Best Airport and Transit Hotels in Johannesburg in 2025
Need to find the best hotels in and near the Johannesburg airport?
Then you’re in the right place! Johannesburg is a major gateway into South Africa. There will be times when Jo’burg is just a stop-over on your way to your main destination.
Having spent more than one long layover trying to get comfortable in an airport, I love finding a great airport hotel. When I do find one, I make sure to remember it!
🏨 Too long to read? Book the best JNB airport hotels right here ⬇️:
- Best inside the airport: InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport Hotel
- Highest rated: African Rock Hotel and Spa
Well, you’re in luck – there is more than one great hotel near the OR Tambo, and I’m going to share those below. There’s one that fits your needs and your budget. There’s even one that offers day rooms.
Top 3: Best Hotels Near the Johannesburg Airport
Best Hotels Near the Johannesburg Airport
Maybe you have a long layover and don’t want to have to nap at the airport. Or you have just 2 or 3 days to spend in Jozie and don’t want to waste too much of it en route to and from a hotel.
There is no shortage of hotel options for you. Let’s dive into the best hotels near the Johannesburg Airport:
1. African Rock Hotel and Spa
⭐️ Rated 10 /10 | 🏩 View and Book
- 5-star hotel
- 15 minutes from the airport, free shuttle
- Free breakfast
The shuttle driver will meet you inside the airport! No wandering around looking for your driver. Let them take you away from the airport for a while! And there’s no charge for this service.
This small boutique hotel offers great food, an onsite restaurant, and a quiet suburban setting. No planes flying overhead to keep you up, or remind you of your next long flight.
Now, if you just want to stay in and relax, take advantage of their spa facilities. They offer a variety of decadent massages and facials.
You can even treat yourself to a mani-pedi and a wax, whether you’re on your way to a safari adventure, or you’re heading home. Maybe start the day with a dip in the pool or a yoga class.
Stayed for one night on a layover for flights at Tambo. Could not recommend this place more highly. Unique small boutique hotel in safe location with all the amenities. Ease of access to/from airport with friendly and helpful drivers… Dinner and breakfast high quality food and service…
– eryn (read more reviews)
But if you can’t wait to make the most of the short time that you have in the city, go for it! Have a nosh at the included breakfast, then take a taxi or an Uber, and see the sights.
The African Rock Hotel is just a 6-minute drive from the Festival Mall and 10 minutes from the Greenstone Shopping Centre. Explore the hotel’s gift and art shop first, though!
Plus the Emperors Palace Casino is just 15 minutes away. And if you’d love to go to the heart of Jozie and visit places like Nelson Mandela Square, it’s just a 30-minute taxi ride away.
The Apartheid Museum is also about half an hour away. In fact, there are a lot of things to do just a quick cab ride from the African Rock. Take them all in, and get back in time to catch your flight.
* This hotel has one family suite and a kid-friendly buffet
* No conference rooms
Sustainability: African Rock Hotel and Spa has achieved a Level 3 out of 3 Sustainability Score! This means that they’re making every effort to make the lightest footprint on our planet.
✅ Check rates, availability, and book your stay at
The African Rock Hotel by clicking here!
2. InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport Hotel
⭐️ Rated 9.4 /10 | 🏩 View and Book
- 5-star hotel
- 70 metres from int’l arrival hall
- free breakfast, several options
Intercontinental is an excellent 5-star choice for luxury and convenience. At just 70 meters away from the international arrival hall, it’s an easy walk.
Arrange a meet and greet at the arrivals terminal to make the entire experience as effortless as possible.
The soundproof rooms are a peaceful escape, and you can select from twin/double rooms or suites. Blackout curtains create a nighttime atmosphere at any time of the day for the best sleep.
The upscale hotel offers several services that might make you want to spend your entire vacation here. Their concierge service is a prime example – they’re happy to help you arrange tours of the city.
Perfect location- just across the airport, walking distance; excellent service, clean spacious room with nice amenities )(especially the Nespresso machine!)
– Jadranka (read more reviews)
Other high-end amenities include a doctor-on-call, butler services, and parcel shipping. You can even consult their sports trainer and dietician, and make use of the well-equipped fitness center.
Add to these the Camelot spa, heated indoor pool, and elegant Quills restaurant, and you may think you’ve gone to heaven.
