Flying from Chicago to Johannesburg: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Chicago. Check out your options leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when searching for a flight from Chicago to Johannesburg.
Come in for landing at Johannesburg's chief entry point, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Johannesburg is seven hours ahead of Chicago and is in the UTC+2 timezone.
To ensure you make your Chicago to Johannesburg flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a popular month such as August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Johannesburg
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Chicago to Johannesburg flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Johannesburg is easier if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices throughout the month and bag a fantastic deal.
Finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Johannesburg is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Chicago to Johannesburg flights.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your Chicago to Johannesburg flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from O'Hare International Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located around 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport is roughly 55 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chicago to Johannesburg or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to O'Hare International Airport's on-time performance, 74.85% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
ORD's address is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Take a moment to stretch your legs during your Chicago to Johannesburg flight with a stopover. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the top options between Chicago Midway International Airport and Johannesburg.
MDW is about 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away from home? Consider staying at one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg:
78% of flights departing Chicago Midway International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is approximately 21 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Chicago to Johannesburg, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near JNB:
Travel at your own pace with an O.R. Tambo International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Carwiz, Alamo or Green Motion and see more of Johannesburg and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, book your ride from O.R. Tambo International Airport about three weeks ahead of your Chicago to Johannesburg flight.
Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Once your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg has landed, you can reach the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Johannesburg is roughly 32 kilometres from Lanseria International Airport (HLA).
Forget about public transport timetables or cab lines. Grab a Lanseria International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare offers from First - Car Hire, Tempest - Car Hire and Firefly powered by Hertz.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at HLA can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
July is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Johannesburg. To skip the crowds, visit Johannesburg in February.
The warmest month in Johannesburg is January, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 30ºC. Lock in your Chicago to Johannesburg ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
July sees average temperatures of between 4ºC and 20ºC. Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Johannesburg around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Johannesburg
After booking your flight from Chicago to Johannesburg, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Johannesburg:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct and Johannesburg Zoo are must-visits when exploring Johannesburg.
Explore more of South Africa
Soweto is just one of the many places in South Africa waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Johannesburg. Around 18 kilometres to the west, its top attractions include Mjebha Park, Tutu House - Soweto tours and Go Green Go Clean.
Around 56 kilometres north of Johannesburg, Pretoria is another essential stop in South Africa. No visit is complete without checking out 32 Battalion Tree of Honour, Wonderpark and Viscount Memorial Wall.