago to Johannesburg is easier if you're flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to show the lowest fares across the month and land a great deal.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Chicago to Johannesburg. There's no need to check every day to see whether prices have dropped. We'll update you when there's a change in price.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Chicago to Johannesburg.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg. July is the busiest month to visit Johannesburg. If you like a quieter atmosphere, go in February.
When booking your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg, consider the kind of weather you prefer. January is the warmest month in Johannesburg, with the temperature ranging from 15ºC to 30ºC.
July sees average temperatures of between 4ºC and 20ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Chicago to Johannesburg sometime then if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Johannesburg
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Johannesburg right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are highlights which should be on every Johannesburg itinerary.
Complete your Johannesburg trip with a car rental
Explore our lineup of car rentals once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flight from Chicago to Johannesburg. Whether you're looking for a compact ride, spacious sedan or something that makes a statement, you can easily compare companies in one go to get the best deal.