* This hotel has no family suites but does offer rooms with 2 double beds
* Conference facilities on site
Sustainability: InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport Hotel has also achieved a Level 3 out of 3 Sustainability Score! This means that they’re making every effort to make the lightest footprint on our planet.
✅ Check prices and book your stay at InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport Hotel by clicking here!
3. City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
⭐️ Rated 8.8 /10 | 🏩 View and Book
- located inside the airport
- has day rooms
- adjacent to city train station
- free buffet breakfast
The City Lodge is the ideal 3-star solution if you don’t want to have to leave the airport. Not only can you walk from your room right to the terminal buildings, but it’s adjacent to the city train station (Gautrain Airport Station).
You can relax by the pool, stop off at the hotel’s restaurant, and check up on your flight details on the info boards in the lobby. The fitness room is perfect for working out the kinks travel can give you.
And believe me when I say that the same-day laundry service is a lifesaver. This is especially true if you’re in the middle of a few months of travelling.
Staff is very helpful and friendly and you can’t beat the location! Being able to walk inside straight from the airport is super convenient.
– -carla (read more reviews)
Of course, being right at the airport, you have access to OR Tambo’s huge variety of shops and eateries. Great for picking up a few souvenirs, or adding to your holiday wardrobe.
One of my favourite things about the City Lodge is their day rooms. I wish every airport offered these! For a very reasonable R1265.00, or about US $65, from anywhere between 8am and 5pm.
Outside of these times is charged as a full night, but if your layover is during the day, this is perfect. You may have to email or call their reservations desk, though, instead of booking online – Tel: +27 11 552 7600, email: clort.resv@citylodgehotels.com .
If you decide you want to take a quick look at some of the sights of Johannesburg, the city centre is only a 30-minute drive away.
Or consider using a shuttle from the Tambo Airport hotel. Find out everything you need to know about finding a good transfer in this article.
*This hotel has family rooms
* Has three board rooms and conference facilities
Sustainability: City Lodge Hotel has achieved a Level 3 out of 3 Sustainability Score! They’re doing as much as they can to make the lightest footprint on our planet.
✅ Find rates, availability, and book your stay at the
City Lodge Hotel by clicking here!
4. Premier Hotel OR Tambo
⭐️ Rated 8.6 /10 | 🏩 View and Book
- African flare
- 5 minutes from airport, free airport shuttle
- free breakfast buffet
This 4-star option is about 5 minutes from the airport. It’s a good choice if you’d like your accommodation to have a memorable African flair.
Premier Hotel has a complimentary airport shuttle, as well as one to the nearby Rhodesfield Gautrain Station.
A daily breakfast buffet is served daily, and you’re welcome to enjoy it on the terrace by the pool. Have a walk through the garden afterward and enjoy the sunshine.
Excellent staff who like their jobs, above average restaurant, super close to the airport!
– rick (read more reviews)
Make use of the laundry service, and babysitting facilities if you’d like to take advantage of the nightlife. Just see the concierge.
* This hotel has family rooms
* Conference facilities on-site, fully-equipped business centre
Sustainability: Premier Hotel is working its way up the sustainability ladder. Now at Level 2, it’s lightening its footprint a little at a time.
✅ View the low rates, check availability, and book your stay at
Premier Hotel OR Tambo by clicking here!
5. Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport
⭐️ Rated 8.4 /10 | 🏩 View and Book
- 3 km from airport
- free shuttle from airport
- free breakfast buffet
The Garden Court is a lovely, 3-star hotel with an outdoor pool, a gym, an uncapped free wifi. Relax from your travels in the small courtyard and enjoy the sunshine.
If you have time to indulge in a round of gold, you’ll find a course just 10 km away. And if there is anything you need to pick up, the East Rand Mall is also 10 km from the hotel.
You’ll find that you’re less than half a kilometre from a train station if you’d like to venture out. The excellent staff would be happy to help advise you on the local stops.
Very nice stay, free shuttle was a great extra, Rosie O Gradys bar was fantastic and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Room was clean with comfortable bed.
– Damien (read more reviews)
If you don’t have time to leave the hotel, there are two onsite restaurants for you to choose from. You can even request a packed lunch to take with you.
For a small fee you can have your laundry done, clothes ironed, and have your dry cleaning taken care of.
And if you’ve been sitting on a plane for hours on end, the Garden Court’s fitness center is just the place to work out the kinks.
* The hotel has family rooms
* There is a business centre on site
Sustainability: The Garden Court has also achieved a Level 3 out of 3 Sustainability Score! They’re doing their part to avoid a heavy footprint on our planet.
