Flying from Washington DC to Johannesburg: what you need to know
Organising your flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg begins with finding the most convenient airport to start your trip. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are the main terminals in Washington DC.
Touch down at Johannesburg's major arrival point, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
The timezone in Johannesburg is UTC+2, which is six hours ahead of Washington DC.
Leave enough time to get on your Washington DC to Johannesburg flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Popular months like February or holiday periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year will mean longer queues at security and check-in. Play it safe and head to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of an international departure is wise.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Johannesburg
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Washington DC to Johannesburg flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird discounts.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Washington DC to Johannesburg across each month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Washington DC to Johannesburg by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Washington DC to Johannesburg flights.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Finding a stopover on your Washington DC to Johannesburg flight is easy. Whether you'd like to potentially save money on your fare or explore a new city, just uncheck 'Direct flights only' to see your options. A major stop when departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Located around 6 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC, DCA can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Need a handy hotel near Ronald Reagan National Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg, these accommodation options will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Of the departures from Ronald Reagan National Airport, 76.44% land on time at their destination.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Washington DC to Johannesburg flight. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these options between Washington Dulles International Airport and Johannesburg:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
You can reach IAD from the centre of Washington DC in about 50 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to travel the 40 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg? Kick back in a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your trip officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 74.39%. This figure sheds light on how frequently flights departing from this airport reach their destination on schedule.
The street address for IAD is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can book a ticket from Washington DC to Johannesburg out of Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) with a stopover. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a major connection point.
The journey to BWI from the centre of Washington DC is around 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport. If you prefer to travel by car, it'll take you roughly 50 minutes to cover the 40 kilometres or so.
Take the uncertainty out of departure day — stay near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and know you'll get to your boarding gate with time to spare. Get comfy at one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early Washington DC to Johannesburg flight:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that tracks how often flights reach their destinations as expected. At BWI, that rate is 77.13%.
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
The distance from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to central Johannesburg is roughly 23 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg. Book one of these accommodation options near JNB instead:
Hit the road running by picking up an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Carwiz, Alamo or Green Motion and explore beyond Johannesburg's usual tourist stops.
Get the best deal by reserving your vehicle from O.R. Tambo International Airport about three weeks before your departure date.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Central Johannesburg is around 32 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA). Once your flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 50 minutes.
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Lanseria International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire or Firefly powered by Hertz and be off and running.
Lock in the best price by reserving your ride from HLA four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg. July is the busiest month for a trip to Johannesburg. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, go in February.
Before locking in your Washington DC to Johannesburg tickets, consider the kind of weather you prefer. January is the warmest month in Johannesburg, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC (59ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg in July when temperatures average between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Johannesburg
Start your Johannesburg trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are must-visits when exploring Johannesburg.
Explore more of South Africa
You've seen Johannesburg, now it's time to explore other corners of South Africa. Travel around 18 kilometres west to Soweto to check off its leading sights. From Mjebha Park to Tutu House - Soweto tours and Go Green Go Clean, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're looking to explore another major destination in South Africa, consider Pretoria, about 56 kilometres north of Johannesburg. 32 Battalion Tree of Honour, Wonderpark and Viscount Memorial Wall are key highlights.