✅ Click here to check rates, availability, and book your stay at
Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport
⭐️ Rated 8.2 /10 | 🏩 View and Book
6. Road Lodge Johannesburg International Airport
- affordable
- 10 minutes from the airport
- American breakfast included
After an amazing trip, you might be down to your last few rands. The one-star Road Lodge lets you spend your short stay in Johannesburg in comfort, and still stick to your budget.
Just a 10-minute drive from the airport, the lodge is a budget accommodation with all the comforts you need. Enjoy the garden, free toiletries, and an on-site restaurant.
Location is ok, close to the airport which makes it convenient for an early flight. The room was clean and reception during check-in was good.
– Nyaradzo from South Africa (read more reviews)
Along with the great price, an American breakfast is included, and an airport shuttle for a small fee. You can even brew a cup of tea at your leisure in the comfort of your room.
The Road Lodge’s location means that it’s a short 30-minute taxi ride to attractions like the Apartheid Museum. And of course, shopping malls and the casino are just 15 minutes away.
* This hotel has family rooms
* Next door to the Definitive Conferencing venue for your business needs
Sustainability: The Road Lodge is working its way up the sustainability ladder. Now at Level 2, it’s lightening its footprint a little at a time.
✅ Check rates, availability, and book your stay at The Road Lodge
JNB Airport by clicking here!
⭐️ Rated 7.8 /10 | 🏩 View and Book
7. Emerald Guesthouse
- family-style
- 6 minutes from airport, free shuttle
- free breakfast, or breakfast to go
If you prefer a cozier, more family-style then the Emerald Guesthouse is the place for you. Located only a 6-minute drive from OR Tambo, offers a free airport shuttle to make your trip as easy as possible.
This option is also one of the more affordable that you’re likely to find near the OR Tambo Airport.
If you’ll be travelling with children, the on-site playground is the perfect place to work off some pent-up energy. They’ll enjoy the outdoor pool, too!
The easy to find shuttle service was a real bonus for me. The food was very reasonably priced and the staff were warm and helpful. My room was clean and spacious.
– anne (read more reviews)
Your room will be stocked with toiletries, and there is satellite TV for your viewing pleasure. Keep in mind, though, that wifi is only available in public areas.
Because the Emerald Guesthouse is in the same part of town as others on the list, it, too, is close to shopping. It’s also around 30 minutes from the city centre and all of its attractions.
* This hotel has family rooms
* Business centre onsite
Sustainability: Emerald Guesthouse has also achieved a Level 3 out of 3 Sustainability Score! They’re making every effort to make the lightest footprint on our planet.
✅ View the low rates, check availability, and book your stay at
Emerald Guesthouse all by clicking here!
Bonus: Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport Transit Hotel
⭐️ Rated 8.4 /10 | 🏩 View and Book
- free shuttle to get you to your terminal
- breakfast available
- gym and laundry
What is a Transit Hotel Compared to an Airport hotel?
However brief your stay, booking into any of the above airport hotels above means going through customs before checking in. This is true even when the hotel is located right inside the airport.
A transit hotel like the Protea, on the other hand, is a short-stay hotel located within the transit area of an airport. This means that you can stay in a transit hotel without having to go through customs and immigration.
You also don’t generally need a visa for the country where the airport is located.
Some transit hotels are very basic, with small, shared rooms and limited amenities. The Protea is much more comfortable, with private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and all the amenities you need.
I was lucky enough to be put up at the Protea after a flight cancellation. It was clean, modern, and attractive. I’d definitely book a room here during a long layover.
The Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo Airport is Johannesburg’s only transit hotel.
OR Tambo Airport Area Map
Johannesburg Airport Hotel Facts
You’ll find a wide selection, from world-class luxury hotels with opulent amenities to cozy guest lodges. The perfect stay is here for you.
Many of these hotels even offer complimentary shuttle services, making transportation to and from the airport a breeze.
Others are inside the airport itself. It doesn’t get easier than that.
Here we’ll take a look at some of the very best hotels near, or within, the Johannesburg airport. We’ll consider factors such as location, amenities, and customer reviews to help you choose the right hotel for your stay.
Here are a few tips to guide you through this list:
- Even when a hotel is within the airport, you do still need to go through customs. The only exception is a transit hotel. Read more about that below.
- There are railway stations close to the airport and to the hotels. It may seem like a convenient way to get around during your stay.
Keep in mind, though, that the train isn’t always the speediest way to get where you’re going. It may be faster to opt for an Uber or taxi.
- If there is a lot that you want to see during your short time in Jo’burg, hiring a driver is a super-convenient option.
My favourite is this shuttle service. Talk to them about what you’re looking for, and they’ll work with you to make it happen.
- Each of these hotels is in the same general area, in or near Kempton Park, where the airport is located. They are all about the same distance from the city sights.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
While staying in a hotel near the Johannesburg airport, you can explore several attractions and activities that are located close by. Add a touch of local excitement to your experience if you have the time.
➦ Emperor’s Palace is one of the highlights near the airport. Located just a short distance away, this entertainment venue offers a range of exciting activities, such as a casino, live shows, and a variety of restaurants.
➦ It also includes Octavia’s Sensorium Day Spa where you can unwind and relax with a massage or treatment.
➦ If you’re in the mood for shopping, you can visit a nearby shopping centre. Festival Mall and the Greenstone Shopping Centre are with 15 minutes from these hotels.
➦ You’ll find a variety of stores and restaurants to choose from. With easy access from the airport, you can enjoy some leisurely retail therapy. Pick up some local souvenirs to remember your trip.
➦ If you’re looking for some outdoor activities, Rhodesfield will be a nice change of pace. This suburb is just 30 minutes from the airport and has parks and recreational areas.
➦ You’ll get the chance to enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the natural beauty of the area. Sometimes a little fresh air and exercise can make all the difference.
➦ You might also want to venture a little further out to explore major tourist attractions like Apartheid Museum and Carlos Rolf’s Bird Sanctuaryuy.
Even if you only have a day in Johannesburg, you can still experience a little bit of the magic. Read 21 Things to Do in Johannesburg for a full list of your options.
Pre-Planning Essentials for Your Trip
✓ Travel Insurance – Safety Wing Nomad Insurance is a great option. Easy to get and easy to use, their customer service is top-notch.
✓ Accommodation – VRBO Africa and Booking.com have great options in every price range and thousands of locations across Africa.
✓ Vehicle Rental – if you’ll need your own vehicle while you’re in Africa, Discover Cars has you covered, whatever type of vehicle you’re looking for.
✓ Park ‘N Fly – another worry out of the way. Pay for your airport parking, and get shuttled right to departures – all with a 15% discount.
✓ eSIM – cell phone use can be a huge concern when you’re travelling. Blow that anxiety out of the water with Airalo eSIM. Works in 190 countries, entirely online.
✓ Resources Page – browse our resources page for everything you need to cover your travel bases.
OR Tambo Airport: FAQ
✔️ What facilities and services are available at Johannesburg International Airport?
The international terminal of the Jo’burg airport is large, and contains an extensive selection of shops and restaurants. You’ll also find a chapel, post office, Muslim prayer facility, foreign currency exchange, ATMs, WiFi, banks, and mobile phone rentals.
✔️ Is the Johannesburg International Airport the same as OR Tambo Airport?
Yes, the two names are often used interchangeably.
✔️ Can I leave the airport during a layover in Johannesburg?
You will have to go through customs and immigration, but yes, you can leave the airport. If you have a layover and would like to see some of the city, the easiest way would be to take the train – see the map.
✔️ What is the difference between Terminal A and Terminal B at the Johannesburg airport?
Terminal A is the international terminal, while Terminal B is the domestic terminal. They are about a 5-minute walk apart.
✔️ Does the Johannesburg Airport have a transition hotel?
The Johannesburg Airport has a transit airport called the Protea Hotel Transit OR Tambo Airport by Marriott.
Summing It Up: Hotels Near the Johannesburg Airport
A good hotel near the Johannesburg Airport is a convenience and comfort that can’t be overstated. With the range of options available to you, you can find just what you’re looking for.
Whether it’s for a short layover or an extended stay, these hotels offer easy access to the airport and nearby attractions. Book your accommodation and make the most of your time in Johannesburg with an easy and seamless stay near the airport.
Happy Travels!
Read more about Johannesburg:
➵ 9 Best Day Trips from Johannesburg: Exploring Beyond the City
➵ 39 Amazing Facts About Kruger National Park You Never Knew
➵ The Best Airport Transfers in Johannesburg in 2023
➵ Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in Johannesburg: Bucketlist Adventures
